Legendary actor Danny Glover has publicly shared his journey living with Alzheimer’s disease for the first time, offering a heartfelt and hopeful message to others facing the condition. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, the 79-year-old star of Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple, and many other iconic films revealed he was diagnosed in 2023.

Surrounded by family, caregivers, and loved ones in his historic San Francisco townhouse, Glover reflected on his life with characteristic warmth and resilience. “I’m still not accepting in my mind all parts of it,” he shared. “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.”

His daughter, Mandisa Glover, noted that the first signs appeared around 2022 — shortly after Glover received the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The man known for his extraordinary memory began forgetting details in stories he had told countless times. “The history of my dad is that he remembers every single thing back to 1970,” she explained. “But there would be pieces of the story missing.”

Despite the challenges, Glover remains optimistic. “I don’t feel like it’s the end of my life,” he said. “There’s work to do.” He emphasized the importance of his support network, including his daughter Mandisa and brother Marty, who lives with him. Marty described the emotional weight of watching his brother’s deterioration but affirmed their commitment: “We just want him to live his best life.”

Glover’s career spans decades of groundbreaking roles that advanced opportunities for Black actors in Hollywood. From his early work in Places in the Heart and The Color Purple to the blockbuster Lethal Weapon franchise alongside Mel Gibson, he has used his platform for both artistic excellence and activism. He recalled vivid memories of Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey’s influence, and his deep love for his late mother, who dreamed of becoming an actress herself.

Even now, Glover finds clarity in the mornings and enjoys staying informed by watching shows like Democracy Now!. His message to fellow patients and their families is one of hope: “I still have my daughter, I have friends. I want to just say, your life continues.”

This revelation shines a light on Alzheimer’s disease, which affects millions worldwide. Glover’s openness highlights the power of community, continued purpose, and the enduring human spirit in the face of cognitive decline.