Danny Glover, 79, reveals heartbreaking Alzheimer's diagnosis

Danny Glover reveals heartbreaking news about his health: the 79-year-old actor told NBC's "Today" show Wednesday that he has Alzheimer's disease—the "Lethal Weapon" star's first public confirmation of a diagnosis he received not long after his honorary Oscar win in 2022. In an emotional pre-taped interview with Lester Holt, Glover said he can "live with it in a sense" but expects life to change as the condition advances.

Key Takeaways

• Glover, 79, disclosed his Alzheimer's diagnosis during a "Today" show segment that aired Wednesday morning, July 1, 2026.
• He told Lester Holt he was diagnosed shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar in 2022.
• Glover said his family "absolutely ... got [his] back," and daughter Mandisa stressed he must control his own narrative.
• The actor reflected on his career, citing "Places in the Heart" as his favorite project and urging young people to embrace collective responsibility.
• Glover has spoken openly before about epilepsy, including a first seizure at age 15 and his last at 35.

What did Danny Glover reveal on the Today show?

The Emmy-nominated actor told Holt he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, according to the National Institute on Aging.

The segment aired Wednesday morning on NBC's "Today," giving viewers a rare, unfiltered look at a beloved screen icon facing a life-altering illness. Glover is widely known for the "Lethal Weapon" franchise and decades of acclaimed film and television work.

When was Danny Glover diagnosed with Alzheimer's?

According to the interview, Glover received his diagnosis "not long after" he accepted an honorary Oscar in 2022. That timing places the news roughly four years before he chose to share it publicly—suggesting he has been managing the condition privately while continuing his career and advocacy.

Fans tracking celebrity breaking news have followed Glover for decades, from his breakout roles to his humanitarian work. His decision to speak now, rather than hide the diagnosis, has drawn widespread attention across entertainment media.

What did Glover and his daughter say about his future?

Glover struck a measured but honest tone. "I could live with it in a sense," he told Holt, adding, "I'm sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing." He praised his family, who have "absolutely ... got [his] back."

His daughter Mandisa also appeared in the segment. She told Holt it is "really important" for her father to have "control of his own narrative, of his own life story," and that "the time is now" for him to speak for himself. She said she does not want to tell people "everything is all right" when questions arise about his health.

Why does Glover's disclosure resonate beyond Hollywood?

Beyond the diagnosis itself, Glover used the interview to reflect on legacy. He named "Places in the Heart" with Sally Field as his favorite project and said he wants to teach young people about their responsibilities. "Justice is our collective responsibility," he explained, crediting his parents for showing him that people can become "the architect of their change."

Glover has been transparent about other health battles before. He had his first epileptic seizure at 15 and his last at 35, learning over two decades to recognize warning signs and, in one case, will himself through an episode before taking the stage. That history of openness may explain why fans and advocates are rallying around him again.

Page Six first reported the "Today" appearance on July 1, 2026. For supporters who grew up watching him in "Lethal Weapon," Glover's words—"things are going to be different"—signal both vulnerability and the same quiet resolve he has shown throughout his career.