Why Denzel Washington Says ‘Forget Alcohol’ — The Discipline Behind His 10-Year Sobriety

Denzel Washington, the two-time Oscar-winning actor known for his commanding presence on screen, has recently revealed a deeply personal victory: he has been sober for 10 years. Marking this milestone in December 2024, Washington, now 70, shared candid reflections on his decade-long journey to prioritizing health, discipline, and clarity after years of daily drinking.

In a revealing cover story for Esquire, Washington opened up about how his relationship with alcohol, specifically wine, escalated during the late 1990s. What began as a passion for collecting rare bottles quickly morphed into a routine habit. “I’d order $4,000 bottles from Gil Turner’s [Fine Wines & Spirits] on Sunset,” he admitted, “but I’d limit it to two bottles a day, to try and control it.”

For 15 years, this pattern quietly followed him through his film career. “Wine is very tricky,” Washington reflected. “It’s slow. I wasn’t strung out, but I drank daily. Especially after finishing a film.” Though the drinking didn’t appear to affect his work outwardly, he now acknowledges the toll it took on his body. “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body,” he confessed in multiple interviews.

The turning point came around age 60, when Washington realized the impact of his habit not only on his health but also on his personal life. His wife, Pauletta, would sometimes question his wine orders, prompting moments of reflection. These conversations planted seeds that eventually led him to quit drinking altogether.

Today, a decade into sobriety, Washington’s focus is firmly on wellness and discipline. In early 2024, he began working with a personal trainer, aiming to reach a target weight of 185 pounds—down from the “190-something” pounds he had been carrying. He’s replaced wine with healthy, home-cooked meals and a renewed commitment to strength. “Forget alcohol,” he declared. “Strength. I’m doing the best I can.”

Washington’s candidness arrives amid a broader cultural conversation about health and addiction, particularly among public figures. His story is one of resilience—not just restraint—demonstrating that even icons known for their powerful roles grapple with personal challenges and transformation.

As he nears his 70th birthday on December 28, 2024, Denzel Washington celebrates more than a lasting career. He celebrates clarity, strength, and a life reclaimed through discipline and honesty—a testament to the power of change at any stage.