Grammy Winner's On-Stage Health Crisis Revealed
Donald Glover, the multi-talented musician and actor, has publicly disclosed the terrifying health crisis that forced him to cancel his Childish Gambino tour last year. The 42-year-old artist suffered a secret stroke during performances, alongside other serious medical conditions including a hole in his heart.
The Moment Everything Changed
During a performance at Tyler, The Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw event on Saturday, November 22, Glover recounted the frightening experience that began during a show in Louisiana. "I had a really bad pain in my head in Louisiana, and I did the show anyway," he told the audience. The situation worsened to the point where his vision became impaired, prompting an urgent hospital visit in Houston.
Medical professionals delivered the shocking diagnosis that the artist had suffered a stroke. Glover's initial reaction combined concern for his fans with his characteristic dark humour. "The first thing I thought was like, 'Oh, here I am still copying Jamie Foxx'," he admitted, referencing the actor's own stroke in 2023.
Cascade of Health Issues
The stroke was only part of Glover's health challenges. Further medical examinations revealed additional serious conditions, including a broken foot and a hole in his heart. "I broke my foot, they found a hole in my heart," Glover explained to the audience. The discovery necessitated multiple surgical procedures, with the artist confirming: "So I had this surgery, and then I had to have another surgery."
The health ordeal prompted the postponement of his entire New World farewell tour across North America, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand in late 2024. At the time, Glover had cited physical health concerns without providing specific details in his statement on X.
New Perspective on Life
The near-death experience has fundamentally changed Glover's outlook on life. Sharing his newfound wisdom with concert attendees, he reflected: "They say everybody has two lives, and the second life starts when you realise you have one. You should be living your life how you want."
His perspective on the future remains optimistic despite the health challenges. "If we have to do this again, it can only get better," he told the audience, indicating his determination to continue performing.
Understanding Stroke Symptoms
The NHS provides crucial guidance for recognising stroke symptoms using the FAST acronym:
- Face: The person may be unable to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped
- Arms: They may be unable to lift both arms and keep them raised due to weakness or numbness
- Speech: Their speech may be slurred or garbled, or they may be unable to speak at all
- Time: It's essential to call 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs
The Stroke Association offers support through their helpline at 0303 3033 100 or via email at helpline@stroke.org.uk for anyone affected by stroke.
Glover's health revelation comes as he prepares to retire his Childish Gambino persona, having previously expressed that the project no longer feels "fulfilling" to him. The artist, known for his roles in Community and Atlanta, as well as voicing Simba in The Lion King remake, continues to balance multiple creative pursuits while prioritising his health recovery.
