🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine. Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."