Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis With Courage and Hope

01 July 2026

Beloved actor and activist Danny Glover has shared that he has been living with Alzheimer's disease, opening up about one of the most personal challenges of his life with honesty, grace and determination. The 79 year old star, whose career has spanned nearly five decades, chose to publicly reveal his diagnosis in hopes of raising awareness while encouraging others facing similar struggles to know that life can still have meaning and purpose.

Glover disclosed his diagnosis during an emotional interview on NBC's Today show with Lester Holt. He explained that he received the diagnosis not long after being honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy Awards in 2022, a recognition celebrating his lifelong commitment to humanitarian work and social justice. While acknowledging that Alzheimer's will gradually change his life, Glover said he remains determined to embrace each day as it comes.

"I can live with it, in a sense," Glover shared during the interview. He admitted that he knows the disease will progress over time, adding that "things are going to be different and changing." Despite the uncertainty ahead, he spoke with remarkable optimism, emphasizing that he still has family, friends and meaningful work that continue to give his life purpose.

Standing beside him throughout this journey has been his daughter, Mandisa Glover, who has become one of his strongest sources of support. She revealed that she first noticed subtle changes in her father's memory during 2022. A man once known for recalling the smallest details from decades earlier suddenly began leaving out pieces of stories he had told countless times before. Those missing details raised concerns that eventually led to his diagnosis in 2023.

Mandisa explained that one of the reasons her father decided to speak publicly now was because he wanted to control his own story rather than allowing speculation to define him. She said it was important for people to hear directly from Glover about what he is experiencing instead of pretending everything was fine. Her openness reflects the family's commitment to honesty while also helping others understand the realities of Alzheimer's disease.

Throughout his career, Glover has become one of Hollywood's most respected performers. He is best known for playing Detective Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film series alongside Mel Gibson, while also delivering acclaimed performances in films such as The Color Purple, Places in the Heart and Beloved. Beyond acting, he has earned widespread admiration for decades of activism focused on civil rights, social justice and humanitarian causes around the world.

Even as Alzheimer's affects parts of his memory, Glover continues to reflect proudly on the work that has shaped his legacy. He spoke about his belief that art has the power to inspire change and help people better understand the challenges facing society. That sense of purpose remains central to his life, and he says he still feels there is important work left for him to do.

The actor has also faced significant health challenges before. As a teenager, Glover developed epilepsy and lived with seizures for two decades before eventually gaining control of the condition in his mid thirties. He has often credited determination and self awareness for helping him overcome that chapter of his life, qualities that now continue to guide him as he adjusts to living with Alzheimer's.

Family members describe both difficult and hopeful moments. They acknowledge that the diagnosis has brought emotional pain, but they remain focused on ensuring Glover enjoys the highest possible quality of life. Surrounded by loved ones, caregivers and longtime friends, he continues to find joy in everyday conversations, reading, current events and spending time with the people who matter most.

By sharing his diagnosis publicly, Danny Glover hopes to encourage greater understanding of Alzheimer's while reminding others that a diagnosis does not erase a person's identity or accomplishments. His message is ultimately one of resilience, dignity and hope, showing that even in the face of an uncertain future, life can continue to be filled with purpose, love and meaningful connections.