Asake Bomani: Danny Glover’s Ex-Wife & Award-Winning Author

AB Rehman 1 day agoLast Updated: February 9, 2026

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When you hear the name Danny Glover, you likely think of blockbuster hits like Lethal Weapon or The Color Purple. But behind the Hollywood fame of this iconic actor stands a woman of equal intellectual and artistic weight: Asake Bomani.

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While headlines often reduce her to the role of “Danny Glover’s ex-wife,” Bomani is a celebrated author, a former jazz singer, and a cultural advocate who has left an indelible mark on the literary world.

For over two decades, she was the partner of one of Hollywood’s most respected activists, but her own legacy, cemented by a prestigious American Book Award, stands on its own merits. In a world that often overlooks the women behind famous men, Asake Bomani’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and quiet power.

Quick Bio: At a Glance

Before diving deep into her biography, here is a quick snapshot of the key facts surrounding Asake Bomani’s life and career.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Asake Bomani
Date of Birth	July 1, 1945
Birthplace	Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Education	San Francisco State University
Profession	Author, Cultural Advocate, Former Jazz Singer
Key Achievement	Winner of the 1993 American Book Award
Notable Work	Paris Connections: African American Artists in Paris
Former Spouse	Danny Glover (Married 1975–2000)
Children	Mandisa Glover (Born 1976)

Who is Asake Bomani? From Jazz Singer to Author

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1945, Asake Bomani grew up during a pivotal era of American history.

Her journey took her from the East Coast to the vibrant cultural hub of San Francisco, where she attended San Francisco State University (SFSU).

It was here, amidst the political and social revolutions of the 1960s, that she cultivated a deep appreciation for the arts and activism.

The Jazz Years

Before she put pen to paper, Bomani used her voice in a different medium. She began her career as a jazz singer, performing in the rich, soulful circuit of the era.

Her background in jazz likely influenced her later writing style, rhythmic, expressive, and deeply rooted in black culture.

Literary Success and Acclaim

A profound interest in art history marked Bomani’s transition from music to literature. She didn’t just write books; she curated culture.

Her most significant contribution came in the early 90s with the publication of Paris Connections: African American Artists in Paris (Q.E.D. Press, 1992).

Co-edited with Belvie Rooks, this seminal work explored the rich history of Black artists who sought refuge and inspiration in Paris, escaping American segregation to find artistic freedom abroad.

The book was not just a commercial success; it was a critical one, earning Bomani the American Book Award in 1993. This accolade solidified her status as a serious cultural historian, independent of her husband’s fame.

Inside the Marriage: Asake Bomani and Danny Glover

The love story between Asake Bomani and Danny Glover is one of friendship that blossomed into romance.

The two met as students at San Francisco State University in the 1960s, a hotbed for student activism and the site of the longest student strike in U.S. history, which led to the establishment of the first Black Studies department.

A Partnership of Equals

The Meeting: Glover, an economics student with a passion for acting, was reportedly infatuated with Bomani, an English major and singer. He admired her strong sense of self and morality.
The Wedding: The couple married in 1975, just as Glover was beginning to find his footing in theater.
The Support System: Bomani was instrumental in Glover’s early career. When he quit his steady job as a city evaluator to pursue acting full-time, she supported the decision, standing by him through the lean years before his breakout roles in the 80s.

The Divorce

After nearly 25 years of marriage, the relationship came to an end. Danny Glover filed for divorce on February 4, 1999, citing irreconcilable differences.

The divorce was finalized in 2000. Despite the split, reports from the time suggest a mutual respect remained, with Glover often speaking highly of Bomani’s character. He later remarried Eliane Cavalleiro in 2009.

Who is Mandisa Glover?

Asake and Danny share one child, a daughter named Mandisa Glover, born in May 1976. Mandisa has largely stayed out of the glare of the paparazzi, though she has dipped her toes into the entertainment industry.

Career: Mandisa has worked as a production assistant on films like You’ve Got Mail and in the costume department for various projects.
Relationship: She maintains a close relationship with both parents. Social media posts from Mandisa often pay tribute to her mother, highlighting Bomani’s enduring beauty and nurturing spirit.

Asake Bomani Net Worth 2026: What We Know

While Danny Glover’s net worth is widely public knowledge (estimated at around $40 million), Asake Bomani’s financial standing is more private. However, based on her literary success and the divorce settlement from a long-term marriage to a high-profile Hollywood earner, financial analysts have made estimations.

Estimated Net Worth (2026): ~$1 Million – $1.5 Million

Sources of Income:

Book Royalties: Continued sales and academic citations of Paris Connections.
Divorce Settlement: As a spouse of 25 years who supported Glover during his rise to fame, Bomani would have been entitled to a significant portion of their shared assets upon their 2000 divorce.
Investments: Private assets accumulated over decades.

Why Paris Connections Still Matters Today

It is impossible to discuss Bomani without returning to her magnum opus. Paris Connections is more than a coffee table book; it is an archive of Black excellence.

The Subject: It documents the lives of artists like Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, and Richard Wright.
The Impact: By winning the American Book Award, Bomani helped validate the study of the Black expatriate experience, influencing a generation of art historians.
Availability: The book remains a collector’s item and is available in university libraries worldwide, including Harvard and the Getty Research Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asake Bomani still married to Danny Glover?
No, Asake Bomani and Danny Glover divorced in 2000 after 25 years of marriage. Danny Glover later remarried.

How old is Asake Bomani in 2026?
Born on July 1, 1945, Asake Bomani turns 81 years old in 2026.

What is Asake Bomani’s most famous book?
Her most famous work is Paris Connections: African American Artists in Paris, published in 1992.

Did Asake Bomani win any awards?
Yes, she won the prestigious American Book Award in 1993 for Paris Connections.

Does Asake Bomani have children?
Yes, she has one daughter, Mandisa Glover, born in 1976.

Was Asake Bomani a singer?
Yes, before becoming an author, Bomani was a jazz singer in San Francisco.

Where did Asake Bomani go to college?
She attended San Francisco State University, where she met Danny Glover.

Is Asake Bomani on social media?
No, Asake Bomani does not maintain active public profiles on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

What was the cause of her divorce?
Danny Glover filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.” Specific details remain private.

What is Asake Bomani doing now?
She lives a private life away from the media spotlight, focusing on her family and literary interests.

Final Thoughts

Asake Bomani is a testament to the fact that a woman’s worth is not defined by who she marries, but by what she creates.

From her early days singing jazz in San Francisco to winning the American Book Award for chronicling the history of Black artists in Paris, her life has been one of intellectual curiosity and cultural contribution.

While history may remember her as Danny Glover’s first wife, the literary world remembers her as a scholar and an advocate. As she moves through her 80s in 2026, her legacy remains preserved in the pages of her work and the life of her daughter.