Veteran Hollywood actor Danny Glover has publicly revealed that he has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. The 79-year-old “Lethal Weapon” actor revealed his diagnosis in an exclusive interview with NBC’s “Today” show. The interview aired on July 1 and featured former NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt. Glover shared that he was diagnosed with a progressive neurodegenerative condition a few years ago. This was around the time he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the January 2022 Governors Awards, just before that year’s Oscars.
Speaking with his family by his side, Glover said, “I can live with it, in a sense. I’m sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing.” Since his diagnosis, his movements, speech, and memory have slowed down. He still stays active and attends community events in San Francisco. Danny Glover’s Alzheimer’s announcement puts him among over 7 million Americans over 65 with the disease. He and his family hope that sharing their story will help reduce the stigma.
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When Was Danny Glover Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s?
Glover told Holt he received his diagnosis a few years before speaking out, placing the timeline around 2022 or 2023. He had already been diagnosed when he accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscars in 2022. This award honors his decades of activism. The audience that night didn’t know he was living with the disease.
In a separate interview with People, Glover indicated the diagnosis came in 2023, and he admitted that even now, ““I don’t feel like it’s the end of my life, There’s work to do.“.
Danny Glover revealed he has Alzheimer’s after years of managing it privately.
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Why Danny Glover Decided to Go Public Now
Mandisa Glover, Danny Glover’s daughter, told Holt why the family decided this. They wanted Danny to tell his own story instead of letting it come out another way. She said “I think it’s really important for him to have control of his own narrative, of his own life story” adding that “That’s really important. And the time is now. What better time but now for him to speak for himself?.”
Glover’s youngest brother, Martin, joined the interview too. He shared how the family has come together to support him. “They’ve got my back,” Glover said when asked whether he felt supported.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Is It Affecting Glover?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, currently incurable neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia, gradually impairing memory, movement, and speech. Age is the biggest risk factor, with most diagnoses occurring after 65. There is no cure, though some medications and immunotherapies can help slow progression and manage symptoms.
Since his diagnosis, Glover has felt his speech and memory slow down. However, family members say he still stays connected with loved ones and his community.
Research shows that Black Americans are nearly twice as likely as white Americans to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Glover’s advocacy may help highlight this disparity. He is currently with the Alzheimer’s Association. They suggest being physically active, managing blood pressure and diabetes, prioritizing sleep, and maintaining social connections. They highlight that cognitive decline can start up to 15 years before a dementia diagnosis.
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A Career Beyond Lethal Weapon
Danny Glover rose to global fame in the 1980s playing Roger Murtaugh opposite Mel Gibson in the “Lethal Weapon” franchise. With nearly 40 years and over 170 acting credits, he starred in “The Color Purple,” “Places in the Heart,” “Predator 2,” “Witness,” and “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.”
He earned four Primetime Emmy nominations, a Daytime Emmy for directing, and won the Independent Spirit Award in 1991. He received the 2022 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. This honored his decades of activism and acting.
Danny Glover’s news about Alzheimer’s has sparked strong support from fans and actors. Many praised his choice to speak openly about a disease that still has a lot of stigma.
FAQ
Does Danny Glover have Alzheimer’s?
Yes — Glover confirmed on NBC’s “Today” show that he has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
When was Danny Glover diagnosed?
Around 2022–2023, shortly before he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscars.
How is Danny Glover doing now?
He remains active and socially engaged, though his speech, movement, and memory have slowed as the disease progresses.
Sources & References
- CBS News – Actor Danny Glover reveals his Alzheimer’s diagnosis
- NBC News (Today) – ‘Things are going to be different’: Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis“
- Today (NBC’s exclusive interview) – Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Shares Update on Illness
- Deadline – Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
- CBR (Comic Book Resources) – Lethal Weapon Star Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
