Danny Glover

© UNICEF Video

World-renowned actor Danny Glover was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2004.  Glover has received great acclaim for his work on the stage, television, in film and as a producer.  He is also highly regarded for his humanitarian efforts.

A native of San Francisco, California, Glover attended San Francisco State University and trained at the Black Actor’s Workshop of the American Conservatory.  He appeared in numerous stage productions, including Island, MacBeth, Sizwe Banzi is Dead and Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the Boys, which first brought the actor national recognition.

He has received an ACE Award and several NAACP Image Awards for his film and television performances, including Best Actor in Lethal Weapon, Beloved, and HBO’s production of Mandela.  Glover received Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in the television mini-series Lonesome Dove, and for Turner Network Television’s Freedom Song. Glover has also produced a number of films for theatre and television.
 
Glover is passionate about his community activism and philanthropic efforts, and is involved with a number of foundations and projects.  In recognition of his lifetime dedication to public service Glover was honored with the 2002 Marian Anderson Award, 2003 NAACP Chairman’s Award, and 2004 BET Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Before joining UNICEF, Glover supported the United Nations advocating for people living in poverty.  He went on missions to Haiti, Mali, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, and Egypt.  Stepping right into his new role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Glover traveled to Ethiopia from 24 – 29 November, 2004 to raise awareness of the long-lasting impact that landmines have on children. 

In February 2005, Glover visited Ethiopia, where he chaired the opening of the Africa Unite Symposium.  The three-day symposium held in Addis Ababa brought selected participants from the field of academia, art and activism together with a prominent group of young activists and artists from the continent and the African Diaspora.  At the end of the symposium, Glover and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo helped raise US$40,000 at a benefit concert for ‘Africa Unite’. 

Glover has also supported the work of the National Committees and field offices, and has produced some UNICEF public service announcements.  He has a busy schedule, but always finds the time to dedicate himself to UNICEF’s mission.