Veteran Hollywood actor Danny Glover has revealed that he has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years.
The 79-year-old actor opened up about his health during an appearance on The Today Show, where he spoke honestly about his diagnosis and the challenges he now faces. Glover said he learned he had Alzheimer’s shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar in 2022.
Reflecting on his condition, he said, “I’m sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing.”
Danny Glover Opens Up About Living With Alzheimer’s
Since receiving the diagnosis, Danny Glover said he has noticed changes in his speech, memory and physical movements.
Despite these challenges, the actor continues to stay active. He still attends public events, meets people and remains involved in community activities in San Francisco.
Speaking about his journey, Glover said he has learned to live with the condition.
“I could live with it, in a sense,” he said while discussing the disease.
Family Has Been His Biggest Source of Strength
Glover credited his family for helping him cope with Alzheimer’s since the diagnosis.
In a separate interview with People, the actor admitted that accepting the illness has not been easy. However, he said there are still many moments that remind him his memories remain meaningful.
“There are the moments that you keep remembering that validate the fact that you can remember stuff. And there are moments I’ll never forget,” he said.
His daughter, Mandisa, also shared how she first noticed changes in her father’s memory. According to her, he began repeating familiar stories but gradually started leaving out important details.
Accepting the Diagnosis Has Been Difficult
Danny Glover also spoke about the emotional impact of learning he had Alzheimer’s.
He explained that accepting the diagnosis meant recognising the reality of the disease while also understanding that millions of people around the world are living with the same condition.
Glover said being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2023 was, “in some sense acknowledging that it’s happening to you and at the same time that there are millions of people suffering from it.”
Danny Glover’s Remarkable Hollywood Career
Danny Glover built one of Hollywood’s most respected acting careers over four decades.
His breakthrough came with the 1984 drama Places in the Heart, which introduced him to a wider audience.
The following year, he starred in The Color Purple, further establishing himself as one of the industry’s finest performers.
However, Glover became an international star in 1987 after playing Detective Roger Murtaugh alongside Mel Gibson in the blockbuster Lethal Weapon. The film became a massive success and launched one of Hollywood’s most popular action franchises.
Over the years, he also appeared in several acclaimed films, including Angels in the Outfield (1994) and Beloved (1998).
His Work Beyond Acting
In addition to his acting career, Danny Glover has been widely recognised for his humanitarian work.
From 1998 to 2004, he served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supporting campaigns focused on reducing poverty and fighting HIV/AIDS across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Later, in 2004, he was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, continuing his efforts to support humanitarian causes around the world.
As Danny Glover continues his journey with Alzheimer’s disease, he remains active and determined. His openness about the diagnosis is helping raise awareness about a condition that affects millions of families worldwide.