Lethal Weapon star Danny Glover shares a heartbreaking health update

Here's one for fans of classic action cinema: Danny Glover, the bloke who made being "too old for this... stuff" into a catchphrase, has gone public with something quite serious. If you grew up on films like Lethal Weapon or just have a soft spot for that mix of explosions and buddy-cop banter, you've probably got Glover's face seared into your mind as Roger Murtaugh. He was the sensible one, remember? The poor chap tasked with stopping Mel Gibson's Riggs from blowing up half of Los Angeles.

Lethal Weapon, The Colour Purple, and that Unmistakable Presence

Just to set the record straight: Glover's no one-trick pony. Before teaming up with Mel Gibson for four Lethal Weapon films (yes, that franchise still gets wheeled out at pub quizzes), he'd already dropped jaws in The Color Purple (1985) and later moved through everything from Angels in the Outfield (1994) to the original Saw (2004). His filmography is basically a wild ride through American pop cinema, from serious drama to absolute chaotic carnage.

Danny Glover Confronts Alzheimer's

Now for the tough bit. In an exclusive sit-down with the TODAY show, Glover, now 79, has revealed he's been quietly living with Alzheimer's disease for several years. In his own words:

"Things are going to be different and changing."

Not exactly the sort of thing you ever want to hear from someone who's been a reliable presence in cinema – but he's not pulling any punches. Glover is well aware there's no cure; Alzheimer's is progressive, messes with memory, and ultimately, it's fatal. Yet, in typical Glover style, he says he can "live with it, in a sense," and he's kept himself involved in community projects and public appearances out in San Francisco. The support he's getting from family is solid, too. His daughter Mandisa spelled it out quite plainly: it matters enormously to Glover that he's got control over how his story gets told, so he's speaking frankly about his diagnosis, not letting it define the rest of his life or career.

More Than Just Movies

Thing is, Glover's never been just about the movies. The man's known for activism almost as much as his acting – he's taken public stands on everything from introducing ethnic studies for students to fighting for human rights and speaking out on behalf of immigrants. Not to mention, he's one of the Hollywood faces who didn't just talk about anti-apartheid – he actually campaigned hard against South Africa's regime, back when Hollywood preferred to keep its nose out of such business.

The Rumblings of Lethal Weapon 5

By the way, if you've clocked the recent whispers about a possible Lethal Weapon 5 all these years after Glover and Gibson last traded wisecracks in 1998, you're not wrong. There was talk from director Allen Ungar that a fifth instalment was being floated for a late 2025 shoot – but, and it's a big 'but', there's nothing concrete. Studios love a comeback until they have to actually sign on the dotted line.

Lethal Weapon Core Cast (For Old Time's Sake):

• Danny Glover – Roger Murtaugh (the sensible one)
• Mel Gibson – Martin Riggs (the unhinged one)
• Joe Pesci – Leo Getz (the irritating one, but funny for it)
• Rene Russo – Lorna Cole (tougher than she looks, joined later on)