Danny Glover isn’t just one of Hollywood’s most respected actors—he’s also one of its most principled. For decades, he’s built a career of memorable roles in films like The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon, and To Sleep with Anger while championing causes that range from civil rights to international labor justice. Whether onscreen or in protest lines, Glover has always used his voice to elevate others.

Born on July 22, 1946, in San Francisco, California, Danny Lebern Glover grew up the son of postal workers who were active in the NAACP. That environment laid the groundwork for his deep-seated commitment to justice. A graduate of San Francisco State University, Glover originally trained as a city administrator, not an actor. It was through the American Conservatory Theater that he discovered his passion for the stage.

His early work in theater gave him a foundation in dramatic performance, and soon enough, he transitioned into film, beginning a screen career in his 30s—a later start than most but one that would prove historic.

Glover’s first major role was as the gentle yet firm Mister in The Color Purple (1985), directed by Steven Spielberg. Though the character was controversial, Glover’s performance helped usher in more layered portrayals of Black men in film. That same year, he appeared in Witness and Silverado, displaying his ability to shift between genres.

His most iconic role came in 1987 with Lethal Weapon, where he played LAPD Sergeant Roger Murtaugh opposite Mel Gibson’s wild card cop Martin Riggs. The “I’m too old for this s***” line became a pop culture catchphrase, and the duo’s chemistry sparked three sequels, turning the franchise into a global hit.

Unlike many action stars, Glover brought depth and empathy to his character. He portrayed Murtaugh as a loving husband and father, proving action heroes could be sensitive, multidimensional, and Black.

Glover’s range is undeniable. In Charles Burnett’s To Sleep with Anger (1990), he played a Southern drifter with eerie charm and menace—one of his most critically acclaimed roles. He starred in political thrillers like The Killing Floor, dramas like Beloved, and family films like Angels in the Outfield. He even voiced Barbossa in Antz and played President Thomas Wilson in the disaster epic 2012.

What stands out most in his filmography is how many of his roles reflect social themes. Glover has never shied away from projects that explore the Black experience, structural inequality, or historical injustices.

Glover’s work offscreen is just as impactful. He’s been a tireless advocate for workers’ rights, particularly through his support of unions like UNITE HERE and SEIU. He’s fought against U.S. interventionism in Latin America, supported Haitian relief efforts, and been a longtime champion of African and Caribbean nations’ sovereignty.

He also co-founded Louverture Films, a production company focused on socially conscious filmmaking, helping to bring lesser-told stories to global audiences.

Throughout the years, Glover has been arrested while participating in peaceful protests—further proof that he lives his activism, not just tweets about it. His speeches at global conferences and public demonstrations are rooted in empathy, historical knowledge, and a sense of global community.

Glover continues to act well into his 70s, recently appearing in films like Sorry to Bother You, Jumanji: The Next Level, and The Last Black Man in San Francisco. He’s also taken on producing roles and supports younger filmmakers and performers of color.

In 2022, he was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscars, recognizing both his artistry and his dedication to advocacy.

Danny Glover’s name carries weight in both film and activism circles—and that’s no accident. He’s built a legacy not just of memorable characters, but of moral clarity. While others may chase fame or box office numbers, Glover has always aimed for something bigger: impact.

With a calm voice and fierce convictions, Danny Glover reminds us that celebrity can be a tool for justice—and that artistry gains meaning when it reflects humanity. His body of work will inspire generations, not just to act, but to act for something.