Legendary actor Danny Glover is speaking out after being diagnosed in 2023 with Alzheimer's disease. The beloved star, who is set to turn 80 on July 22, revealed to PEOPLE magazine that he has been navigating the challenges of this irreversible brain disorder for approximately three years.
"I'm still not accepting in my mind all parts of it," Glover shared. "There are moments that you keep remembering that validate the fact that you can remember stuff. And there are moments I'll never forget."
His daughter, Mandisa, 50, noted that she first began to observe shifts in her father's behavior in 2022. "I think he's aware sometimes and then sometimes not," she explained. She recalled how her father, once known for his impeccable memory regarding even the smallest details of his past, began to lose pieces of the stories he had told for decades.
Glover, best known for his iconic role in Lethal Weapon, emphasized the importance of reconciling with the diagnosis while acknowledging the millions of others facing similar struggles. Despite the diagnosis, he remains focused on the future. "I don't feel like it's the end of my life," he stated. "There's work to do."
Finding Strength in Family
The actor's younger brother, Marty, who currently resides with him, offered a heartfelt perspective on Glover's character. While many fans associate the actor with his intense portrayal of "Mister" in The Color Purple, Marty described his brother as the "greatest guy I ever met in my life," crediting him with saving him during his own personal struggles. "I've been to jails, institutions, used drugs. Growing up, we weren't close until I started getting into trouble. And then he came and got me out and moved me down to Hollywood, and we've been inseparable ever since," Marty shared.
Witnessing his brother's health decline has been an emotional journey for the 67-year-old. "You see the deterioration, and you think, 'Wow,'" he said. "Sometimes you get emotional about it. It's tough, because you don't want to see nobody go through this."
Despite the difficulties, Glover maintains a positive outlook, noting that his mind is often clearest in the mornings. "I still have my daughter, I have friends," he said. "I want to just say, your life continues."