Yahneake Sterling, Contributor
Danny Glover relaxes by the hotel pool. - photo by Yahneake Sterling
These days, what makes actor Danny Glover smile most is his four-year-old grandson Adesol.
"He's my main man," the actor tells Flair.
Most famous for his role in the Lethal Weapon series, many of us have seen him recently in Dream Girls and in the drama series Brothers and Sisters, just to name a few from a career spanning over 30 years.
No stranger to Jamaica, Glover, a distinguished actor, producer and Goodwill ambassador, spoke with Flair about his latest project, Africa Unite.
This is a movie/documentary about the family of the late Bob Marley and their first trip to Ethiopia to attend the annual Africa Unite concert.
What brings you to Jamaica at this time?
I came for the celebration of Bob Marley's birthday and also the premiere of the movie/documentary that I participated in with the Marley family called Africa Unite, which is a celebration of Bob Marley's life.
Are you a big Marley fan?
I first saw Bob Marley when I was 28 years old in 1975. It was his first major concert tour to the United States, in a concert hall called the Booty House in San Francisco. I will never forget that experience of seeing him for the first time.
Tell us more about the documentary.
I had gone to Ethiopia as a representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), specifically to participate in a youth symposium sponsored by the Bob Marley Foundation in the African Union. Those were the major players in this. Being able to come on board as the executive producer for the documentary was special.
It's almost like a dream come true because of the relationship that I had with Bob Marley's music throughout more than half of my life, so to come on and be able to see how music would be used and looking at the situations of people in Africa and of African descent, the movie could be empowering. And as such, the music is empowering, so the idea of Bob Marley's legacy became the exciting factor for me getting engaged.
What was it like working with People's Telecom, the title sponsors of the film's premiere?
It has been wonderful. I am really supportive of the idea of creating and establishing a real relationship not simply as consumers but as people who add value.
And what role did you play?
My company (Louverture Films) executive-produced the film and co-financed the film along with the Marley family. And there is a little bit of me saying a few words in there (smile).
What kind of impact do you think this documentary will have on the world, not just Africans?
I would be presumptuous to say the documentary will have an enormous impact. (But) it will add to the legacy of not only Bob Marley, but also a part to the legacy of struggle. I think Marley's music and presence will be well represented, but to go even further, to the extent that it will be a youth-empowering film.
You said you first saw Bob live when you were 28, and you've been listening to his music for a long time. Which of his songs is your favourite?
Danny Glover, actor, producer and activist. - Photo by Yahneake Sterling
Without a doubt, I think War is the most amazing. How he took the speech of Haile Selassie and transformed that into music, this iconic anthem which is an anti-war anthem, was just incredible.
The presidential race is now on in your country. Do you think America is ready for either a black or a female president?
The question is that given the crisis in democracy right now, are we ready for the appropriate change? Are we simply changing faces? Is the representative face a black man or a woman, I don't know ... The United States was ready for a black woman to be a secretary of state, It was ready for a black man to be a secretary of state.
Who, in your view, embodies change and the best hope for the American people?
Well, I don't know ... It depends on what you consider to be the change.
Who are you supporting?
I supported John Edwards before he pulled out.
What new projects are you working on?
I have a few movies due out this year. They are: Honeydripper, Blindness and Be Kind, Rewind.
What has been your most difficult role to date?
It's hard to say, all roles are challenging to me. Everything I do is a challenge.
What has been your favourite role?
Moses in Places in the Heart.
What gives you most pleasure these days?
My four-year-old grandson, Adesol. That's my man, he makes me smile even when I don't see him and even when he is mad at me.
You've been to Jamaica a few times. What is your favourite part of the island?
Negril. I just like the energy.
Do you have a favourite Jamaican food?
Jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish.
What is the one thing that stands out about Jamaica for you?
The people and the language. Where else in the world would they coined the term, 'Respect, man'?
