Lethal Weapon star Danny Glover, 79, revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, sharing the news during an interview on The Today Show on July 1. According to The Guardian and TODAY.com, Glover said he learned of his diagnosis shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar in 2022. ‘I could live with it, in a sense. I’m sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing,’ he said, noting that his movements, speech, and memory have slowed; he added, however, that his family, who he said ‘have got my back,’ is helping him cope with the condition.

A Personal Decision to Speak Publicly

Glover’s daughter Mandisa emphasized the importance of him sharing his story on his own terms. ‘And the time is now. What better time but now for him to speak for himself? It’s important because people ask questions sometimes, and I don’t want to be a dishonest person and say, “Oh, yeah, everything is all right. It’s all great,”’ she said, according to The Guardian. Glover added in an interview with People that he is ‘still not accepting in my mind all parts of it,’ acknowledging that there are moments when his memory works well and others when it does not. He also stressed that his life is not over: ‘There’s work to do. I still have my daughter, I have friends. I want to just say, your life continues.’

Alzheimer’s in the Black Community and Public Awareness

According to TODAY.com, Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia compared to white Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Glover, who has become one of more than 7 million Americans over 65 living with the disease, said he hopes to help reduce the stigma around Alzheimer’s by speaking openly. The Alzheimer’s Association is working with Glover and emphasizes the importance of early detection, noting that cognitive decline can start up to 15 years before a diagnosis. The organization also advises that maintaining physical activity, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, getting quality sleep, and staying socially engaged can be key in the fight against the disease.

A Legacy in Film and Television

Glover has built a nearly 40-year career with more than 170 film and television credits. He first gained widespread recognition in the 1980s as Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film series alongside Mel Gibson. Other notable roles include his work in Places in the Heart, The Color Purple, and Predator 2. He has won five Emmys and four Grammys. Despite his diagnosis, Glover remains active in the community and continues to attend events in San Francisco, his hometown. ‘I could live with it, in a sense,’ he said, showing a determination to continue living meaningfully with his condition.