Childish Gambino Opens Up About Stroke and Heart Condition
In a startling revelation, multi-hyphenate artist Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) disclosed that he suffered a stroke earlier this year. During a candid interview, the Grammy winner shared that doctors discovered a hole in his heart—a condition he was born with but had gone undiagnosed.
The Terrifying Health Scare
Glover, celebrated for hits like “This Is America” and the Emmy-winning series Atlanta, recounted the incident to The Hollywood Reporter:
“I had a stroke right after I turned 40. I woke up and couldn’t move my right side. It was terrifying.”
Initially dismissing symptoms as fatigue, he sought medical help when numbness persisted. Tests revealed a patent foramen ovale (PFO)—a small heart hole present since birth.
What Is a PFO?
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common heart defect where a hole between the upper chambers fails to close after birth. While often harmless, it can allow blood clots to reach the brain, causing strokes in rare cases.
Dr. Priya Sharma, a cardiologist, explains:
“PFOs are usually asymptomatic but can lead to paradoxical strokes. Early detection and treatment are critical.”
Glover’s Recovery and Lifestyle Changes
After undergoing a minimally invasive procedure to close the hole, Glover reflected on the ordeal:
“It was a wake-up call. I’ve always pushed myself, but health comes first.”
Though he’s since recovered, the experience left an emotional impact:
“Facing mortality changes you. Life is fragile.”
Fan Support and Career Impact
Fans flooded social media with well-wishes, with hashtags like #StayStrongGambino trending. Glover’s health scare comes amid major projects, including a Star Wars spinoff and new film. When asked about his workload, he said:
“I’m not slowing down, but I’m prioritizing balance.”
A Message to Fans
Glover ended with a powerful takeaway:
“Listen to your body. If something feels wrong, get checked. I’m lucky to be here.”
His story underscores the importance of preventive health care, especially for high-pressure careers.
— Reporting by Riya Kapoor, Senior Entertainment Correspondent
