Actor Danny Glover, 79, has revealed he is living with Alzheimer's disease, sharing details of his diagnosis in a recent interview.
Glover stated on the "Today" show that the disease has begun to affect his movement, speech, and memory. Despite the challenges, the "Lethal Weapon" star expressed a determination to confront the diagnosis openly. "I can live with it, in a sense," Glover said, acknowledging that "as it advances, things are going to be… different and changing."
Danny Glover reveals he is living with Alzheimer's disease.
Glover and his family decided to make his diagnosis public to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease. His daughter, Mandisa, stated during the interview that it is important for him to tell his story and maintain ownership of his life. According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's, a progressive brain disease that impairs memory and cognitive functions.
Career and Activism
Before his diagnosis, Glover received an honorary Oscar in 2022, capping a career with nearly 200 film and television credits. His role as Detective Roger Murtaugh in the "Lethal Weapon" franchise brought him international recognition.
While the "Lethal Weapon" series brought him widespread fame, Glover cited the 1984 film "Places in the Heart" as particularly meaningful. He dedicated his performance in that movie to his mother, who died in a car accident on the same day he learned he had been cast.
Beyond his acting career, Glover has been active in community engagement. He co-founded Louverture Films, a production company dedicated to supporting socially conscious stories from underserved communities. He expressed a desire to continue contributing by engaging with young people and discussing their responsibilities.
"We have challenges in the world, and I think art becomes a refrain, a way of looking at that," Glover remarked about the role of art in society. Despite his health challenges, he remains committed to his advocacy and hopes to continue inspiring others.