Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Years After Honorary Oscar

Danny Glover, the American actor best known for his role in the "Lethal Weapon" film series, disclosed on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease several years ago. He shared this in an interview on the Today Show, revealing that the diagnosis came shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar in 2022. Glover said, "I can live with it, in a way," but acknowledged that as the disease progresses, his condition will change. He described experiencing slowed movements, speech, and memory, but emphasized the support he receives from his family helps him cope.

Glover's daughter, Mandisa, who also appeared in the interview, explained that he chose to speak publicly now to control his personal narrative and be transparent with the public. "The time to talk is now. People ask questions sometimes, and I don’t want to be dishonest and say everything is perfectly fine," she said. In a separate interview with People magazine, Glover admitted he is still coming to terms with the diagnosis. He reflected on moments of clarity and memory that affirm his awareness, stating, "There are moments I will never forget."

At 79 years old, Glover does not view the disease as the end of his professional or personal life. "I don’t feel this is the end of my life. There is still work to do, I have my daughter and friends. I just want to say, life goes on," he said. Glover began his career in 1979 with "Escape from Alcatraz" and gained international fame in the 1980s as Detective Roger Murtaugh alongside Mel Gibson in "Lethal Weapon." He has also starred in notable films such as "The Color Purple," "Places in the Heart," and "The Dreamgirls," earning five Emmy Awards and four Grammy Awards.

Additionally, Glover is known for his strong support of the cultural boycott movement against Israel. In 2009, he signed a petition calling for a boycott of the Toronto International Film Festival due to its plan to screen Israeli films as a tribute to Tel Aviv. Five years later, he signed another petition urging a boycott of the Docaviv Festival and demanded the removal of the film "Grace Lee Boggs: American Revolutionary," in which he appeared.