The legend of “Lethal Weapon,” Danny Glover, discloses he’s battling Alzheimer’s… “My heart still hasn’t fully accepted it”

In the action buddy movie ‘Lethal Weapon’ series, actor and human rights advocate Danny Glover, who captivated fans worldwide as veteran detective ‘Roger Murtaugh,’ Gibson’s partner, is drawing deep resonance inside and outside the film industry after bravely admitting that he is battling Alzheimer’s disease (dementia).

■ “Diagnosed right after receiving the honorary Oscar”… Shocking confession as he nears age 80

According to reports from AP and other foreign outlets on July 1 (local time), Danny Glover officially acknowledged his Alzheimer’s battle in an interview with NBC’s flagship program ‘The Today Show’ and U.S. entertainment outlet People. It was a sudden piece of news from the veteran, ahead of his 80th birthday on July 22.

Glover said he received his first diagnosis of Alzheimer’s about three years ago, shortly after he won the Academy Honorary Award (for lifetime achievement) for contributions to the Hollywood film industry in 2022. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease in which the brain’s memory cells are gradually destroyed.

In an interview with People magazine, he opened up about how he has been feeling. Glover said, “Honestly, inside my heart, I still haven’t fully accepted all parts of this disease.” He added, “But memories come to me in moments that prove I can still remember something. And there are definitely moments in my life that I will never forget.”

■ While his body and memory slowed… “It’s not the end of my life, life continues”

As the illness has been progressing slowly, Glover acknowledged that recently his movement and the speed of his speech, as well as his memory, had become somewhat slower. He said, “To some extent, I can live with this disease. Of course, if the illness progresses further, the situation will change and everything will keep changing, but behind me, there are always strong family members who watch over me and support me.” He expressed deep gratitude toward the family members who have stood by him.

His daughter, Mandisa Glover, who joined the interview, said it was important that her father speak directly to the world. Mandisa said, “When people sometimes ask how my father is doing, I didn’t want to answer falsely, ‘Everything is fine, and I’m all good.’ I thought now was the time when my father could tell his story in his own way.” She explained the background behind his public decision.

Even in the face of illness, the maestro never lost his characteristic sturdy and positive energy. Glover said, “Just because I have this disease doesn’t mean I think my life is over. There are still many things I have to do, and my still-beloved daughter and friends are here with me. My life and my journey will continue as well.” He delivered a heartfelt message to millions of Alzheimer’s patients and fans around the world.

■ A great maestro who left his mark on the screen… Solidarity and support from fans worldwide

Along with the four ‘Lethal Weapon’ films, Danny Glover also appeared in numerous masterpieces including director Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Color Purple’ (1985), ‘The Negotiator’, and ‘Saw’, earning him four Emmys as a top-tier actor. Beyond that, from 1998 to 2004, he served as a UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) goodwill ambassador, dedicating his life to humanitarian action, including working to combat poverty in Africa and Latin America and helping prevent AIDS. He also won the 2022 Oscar for Humanitarian Service, “Humanitas Prize.”

In the reality of Alzheimer’s, in which 6 million people live in the United States and tens of millions are suffering worldwide, fans are carrying on messages of encouragement and solidarity via social media, saying, “You are our everlasting hero,” and “We’re cheering on your most lethal (deadly) and wonderful old age.”