LONDON: “Lethal Weapon” actor Danny Glover has revealed that he has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years, reported PA Media/dpa.
The 79-year-old actor announced the matter in an interview with The Today Show, produced by the American broadcaster (US), NBC.
He said the diagnosis came shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar Award in 2022.
“I am still able to continue living. I am sure that as this disease progresses, many things will change,” he said, adding that his movement, speech and memory are slowing down.
However, he said the support of his family, who was always by his side, helped him a lot in facing the challenge.
In the same interview, his daughter Mandisa said it was “very important” for her father to share his own health condition.
“And the time is now. There is no more appropriate time than now for him to speak on his own behalf.”
“It’s important because people often ask questions and I don’t want to be dishonest by saying everything is fine,” he said.
Glover also shared about the diagnosis in an interview with “People” magazine, admitting that he still has not fully accepted the reality of his illness.
“There are moments that remind me that I am still able to remember things. And there are memories that I will never forget,” he said.
However, he stressed that the disease was not the end of his life.
“I don’t feel like this is the end of my life. There’s still a lot to do.
“I still have my daughter and friends. I just want to say that life goes on,” he said.
Over nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry, Glover has starred in over 170 films and television programs.
He began his acting career in the film “Escape From Alcatraz” in 1979 before making a name for himself in the 1980s with his role as Roger Murtaugh in the “Lethal Weapon” film series alongside Mel Gibson who played the role of Martin Riggs.
He also starred in the films “Places in the Heart”, “The Colour Purple” and “Predator 2”.
Throughout his career, Glover has won five Emmy Awards and four Grammy Awards.
He served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 1998 to 2004, focusing on global campaigns to eradicate poverty, disease and combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
In 2004, he was also appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s Society CEO Michelle Dyson said her party sympathized with Glover following the announcement about his illness.
“Personal sharing like this helps raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, and we really appreciate Danny’s openness in sharing his diagnosis.”
“Receiving a diagnosis can be scary, but we believe it’s better to know,” he said.
— BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa
