Danny Glover Appears in an Exclusive Interview with His Family — and His Daughter Reveals the Moment She Knew Something Had Changed

The actor's latest appearance with his family seemed like another look back at an extraordinary career. Instead, it became the moment the Hollywood icon chose to share the deeply personal journey he had kept private for years.

For decades, Danny Glover has been celebrated for performances in films like "Lethal Weapon," "The Color Purple," and "Places in the Heart," while also earning admiration for decades of humanitarian work. His latest interview, however, shifted the spotlight away from his accomplishments and toward the people standing beside him.

According to an exclusive interview with TODAY, Glover, 79, sat down with Lester Holt alongside members of his family to explain why he felt the moment had finally come to speak publicly about his health. His daughter, Mandisa Glover, said the decision was deeply personal.

A Hollywood Legend Decides It's Time to Tell His Own Story

"I think it's really important for him to have control of his own narrative, of his own life story," his daughter said. "That's really important. And the time is now. What better time but now for him to speak for himself?"

She added, "It's important because people ask questions sometimes, and I don't want to be a dishonest person and say, 'Oh, yeah, everything is all right. It's all great.'"

The interview revealed that Glover has been living with a neurological disease for several years, choosing until now to keep the diagnosis private while he and his loved ones adjusted to the reality of the condition.

Before Anyone Else Knew, His Daughter Noticed One Small Change

Long before the public learned about his diagnosis, his daughter sensed that something wasn't quite right. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she explained that her father had always possessed an almost unbelievable memory.

"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 recalled.

Then something changed. "He'd tell you so much about his ­parents — and I've heard those stories over and over — and there would be pieces of the story missing. I said, 'I wonder what's going on.'"

That subtle difference became the first sign that eventually led the family toward answers.

The Moment Danny Glover Finally Shared the Truth

In the interview with TODAY, Glover, who turns 80 on July 22, later revealed that he received his Alzheimer's disease diagnosis in 2023, describing the experience as coming to terms with something happening not only to him but to millions of others.

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

The actor also reflected on learning to live with the disease. "I could live with it, in a sense," he said.

According to Deadline, Glover said he was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disease shortly before receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Governors Awards, making the honor especially meaningful as he quietly navigated his new reality.

His Family Became His Greatest Source of Strength

Although Glover acknowledged that the disease will continue to progress, he said he never feels like he's facing it alone. "I'm sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing," he said.

Asked whether his family has his back, he answered simply:

"Absolutely. They've got my back."

His younger brother, Martin Glover, echoed that commitment. "He took me under his wing, and I love him to death. And I'm here to help him now." His brother added, "It's my turn. ... We talk, and we share times about our parents, our mothers, and our family. So it's all about family."

Still Finding Purpose Beyond the Screen

Even as his daily life has changed, Glover continues to stay involved in his community and the causes that have defined much of his life.

The actor, producer, and activist has spent more than four decades building a career that includes over 170 film and television credits, from "Places in the Heart" and "The Color Purple" to the blockbuster "Lethal Weapon" series.

One of the "Lethal Weapon" franchise's most unforgettable moments came in Lethal Weapon 2, when Glover's character, Det. Roger Murtaugh had to be rescued after sitting on a toilet rigged with a bomb — a scene so iconic that the actor said fans later brought toilets to his public appearances for him to sign.

"It’s events where somebody would bring their toilet up, and I would sign it," Glover told TODAY.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Glover trained at the Black Actors' Workshop of the American Conservatory Theater. His Broadway breakthrough in "Master Harold...and the Boys" led director Robert Benton to cast him in his first leading film role in the Oscar-nominated "Places in the Heart," helping launch a career that would span stage, film, and television.

He also became widely respected for his humanitarian work and advocacy for economic justice, education, and health care. He served as a United Nations Development Program Goodwill Ambassador from 1998 to 2004, working on global campaigns against poverty, disease, and HIV/AIDS across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

He later became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

The "Angels in the Outfield" actor also co-founded Louverture Films to support socially conscious storytelling.

Reflecting on the values his parents instilled in him, Glover said activism has always been central to his life. He said:

"Justice is our collective responsibility. One thing I learned from my parents most of my life is the capacity of people to change through their own. They become the architect of their change."

He also believes art still has an important role to play. "We have challenges in the world," he said. "I think art becomes a reframe, a way of looking at that, you know?"

Why He's Speaking Out Now

By sharing his diagnosis publicly, Glover and his family hope their story encourages others to seek answers sooner and helps reduce the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease. "I don't feel like it's the end of my life," he told PEOPLE. "There's work to do."

The actor has also partnered with the Alzheimer's Association, which says early detection is crucial because cognitive decline can begin years before a formal diagnosis.

The organization also notes that staying physically active, managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, getting quality sleep, and remaining socially connected may help lower risk or slow progression.

Research has also shown that African Americans are about twice as likely as white Americans to develop Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Yet they are less likely to receive an early diagnosis, often resulting in treatment at more advanced stages.

For Glover, however, this moment wasn't just about statistics or awareness campaigns. It was about reclaiming his own story — with the people who know him best standing beside him every step of the way.