Iconic Actor Danny Glover On Life After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

For decades, Danny Glover has been recognized for his commanding screen presence and lifelong commitment to social justice. Now, the veteran actor is sharing one of the most difficult chapters of his life.

Glover, 79, revealed that he is living with Alzheimer’s disease, a diagnosis he received in 2023 after first noticing changes in his memory. Speaking publicly about the illness for the first time, the Oscar-honored actor said he wanted to tell his story on his own terms while acknowledging that life will inevitably look different moving forward.

“There are things that are going to be different,” Glover said during an interview with NBC’s “Today,” adding that while he has not fully accepted the diagnosis, he remains focused on the life he still has ahead of him.

The actor’s daughter, Mandisa Glover, said the first signs appeared in 2022, when her father–known within the family for his remarkable memory–began forgetting details of stories he had told countless times before. Those subtle changes eventually led doctors to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease the following year.

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Mandisa said her father chose to speak publicly because he wanted to remain in control of his own narrative, describing openness about the diagnosis as important for both their family and others navigating the disease.

“The time is now. What better time but now for him to speak for himself,” Mandisa said. “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.’”

Best known for starring in the “Lethal Weapon” franchise alongside Mel Gibson, Glover built a career spanning more than four decades with memorable performances in “The Color Purple,” “Places in the Heart” and dozens of other films and television projects. Beyond Hollywood, he became equally respected as an activist, advocating for civil rights, labor issues and humanitarian causes around the world. In 2022, he received an honorary Academy Award recognizing both his artistic achievements and humanitarian work.

Despite the diagnosis, Glover says he isn’t ready to step away from the work that has defined much of his life.

“I’m still not accepting in my mind all parts of it,” he told PEOPLE of his diagnosis. “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.” 

He reflected on his commitment to mentoring younger generations and continuing conversations about justice and social change, saying he still believes there is meaningful work left for him to do.

The revelation also marks another health challenge the actor has faced publicly. Earlier in life, Glover lived with epilepsy and has spoken about overcoming the condition after years of treatment. He has said he has been seizure-free since his mid-30s, according to Page Six.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 6 million Americans. The progressive neurological disorder impacts memory, thinking and behavior, with symptoms worsening over time.

For Glover, however, the diagnosis is not the final chapter.

Surrounded by family and friends, the actor says he is choosing to focus on the memories that remain, the work that still inspires him and the opportunity to raise awareness for others facing the same disease.

“I still have my daughter, I have friends,” he said. “I want to just say, your life continues.”