Danny Glover Then and Now

Danny Glover Then

Danny Glover was born on July 22, 1946, in San Francisco, California.

He is the son of Carrie Hunley and James Glover, both of whom worked as postal workers and were actively involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). 

This early exposure to civil rights activism likely influenced Glover’s own commitment to social justice throughout his life and career. 

Growing up in a household that valued civic engagement and community involvement, Glover was instilled with a sense of responsibility to advocate for equality and human rights.

Glover graduated from George Washington High School in San Francisco, demonstrating early on his dedication to education and personal development. 

He continued his studies at San Francisco State University (SFSU), although he did not complete his degree. 

Despite not graduating, Glover’s time at SFSU was significant in shaping his future path.

The university recognized his achievements and contributions to the arts and social causes by awarding him the Presidential Medal of SFSU, a prestigious honor that underscores his impact both within and beyond the academic community.

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Throughout his career, Danny Glover has become renowned not only for his acting prowess but also for his activism. 

His parents’ legacy of NAACP involvement undoubtedly played a role in shaping his worldview and his dedication to fighting for social justice. 

This background, combined with his education and life experiences, has informed Glover’s work both on-screen and off, making him a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and the realm of social advocacy.

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Danny Glover’s Acting Career

Danny Glover’s passion for acting was nurtured during his time at San Francisco State College, where he studied acting and trained at the Black Actors Workshop of the American Conservatory Theater. 

His early stage work included significant roles in South African dramatist Athol Fugard’s plays, such as “Sizwe Banzi Is Dead” and “Master Harold”…and the Boys.”

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These performances not only honed his craft but also showcased his ability to tackle complex and socially relevant material. 

Glover’s film debut came in 1979 with “Escape from Alcatraz,” where he portrayed an inmate. 

That same year, he began acting on television, earning a recurring role in the police drama “Hill Street Blues” in 1981.

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His breakthrough continued with notable roles in films like “Places in the Heart” (1984) and “Silverado” (1985), where he portrayed heroic characters.

Glover’s versatility as an actor was evident as he transitioned to more villainous roles, such as in the crime drama “Witness” (1985) and the critically acclaimed “The Color Purple” (1985), where his performance as the abusive husband of Whoopi Goldberg’s character earned him widespread acclaim.

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His career reached new heights in 1987 with the release of “Lethal Weapon,” where he starred alongside Mel Gibson as Roger Murtaugh. 

The film was a massive box-office success and launched a highly successful franchise. 

During this period, Glover also portrayed Nelson Mandela in the television biography “Mandela” (1987) and took on major roles in the miniseries “Chiefs” (1983) and “Lonesome Dove” (1989), as well as the TV movie “Freedom Song” (2000).

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In the 1990s, Glover’s filmography continued to expand with roles in diverse films such as “To Sleep with Anger” (1990), “Predator 2” (1990), “Bopha!” (1993), and “Beloved” (1998). 

His later movies included an array of genres, from Wes Anderson’s “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001) to the horror film “Saw” (2004), the musical “Dreamgirls” (2006), the thriller “Shooter” (2007), and John Sayles’s “Honeydripper” (2007).

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In “2012” (2009), Glover played a U.S. president facing a global catastrophe, further showcasing his range. 

His more recent work includes appearances in “Death at a Funeral” (2010), “Tula: The Revolt” (2013), “Waffle Street” (2015), “Mr. Pig” (2016), and “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019). Glover also ventured into directing, making his feature-film directorial debut with “Just a Dream” in 2002.

Beyond his acting career, Glover is deeply committed to social justice.

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He served as an executive producer for impactful documentaries such as “Trouble the Water” (2008), which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, “Soundtrack for a Revolution” (2009), which explores the American civil rights movement, and “This Changes Everything” (2015), focusing on global warming. 

These projects were produced by Louverture Films, a production company Glover cofounded.

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He also played a role in the production of “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,” a Thai film that won the Palme d’Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. 

Glover’s dedication to humanitarian efforts is reflected in his roles as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations and an ambassador for UNICEF.

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His contributions to social justice and human rights have been recognized with numerous awards, including a lifetime achievement award from Amnesty International, a humanitarian award from Black Entertainment Television (BET), and the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2022, which cited his “decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights” and his commitment to recognizing our shared humanity on and off the screen.

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Danny Glover Movies

• Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
• Chu Chu and the Philly Flash (1981)
• Places in the Heart (1984)
• Witness (1985)
• Silverado (1985)
• The Color Purple (1985)
• Lethal Weapon (1987)
• Mandela (1987) (TV Movie)
• Lonesome Dove (1989) (TV Mini-Series)
• Predator 2 (1990)
• To Sleep with Anger (1990)
• Flight of the Intruder (1991)
• Grand Canyon (1991)
• Pure Luck (1991)
• A Rage in Harlem (1991)
• Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
• Leap of Faith (1992)
• The Saint of Fort Washington (1993)
• Bopha! (1993)
• Maverick (1994)
• Angels in the Outfield (1994)
• Operation Dumbo Drop (1995)
• Just Cause (1995)
• Dead Man Walking (1995)
• Beloved (1998)
• Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
• The Prince of Egypt (1998) (voice)
• Antz (1998) (voice)
• Our Friend, Martin (1999) (voice)
• The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
• Saw (2004)
• Manderlay (2005)
• Dreamgirls (2006)
• Shooter (2007)
• Honeydripper (2007)
• Be Kind Rewind (2008)
• Gospel Hill (2008)
• Blindness (2008)
• Shooter (2008) (TV Series)
• Death at a Funeral (2010)
• Mooz-lum (2010)
• Alpha and Omega (2010) (voice)
• Age of the Dragons (2011)
• The Cookout 2 (2011)
• Black November (2012)
• The Last Angry Man (2013)
• LUV (2013)
• Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight (2013) (TV Movie)
• Bad Asses (2014)
• Beyond the Lights (2014)
• Bad Asses on the Bayou (2015)
• Supremacy (2014)
• Checkmate (2015)
• Gridlocked (2015)
• Almost Christmas (2016)
• Mr. Pig (2016)
• Monster Trucks (2016)
• Proud Mary (2018)
• Sorry to Bother You (2018)
• The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
• Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
• Death of a Telemarketer (2021)
• The Christmas Lottery (2021)
• Press Play (2022)
• American Dreamer (2022)
• How Much Land Does a Man Need? (2022)
• Double Soul (2023)

Danny Glover’s Wife and Children

Danny Glover’s personal life has been marked by significant relationships and family milestones. 

He married Asake Bomani in 1975, and together they welcomed their daughter, Mandisa, in 1976. 

However, despite their years together, the couple eventually parted ways, and Glover and Bomani divorced in 2000.

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Their daughter, Mandisa, remains an important part of Glover’s life, and their shared bond reflects his commitment to family despite the challenges of separation.

In 2009, Glover entered into a new chapter of his personal life when he married Elaine Cavalleiro. 

This union marked a fresh start for Glover, providing him with love and companionship in his journey forward.

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Despite the dissolution of his first marriage, Glover found happiness once again with Cavalleiro, showcasing his resilience and capacity for love and commitment.

In terms of property, Glover made a significant investment in 1999 when he purchased a 6,000-square-foot house in Dunthorpe, Oregon.

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However, despite acquiring the property, Glover is no longer a resident of Oregon, indicating a change in his living situation or preferences over time. 

While the specifics of his residency have shifted, Glover’s choice of home reflects his success and stature as a Hollywood actor, affording him the means to invest in real estate and create a comfortable living environment for himself and his family.

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Danny Glover Now

At 77 years old, Danny Lebern Glover stands as a prominent figure in American entertainment and activism. 

Known for his impactful performances, Glover has garnered widespread recognition not only for his acting skills but also for his commitment to social and political causes.

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His recent movie, “Double Soul,” released in 2023, adds to his extensive body of work, showcasing his enduring talent and dedication to the craft.

Beyond his contributions to film and television, Danny Glover is also recognized for his significant humanitarian efforts.

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He was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a testament to his decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights. 

Additionally, he received the President’s Award from the NAACP, further highlighting his influential role in promoting civil rights and social justice causes. 

Glover’s activism extends beyond his on-screen roles, reflecting his deep commitment to making a positive impact on society.

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In addition to his successful acting career and activism, Glover has also ventured into producing and directing. 

His multifaceted talents have earned him nominations for five Emmy Awards and four Grammy Awards, demonstrating his versatility and wide-ranging contributions to the arts.

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Despite his numerous achievements, Glover remains dedicated to using his platform to address pressing social issues and advocate for change.

Despite his considerable accomplishments, Danny Glover’s net worth is estimated at $40 million.

While financial success is one aspect of his career, Glover’s true legacy lies in his tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable world, both on and off the screen. 

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As an actor, producer, director, and political activist, Glover continues to inspire audiences and provoke meaningful conversations about important societal issues.