Just weeks before turning 80, Danny Glover shared with the world on July 1, 2026, that he has been battling Alzheimer’s disease since receiving his diagnosis in 2023.
The 79-year-old “Lethal Weapon” star opened up about his condition in a pre-taped interview with NBC anchor Lester Holt, 67, that aired on the “Today” show on July 1. Glover, who was honored with an honorary Oscar in 2022, acknowledged that the neurodegenerative disease has progressively affected his memory, speech and movement since he learned of the diagnosis about a year after that Academy tribute.
Controlling His Own Story
During the interview, which took place at Glover’s home, his daughter Mandisa explained her father’s decision to go public. She said the time is now for him to speak for himself, and that she refuses to be dishonest by suggesting everything is fine when it is not. She said it is really important for him to have control of his own narrative and his own life story, rejecting any suggestion that they should present an overly optimistic picture of his health.
Glover himself spoke with unvarnished honesty about coming to terms with his condition. “I could live with it, in a sense,” he said, “but I’m sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing.” He expressed gratitude for his family’s unwavering support through the ordeal.
In a conversation with People magazine, he revealed a more conflicted inner reality, saying he is “still not accepting in my mind all parts of it.” He acknowledged the dual nature of memory loss — some moments fade while others remain permanently etched. Yet he maintained a spirit of determination, telling the magazine that he does not feel it is the end of his life and that there is still work left to do.
From “Escape From Alcatraz” to Humanitarian Icon
Glover’s career in Hollywood spans nearly four decades and includes more than 170 film and television credits. His film debut in 1979’s “Escape From Alcatraz” launched a remarkable run that saw him become a household name through his role as homicide detective Roger Murtaugh alongside Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs in the “Lethal Weapon” franchise. His impressive body of work includes memorable performances in “The Color Purple,” “Places in the Heart” with actress Sally Field and “Predator 2.” The actor has earned five Emmy nominations — one for playing Nelson Mandela — and four Grammy nominations.
The Academy presented Glover with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2022, an honorary Oscar given to those whose humanitarian efforts have brought distinction to the film industry. At the ceremony, actress Alfre Woodard honored her longtime friend and colleague for his commitment to justice, noting that Glover was a driving force behind a student walkout that resulted in San Francisco State University establishing its Department of Black Studies.
His activism extends far beyond campus organizing. From 1998 through 2004, Glover served as a goodwill ambassador with the United Nations Development Programme, working on global campaigns targeting poverty, disease and HIV/AIDS across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF in 2004. During the Today interview, he spoke about empowering young people and described justice as a collective responsibility.
Previous Health Battles
Alzheimer’s is not Glover’s first experience with a chronic medical condition. He experienced his first epileptic seizure at age 15 and managed the disorder with medication for approximately the next two decades, ultimately developing the ability to recognize warning signs and alert those nearby before an episode occurred.
Millions Face the Same Struggle
Glover’s announcement brings public attention to a condition affecting an estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 7 million people in that age group are currently living with Alzheimer’s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention characterizes the disease as a degenerative neurological condition that begins with minor forgetfulness and can eventually rob individuals of their ability to perform everyday tasks or interact meaningfully with others.
Glover will celebrate his 80th birthday on July 22. He told People that he still has his daughter, still has his friends, and wants others facing similar struggles to know that life goes on. “There’s work to do,” he said — and he clearly intends to continue.
