Back in 1987, audiences were introduced to the iconic buddy-cop duo Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) in Lethal Weapon. One of the most memorable moments in the film—and a running gag throughout the franchise—was Glover’s character frequently lamenting, “I’m too old for this sh*t.” At the time, it was played for laughs, with Murtaugh being the family man and Riggs the wild card, creating a sharp contrast in their approaches to danger.
But looking back from the perspective of 2024, Danny Glover’s declaration at just 40 years old seems… well, ironic. Today, 40 is often viewed as the prime of life. Many Hollywood stars are thriving in action-packed roles well into their 50s and 60s, redefining what it means to be “too old.” Take Tom Cruise, for example, still pulling off impossible stunts at 62, or Keanu Reeves leading the John Wick franchise at 59.
In contrast, Glover’s portrayal of Murtaugh, a man begrudgingly navigating bomb threats and shootouts, while muttering about retirement, now feels almost satirical. At 40, Murtaugh would barely qualify for a midlife crisis by today’s standards! And let’s not forget—Danny Glover himself went on to star in action and dramatic roles for decades after Lethal Weapon, proving that even he wasn’t too old for it.
The line, which became a cultural touchstone, now highlights just how much perceptions of age have shifted. What once seemed like an appropriate quip for a weary detective now feels like a hilarious case of premature self-pity. In hindsight, Roger Murtaugh wasn’t too old—he was just ahead of his time.
