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Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench<\/a> has revealed the reason for her lack of on-screen roles in recent years, noting her deteriorating eyesight has left her unable to read scripts or recognize people.<\/p>\n In a joint interview with fellow actor and friend Ian McKellen<\/a>, Dench told an ITV News reporter, \u201cNo, you don\u2019t [see me on camera], because I can\u2019t see anymore,\u201d per Deadline<\/a>.<\/p>\n After McKellen, 86, quipped that they could see her<\/em>, the Belfast<\/em><\/a> star responded, \u201cYes, and I can see your outline, and I know you so well, in your Macbeth scarf. But I can\u2019t recognize anybody now\u2026 I can\u2019t see the television. I can\u2019t see to read.\u201d<\/p>\n When the X-Men<\/em><\/a> actor asked if the Notes on a Scandal<\/em><\/a> star ever approached \u201ctotal strangers\u201d and said,\u201d\u2018Lovely to see you again,’\u201d Dench laughed and answered, \u201cSometimes!\u201d<\/p>\n Dench, who turns 91 on December 9, has had a long and renowned career on stage and screen, winning an Academy Award, a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, six BAFTAs, and seven Olivier Awards. She is known for her star turns in Shakespeare in Love<\/em><\/a>, Philomena<\/em><\/a>, and playing M in the Daniel Craig<\/a> era of James Bond.<\/p>\n However, her on-screen roles have wound down in recent years. Her last credit came in 2022, in a cameo in the Apple TV+ Christmas musical comedy Spirited<\/em><\/a>, starring Will Ferrell<\/a> and Ryan Reynolds<\/a>. Other than a recent holiday-themed commercial in the U.K., Dench has not appeared in any other scripted TV or film.<\/p>\n She previously hinted<\/a> at retirement last May while attending London\u2019s Chelsea Flower Show. When a reporter asked if she had any movies in the pipeline, Dench answered, \u201cNo, no. I can\u2019t even see!\u201d<\/p>\n Dench opened up about her age-related macular degeneration<\/a> in a 2023 interview with The Daily Mirror<\/a>\u2019s Notebook. \u201cI mean, I can\u2019t see on a film set anymore,\u201d she shared. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t see to read. So I can\u2019t see much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s difficult for me if I have any length of a part,\u201d she added. \u201cI haven\u2019t yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script. But I have a photographic memory.\u201d<\/p>\n Dench and McKellen are currently campaigning to revitalize the William Shakespeare curriculum taught in U.K. schools.<\/p>\n