🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Challenges But Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times. Her team verified that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason 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 no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, 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 would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."