Danny Glover reveals he has been living with Alzheimer's ahead of 80th birthday: 'Life continues'

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Veteran actor Danny Glover has revealed that he has been living with Alzheimer's disease as he approaches his 80th birthday on July 22. The Hollywood icon shared personal reflections on his diagnosis, the support of his family, and why he felt it was important to speak publicly about the condition.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2023, Glover reflected on how the disease has affected his life while emphasizing that he continues to find purpose through his loved ones and ongoing work.

Danny Glover reflects on living with Alzheimer's and family support

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Glover opened up about living with Alzheimer's for the first time. His daughter, Mandisa, who was among the first to notice changes in his memory, also discussed caring for the award-winning actor and how the family has navigated life since the diagnosis.

Looking around the dining room of the historic San Francisco townhouse where he has lived for 50 years, Glover remarked, "It's like a big party was here," smiling as family members, caregivers, and the magazine crew gathered around him.

Over the decades, the home has welcomed numerous Hollywood figures, including Harry Belafonte, but this occasion marked a different milestone as Glover publicly discussed living with Alzheimer's disease.

During the interview, his daughter, Mandisa, explained that her father experiences moments of clarity alongside periods of confusion. 

"I think he's aware sometimes and then sometimes not," she said.

Throughout the conversation, Glover moved between unfinished thoughts and personal reflections before speaking candidly about his condition.

"I'm still not accepting in my mind all parts of it," he said, adding, "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."

Mandisa revealed that she first noticed changes in 2022. Known for remembering even the smallest details from decades earlier, Glover gradually began leaving parts out of familiar stories about his parents.

"The history of my dad is that he remembers every single thing back to 1970, what corner he was standing on, who he spoke to, what they spoke about, what color they were wearing, everything," she said. 

Danny Glover reflects on career, family, and life after Alzheimer's diagnosis

Glover received his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2023. Reflecting on it, he said, "In some sense acknowledging that it's happening to you and at the same time that there are millions of people suffering from it."

His family, including younger brother Marty, who lives with him, accepted the diagnosis together. According to Mandisa, Glover wanted to share his experience because being of service remains important to him.

"I don't feel like it's the end of my life," he said, adding, "There's work to do."

His career spans decades of acclaimed performances and humanitarian work. Following appearances on Broadway and breakthrough films including 'Places in the Heart' (1984) and 'The Color Purple' (1985), he reached global fame opposite Mel Gibson in 'Lethal Weapon' (1987), launching a successful franchise and contributing to broader opportunities for Black actors.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Glover was the oldest of five children of postal workers James and Carrie. Remembering his parents, he said, "There's a picture in my living room with my mother and father. I have it to remind me, looking at it, how much I loved them both."

Mandisa said she was "sure it's depressing" for her father, adding, "It's a change in the core of who you think you are or don't think you are. It's very hard. You just have to live the day for what it is."

Glover and his family plan to continue working with his doctor to explore treatment options.

Glover concluded, "I still have my daughter, I have friends. I want to just say, your life continues.”