Musician and actor Donald Glover, known globally by his stage name Childish Gambino, has shared a shocking health update with fans, revealing he suffered a stroke during a live performance last year.
A Frightening On-Stage Health Scare
The 42-year-old artist disclosed the serious medical episode while addressing the crowd at the Camp Flog Gnaw Festival in Los Angeles. He explained that the incident began during a concert in New Orleans, Louisiana, in September last year.
Despite feeling unwell and experiencing vision problems, Glover pushed through to complete the show. "I had a really bad pain in my head in Louisiana and I did the show anyway," he told his audience. "I couldn't really see well."
Diagnosis and Subsequent Surgeries
Following the performance, he sought medical attention at a hospital in Houston, Texas. It was there that doctors delivered the alarming news: he had suffered a stroke.
In a moment of characteristic humour amidst the serious revelation, Glover joked, "the doctor was like, 'You had a stroke.' And the first thing I thought was like, 'Oh, here I am still copying Jamie Foxx.'"
The health issues did not end there. The musician further revealed that he had also broken his foot and, more significantly, doctors discovered a hole in his heart.
This diagnosis led to him undergoing two separate surgeries. "They found a hole in my heart. So I had this surgery, and then I had to have another surgery," he stated, reflecting on the profound impact of the experience.
Touring Halted for Recovery
This cascade of health problems forced the cancellation of the remainder of his New World Tour, which was his first major tour since 2019. At the time, a lengthy social media statement cited the need for time to heal and a scheduled surgery.
The cancellation affected not only the North American leg but also planned dates in the UK and Europe, with all tickets being refunded.
Speaking from the stage, Glover shared a philosophical takeaway from his ordeal, telling fans, "They say everybody has two lives and the second life starts when you realise you have one." He added, "You got one life, guys, and I gotta be honest, the life I've lived with you guys has been such a blessing."
The tour was notably significant as it was billed as the final chapter for his celebrated Childish Gambino persona.
