Legendary actor Danny Glover, revealed Wednesday in an exclusive inter with TODAY, that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 79-year-old actor shared that he has been living with the progressive brain disorder for several years. Glover appeared alongside his family to discuss the challenges of the diagnosis and his decision to go public with the news.
While the four-time Emmy winner noted that his speech and physical movements have slowed since the onset of the disease, he expressed a sense of resilience and gratitude for his support system. “I’m sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing,” Glover said during the broadcast.
He emphasized that his family remains his greatest source of strength, adding, “They’ve got my back.” The San Francisco native is one of more than seven million Americans over age 65 currently battling Alzheimer’s. The condition is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that gradually destroys memory and cognitive function.
Statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association indicate that Black Americans are twice as likely to develop the disease or other forms of dementia compared to white Americans. Glover’s daughter, Mandisa, said the family felt it was time to speak out to prevent misinformation and help her father maintain control over his personal history.
She told Holt that being honest about his health is critical for both the family and the public. “I think it’s really important for him to have control of his own narrative, of his own life story,” she said. She added that she preferred to be open rather than providing dishonest answers when people ask how her father is doing. The Alzheimer’s Association is currently partnering with Glover to raise awareness about early detection and lifestyle management. The organization noted that cognitive decline can begin up to 15 years before a formal diagnosis.
They recommend that individuals manage blood pressure, prioritize quality sleep and remain socially engaged to help combat the effects of the disease. Despite the diagnosis, Glover remains active within his community in San Francisco.
His career spans nearly four decades and includes more than 170 acting credits. Reflecting on his start in theater, Glover recalled being encouraged by playwright Amiri Baraka to join the stage while attending San Francisco State University.
Glover eventually became an international star in the 1980s and ’90s, particularly for his partnership with Mel Gibson in the “Lethal Weapon” series. While he acknowledges the difficulties ahead, the actor said he is focused on living with the condition as best as he can while using his platform to remove the stigma associated with memory loss.