Donald Glover Reveals He Had a Stroke and a Hole In His Heart: “I Am Still Copying Jamie Foxx”

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, recently opened up about a serious health scare that forced him to cancel his global tour. In a candid moment at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival, he revealed that he suffered a stroke last year, and doctors later discovered a hole in his heart, requiring two surgeries. He even joked that in some ways, he’s “still copying Jamie Foxx”, referencing the actor’s own stroke, but said the experience gave him a powerful reminder of life’s fragility.

Donald Glover’s Experience of Stroke

Donald Glover says the reason why he canceled his 2024 tour was because he had a stroke, and doctors in Houston found a hole in his heart “If this life isn’t the perfect one; it’s the prototype,” Gambino said while performing. #campfloggnaw #childishgambino pic.twitter.com/Ft9tMp6mmx

— Michael Blackshire (@Blackshireflick) November 23, 2025

Speaking at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles, Glover recounted a frightening moment during his 2024 tour. He spoke publicly about the health issue that derailed his plans. He said, “I had a really bad pain in my head in Louisiana. I couldn’t really see well. The doctor was like, ‘You had a stroke.’” He admitted he hesitated to share the news, fearing he’d “let everybody down.” 

But on stage, he also expressed awe at his resilience, “They say everybody has two lives, and the second life starts when you realise you have one. You got one life, guys. The life I’ve lived with you has been such a blessing.” 

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Why Did He Reference Jamie Foxx? 

Glover references fellow actor and musician Jamie Foxx, who also experienced a stroke in 2024. Foxx publicly shared his experience with initial severe headache symptoms and a mysterious cause that led to a prolonged recovery. By joking that he was “still copying” Foxx, Glover highlighted the unexpected ways health issues can affect anyone, no matter their fame or vitality. Both artists’ openness brings awareness to stroke symptoms and survivorship in the entertainment world.

He followed that with a laugh, but the parallel runs deeper. Glover’s own stroke, he revealed, led to more than just neurological complications:

• Doctors found a hole in his heart, a condition serious enough to merit two surgeries. 
• He also broke his foot around the same time, which complicated his recovery. 
• Reflecting on it all, he emphasised the fragility of life and his determination to live fully going forward.

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Conclusion

Donald Glover’s revelation about his stroke and heart condition shines a spotlight on the reality of serious health risks even for people who seem larger than life. His journey offers a reminder: health is precious, recovery is possible, and faith in oneself can be the key to moving forward. As he continues to heal, his fans are cheering him on not just for his music or his roles, but for his courage to share his story.