Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: ‘I’m Still Not Accepting’ It
By Alexus Mosley
Photo Credit/Getty Images
Danny Glover is opening up about one of the most personal challenges of his life.
The 79-year-old actor has revealed that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2023, sharing his journey publicly for the first time in a candid new interview. “I’m still not accepting in my mind all parts of it,” Glover told People. “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.”
While acknowledging that accepting the diagnosis has been difficult, the Lethal Weapon star said he also recognizes that millions of families are facing similar experiences.
“There are millions of people suffering from it,” he shared.
Speaking with Lester Holt on Today, Glover reflected on how he is approaching the future.
“I could live with it, in a sense,” he said. “I’m sure, as it advances, things are gonna be different and changing.”
As he looks back on his decades-long career, Glover said one project remains especially meaningful to him: the 1984 drama Places in the Heart. He dedicated the film to his mother, Carrie, who died in a car accident the same day he told her he had landed the role.
Throughout his career, Glover has become just as well known for his activism as his performances on screen. Inspired by his parents’ commitment to social justice, he said he hopes to continue encouraging younger generations to make a difference while he can. “It’s talking to young people and their responsibility,” Glover said. “We have challenges in the world. I think art becomes a reframe, a way of looking at that.” He added, “Justice is our collective responsibility.”
Glover’s daughter, Mandisa Glover, also supported his decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis. “We all get old. It happens,” she said. “That’s what I think is important: that he tells his story and he has ownership of his life.” She added that sharing his experience may also help others better understand the realities of living with Alzheimer’s disease.
By speaking openly about his diagnosis, Glover joins a growing number of public figures using their platforms to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s while encouraging compassion for those navigating the disease.