Biography
Who is Danny Glover?
Early life and education
Danny Glover was born on July 22, 1946, in San Francisco, California. His parents were Carrie Mae and James Henry Glover, and both worked as postal workers. They were also active members of the NAACP to advance equal rights. As an adolescent and young adult, Danny experienced epilepsy, though he has not had a seizure since age 35.
He attended George Washington High School in San Francisco before enrolling at San Francisco State University in the late 1960s. He later trained at the Black Actors Workshop of the American Conservatory Theater and studied with Jean Shelton at the Shelton Actors Lab in San Francisco. Before acting, he worked in city administration on community development.
How Danny became famous
Danny made his film acting debut in the 1979 movie Escape from Alcatraz. He then appeared in films such as Places in the Heart and Witness in 1984 and 1985. His major breakthrough came in 1985 when he starred as Celies husband in The Color Purple.
He gained worldwide fame starting in 1987 by playing Los Angeles police Sergeant Roger Murtaugh alongside Mel Gibson in the action film Lethal Weapon. He returned to this role for three sequels released in 1989, 1992, and 1998. In 1990, he earned top billing in the science fiction sequel Predator 2 and won an Independent Spirit Award for To Sleep with Anger.
Career highlights
Throughout his career, Danny has taken on a wide variety of film, television, and stage roles. He earned Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his performances in Mandela, Lonesome Dove, Fallen Angels, and Freedom Song. He also appeared in blockbusters like Predator 2, Grand Canyon, Angels in the Outfield, The Royal Tenenbaums, Saw, and 2012.
In addition to acting, Danny co-founded the Robey Theatre Company in Los Angeles in 1994 with actor Ben Guillory to focus on Black theater. He made his directorial debut with the Showtime short film Override in 1994. He has also worked extensively as a voice actor in animated films including The Prince of Egypt and Antz.
Political activism and honors
Danny is an active supporter of various political causes and belongs to the TransAfrica Forum and the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The Cuban Council of State awarded him the Cuban National Medal of Friendship for his political work. He has also received numerous artistic and humanitarian accolades throughout his career.
His honors include the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the NAACP Image Award Chairman's Award, the Marian Anderson Award, the Theatre World Award, the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame recognition, and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
Birthday and age
Danny Glover was born on July 22, 1946, which makes Danny 80 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Danny shares the date with 63 other famous people.
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