Denzel Washington Has Been Sober for 10 Years, Says He Used to Drink Two Bottles of Wine a Day and ‘I’ve Done Damage to the Body’

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for unraveling the intricacies of both reel and real-life stories, I find myself deeply moved by Denzel Washington‘s recent revelation about his 10-year sobriety journey. His candid confession serves as a poignant reminder that even the most seemingly invincible figures are not immune to personal battles.


Denzel Washington shared with Esquire magazine that he’s been sober for ten years now. He stopped consuming alcohol at the age of 60, ending a fifteen-year drinking habit that began in the late 1990s. In his own words, he wasn’t addicted to alcohol per se, but found himself drinking almost every day for over a decade. An interesting fact is that he even constructed a wine cellar holding 10,000 bottles back in 1999.

Washington admitted, “I used to be a wine enthusiast, but now I found myself drinking expensive bottles, simply because they were available. Later on, in those years, I’d frequently request two high-end bottles from Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits on Sunset Boulevard, saying, ‘Send me the best of this or that.’ My wife often questioned why I only ordered two, and I explained it was to prevent myself from drinking more. So, I limited myself to two bottles, finishing them both throughout the day.

Washington shared that his initial concept of wine tastings and the like was accurate at first, but there was a subtle twist. Essentially, he admitted to consuming top-notch wines regularly. However, he had deceived himself into believing alcohol wasn’t a problem when in truth, he was drinking about two bottles of wine each day.

The Academy Award winner expressed that they’ve caused significant harm to their body, but time will tell. They clarified that they have been sober for a decade now and haven’t had a drop since turning 60. Now, at 70, opportunities are arising for them, which feels authentic and acceptable. This is the final stage of their life, but if they are fortunate to live another 30 years, they wonder what they would like to accomplish. Their mother lived to be 97.

Beyond giving up alcohol, Washington also mentioned that he’s adopted a healthier diet and is working with a fitness trainer to achieve the fittest self he can be.

Washington shared, “I’m giving my best in every situation, and let’s ignore the past mistakes regarding alcohol. What matters now is strength. Approximately two years ago, my close friend and ‘little brother’, Lenny Kravitz, suggested I work with a trainer. He connected me, and this man of faith has been instrumental in my life since then. We started working together last February, and he prepares my meals too. Currently, I weigh around 190 pounds but aim to reach 185. When I look at old photos of myself and Pauletta at the Academy Awards for Macbeth, I realize how overweight I was with that dyed hair. I decided then, Those days are gone. I feel like I’m regaining my strength, and being strong is crucial.

Head over to Esquire’s website to read Washington’s cover story in its entirety.

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2024-11-20 23:46