After wrapping the Lethal Weapon films, Danny Glover spent much of the past decade speaking out about social issues like education, racism, literacy and AIDS. Now, after playing a music agent in Dreamgirls, he's stepping to the bad side as a corrupt colonel in the new thriller Shooter. Glover, now 60, talked with PEOPLE's Jason Lynch about what he's learned along the way.

• I'LL NEVER FIGURE OUT HOLLYWOOD
"I have no idea about this business; it's so unpredictable. I don't know why all of a sudden I'm working now, but I love to work. And if nothing's happening in film, I just go on about my life."

• MY VOICE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY CAREER
"I grew up in a period in which men and women made a lot of sacrifices to make sure they had a voice. The responsibility I have to be a citizen, that's what's most important to me. My energy and passion come out of that."

• THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
"I still live in San Francisco, about seven blocks from where I grew up. I have a love affair with it. I like having my memory shaken and revitalized every time I'm at home."

• DIVORCE DOESN'T MEAN GOODBYE
"I was with my wife [Asake Bomani] for 27 years. I have a very good friendship with her because we're still parents and grandparents. I don't have a big sign that says, 'I'm single, here I am!'"

• FATHER KNOWS BEST
"When I was 16 or 17, I got arrested on a stolen motor scooter. My dad, whom I was already a foot taller than, came down to the precinct, looked up at me and said, 'Son, I'm so disappointed in you.' I shrunk until I was about two feet. It tore into me. That's the last time any of those shenanigans happened in my life."

• I LOVE LETHAL WEAPON
"It changed my life hugely. In whatever country I go to, I know it has an enormous impact on people. People come up to me as if I'm Sgt. Murtaugh and want to invite me over for dinner."

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