Beloved actor and activist Danny Glover has revealed that he has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years, sharing his diagnosis publicly for the first time during an emotional interview on NBC’s TODAY.
The 79-year-old Hollywood icon, best known for his roles in Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple, and countless other films and television projects, said he was diagnosed in 2022, shortly after receiving the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Speaking candidly with Lester Holt, Glover acknowledged that the progressive disease has begun affecting his movement, speech, and memory.
“I’m sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing,” Glover said. Despite the challenges, he emphasized that he is determined to keep moving forward with the support of his loved ones, adding, “They’ve got my back.”
Glover’s daughter, Mandisa, said the family decided it was time for the acclaimed actor to tell his story on his own terms.
“I think it’s really important for him to have control of his own narrative, of his own life story,” she explained, adding that the family hopes his openness will help reduce the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.
Although Alzheimer’s has changed parts of his daily life, Glover said he refuses to let the diagnosis define him.
“I don’t feel like it’s the end of my life. There’s work to do,” he said in a separate interview. “Your life continues.”
Beyond his celebrated acting career spanning more than four decades and nearly 200 film and television credits, Glover has long been recognized for his humanitarian work and social justice advocacy. He served as a United Nations Development Programme goodwill ambassador and has championed causes involving poverty, public health, and human rights around the world.
Now, Glover hopes that sharing his diagnosis will encourage conversations about Alzheimer’s disease, particularly within Black communities, where research shows people face a higher risk of developing the condition. He is working alongside the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness, promote early detection, and help eliminate the stigma surrounding the disease.
As fans around the world react to the news, many have praised Glover’s courage and honesty, celebrating not only his extraordinary career but also his commitment to using his platform to inspire others facing similar health challenges.
