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The star of the Lethal Weapon series has had many blockbuster hits in his time as a Hollywood A-list actor. And he has dyslexia, too.

Danny_Glover_2014Born and raised in San Francisco, Danny Glover struggled from a young age in school with his literacy. In an interview, he described the experience– and lack of support available — for a dyslexic child in the 1950s.

“In San Francisco in the ’50s there was no test for dyslexia. I don’t believe there was a real discussion about the idea of dyslexia and learning differences. I remember… in the seventh grade, because of my grades, the counselor made a comment to my mother that I was retarded. I think that people were naive at that time. I was tested in L.A. at a clinic later on in life and at that time I was diagnosed as dyslexic… By that time I had found different ways to manage my sense of… inadequacy. You celebrate those things that you’re good at, and you become better at those. I was always good with numbers, always good with math; history was something that I was attracted to, so there are ways you can manage.”

He trained as an actor at the American Conservatory Theater, and jumped head first into a long career as an actor and director. He has been an activist for many decades as well, speaking on issues ranging from politics, the environment… and even learning difficulties!

Sarah Forrest is a Literacy Specialist for the Easyread System, an online program for struggling readers and spellers. Find out more at www.oxfordlearningsolutions.com