Asake Bomani: Author, Jazz Singer, and Former Wife of Danny Glover

When examining Hollywood relationships, attention typically falls on those in the spotlight. Yet some of the most significant partnerships involve individuals who work behind the scenes. Asake Bomani, whose 25-year marriage to actor Danny Glover coincided with his rise to stardom, represents this pattern precisely.

Beyond her connection to a celebrated actor, Bomani built her own identity through literature, music, and cultural advocacy.

Early Life and Background

Asake Bomani was born on July 1, 1945, in Wilmington, Delaware. Growing up during the civil rights movement, she developed interests in literature, music, and cultural arts from an early age.

Her educational journey began at George Washington High School, followed by enrollment at San Francisco State University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1963, where she cultivated creative pursuits that would shape her professional path.

Details about her childhood and family background remain largely private. What emerges is a portrait of an intellectually curious woman who channeled these qualities into multiple creative fields.

Meeting Danny Glover

Asake Bomani and Danny Glover met in the 1960s while both attended San Francisco State University. Their first encounter has been recounted by Glover in several interviews. According to his account, he was immediately drawn to her but initially too shy to approach directly.

He waited outside her English class, and when she emerged, managed only to say “hi” before walking away. Glover later described being “infatuated” with Bomani, noting she possessed “a strong sense of morality and high self-esteem.”

Their relationship developed over time, leading to marriage in 1975. The following year, they welcomed their daughter, Mandisa Glover, born on January 5, 1976, in San Francisco.

Supporting Danny Glover’s Acting Career

One of Bomani’s most significant contributions was her support during Glover’s transition from government work to acting. When he decided to leave his position as an evaluator with the San Francisco Model Cities program to join the Black Actors’ Workshop of the American Conservatory Theatre in the 1970s, Bomani provided crucial emotional and financial support.

This support wasn’t merely encouragement—Bomani effectively underwrote his early artistic pursuits. As Glover built the foundation for what would become an illustrious acting career, Bomani’s belief in his talent and practical assistance created the stability needed for him to focus on developing his craft.

This period coincided with Glover’s professional development from community service work to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, with roles in films like The Color Purple (1985), the Lethal Weapon series, Predator 2 (1990), and Dreamgirls (2006).

Jazz Singer and Musical Background

Before her literary achievements, Asake Bomani performed as a jazz vocalist. Though details about her musical career remain limited in public records, Glover acknowledged her musical background in interviews, describing her as a talented jazz singer whose soulful voice expressed emotion and cultural identity.

Her time in the jazz world informed her understanding of how music, like literature, could serve as a powerful tool for cultural expression.

Literary Achievement: Paris Connections

Bomani’s most documented professional achievement lies in literature. She served as co-editor, alongside Belvie Rooks, of “Paris Connections: African American & Caribbean Artists in Paris,” curated by Raymond Saunders. This 95-page publication was released on January 1, 1992.

The book was shown concurrently in San Francisco at Bomani Gallery and Jernigan Wicker Fine Arts from January 14 through February 29, 1992. Published by Q E D Press, the work explored the experiences and contributions of African American and Caribbean artists in Paris, reflecting Bomani’s interest in diasporic cultural expressions and transnational artistic communities.

The book examines key figures such as Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, and Richard Wright, highlighting how these artists found creative freedom in Paris during times of racial oppression in the United States.

In 1993, Asake Bomani was honored with the American Book Award for this notable literary work, establishing her as a respected voice in cultural literature. The award, administered by the Before Columbus Foundation, recognizes outstanding literary achievement in American literature without restriction to race, sex, ethnic background, or genre.

Bomani Gallery

Bomani ran the Bomani Gallery in San Francisco, located at 737 Buena Vista Avenue West in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. This gallery served as a venue for showcasing African American and Caribbean artists, reflecting her commitment to artistic expression and cultural engagement.

The gallery provided Glover with additional exposure to creative communities and artistic environments that informed his development as an actor.

Television Appearance

In 1999, Bomani appeared in “Great Railway Journeys,” a BBC travel documentary series. This television appearance allowed her to share stories about African American culture and history through travel and exploration.

Marriage and Divorce Timeline

• 1975 – Asake Bomani and Danny Glover married
• February 4, 1999 – Glover filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences
• 2000 – Divorce finalized after 25 years of marriage
• April 12, 2010 – Photographed together at the “Death at a Funeral” Los Angeles Premiere
• September 7, 2011 – Attended “The Conspirator” premiere at the 37th Deauville American Film Festival in France
• January 22, 2012 – Attended the Sundance Film Festival together in Park City, Utah
• 2009 – Glover married Brazilian educator and humanitarian Eliane Cavalleiro
• 2022 – Glover and Cavalleiro divorced

Life After Divorce

Following her divorce, Asake Bomani withdrew from public attention. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, she did not pursue interviews, public appearances, or maintain a social media presence.

As of 2026, at age 80, public information about Bomani’s activities remains scarce. She has chosen to maintain a private life away from media attention, focusing on personal peace and family rather than public visibility.

According to various sources, Bomani’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million, earned through her writing, gallery work, and creative endeavors.

Daughter Mandisa Glover

Mandisa Glover, born on January 5, 1976, in San Francisco, maintains a close relationship with her mother. She regularly expresses admiration and love through social media posts.

On July 7, 2019, Mandisa shared a photograph on Instagram featuring her mother carrying her as a toddler, writing that it was “a privilege and a blessing” to have Bomani as her mother.

Mandisa has pursued a career as a chef based in New York City. She is a certified cook at Shef, an online marketplace connecting food safety-certified cooks with customers in their community. She documents her multicultural culinary creations on social media, drawing inspiration from the diverse food culture she experienced growing up in San Francisco.

According to her Shef profile, Mandisa writes: “I ate my way from Mexico to Malaysia and from Nigeria to Thailand, Senegal, and Peru, all within 30 blocks.”

While not following directly in her father’s acting footsteps, Mandisa has worked behind the scenes in film production. Her IMDb profile lists her as a staff assistant on “You’ve Got Mail” (1998) and as a set costumer on “The Drummer” (2020).

Mandisa is a mother to one son named Adesola. She attended Mills College, San Francisco State University (studying history and French), and New York University.

Physical Characteristics and Personal Style

Asake Bomani stands approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 centimeters) tall. She is known for her graceful presence and confidence.

Bomani often embraces traditional African clothing with vibrant colors and patterns that reflect her pride in her heritage and love for culture. Her natural beauty, simple elegance, and cultural style represent timeless confidence and self-respect.

Impact and Legacy

Though not extensively documented in mainstream media, Asake Bomani’s contributions span multiple fields of artistic expression. Her work as co-editor of Paris Connections represents a contribution to documenting the transnational dimensions of Black cultural production and the important role of Paris as a site of artistic freedom for Black American expatriates throughout the 20th century.

Her relationship with Danny Glover coincided with and supported his rise to prominence in American cinema, making her an important figure in the backstory of one of Hollywood’s most respected Black actors. Glover’s acknowledgment of her support during his transition to acting underscores the often-unrecognized role of partners in facilitating artistic careers.

While not featuring prominently in media coverage, Bomani is occasionally mentioned in contexts involving artistic and cultural communities. Some filmmakers consider themselves “family friends with Mandisa Glover and [her mother] Asake Bomani, Danny Glover’s ex-wife,” noting that they share Thanksgiving celebrations annually.

Current Status

As of 2026, Asake Bomani, now 80 years old, lives a quiet and private life. She has no social media presence and appears to have intentionally stepped away from public attention following her high-profile marriage.

Her decision to maintain privacy after her connection to a Hollywood celebrity represents a conscious choice about visibility and public life that contrasts with contemporary celebrity culture—a reminder that significant contributions to arts and culture don’t always come with public recognition.

Conclusion

Asake Bomani represents a multifaceted figure whose cultural contributions and personal influence extend beyond her 25-year marriage to Danny Glover. As a jazz vocalist, author, and gallery owner, she cultivated creative expression across multiple domains while maintaining a private life away from media attention.

Her support for Glover during his crucial transition to acting demonstrates her role as an enabler of artistic pursuits. Her literary work exploring African American and Caribbean artists in Paris reflects her interest in documenting cultural heritage and earned her the prestigious American Book Award in 1993.

Through her daughter Mandisa, who continues to publicly acknowledge her mother’s importance, Bomani’s influence persists in a new generation. Her story provides valuable insight into the often-unseen support systems that enable artistic careers and the diverse ways cultural contributions manifest beyond the spotlight.

Her choice to maintain privacy speaks to personal values about visibility and public life—proof that significant contributions to arts and culture don’t require constant public recognition.