Denzel Washington Says He Hired a Trainer After Feeling “Fat” in Oscars Photos: “Those Days Are Over”

Denzel Washington, the two-time Oscar-winning actor celebrated for his commanding performances in Macbeth, Training Day, and the upcoming Gladiator II, has revealed that an unflattering moment on the red carpet pushed him to make a lasting change in his personal life.

In a candid interview for the Winter 2024 issue of Esquire, Washington admitted that seeing himself in photos from the 2022 Academy Awards prompted a fitness overhaul. “I looked fat,” he said of the images, which also showed him with dyed hair. That realization, he explained, led to a firm resolution: “Those days are over.”

The Turning Point

Washington, who turned 70 in December 2024, has long been admired for his discipline and gravitas on and off screen. But the Oscars photos were a wake-up call. They spurred him to commit to a new fitness regimen, one that went far beyond casual exercise.

Enter the Trainer

The transformation began in February 2023, thanks to a nudge from his close friend, musician Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz introduced Washington to a personal trainer—described by the actor as “another man of God”—who not only guides his workouts but also prepares his meals. The holistic approach, Washington said, has kept him both accountable and motivated.

Reports from outlets including Hola in late 2024 detailed the trainer’s pivotal role in shaping Washington’s diet and fitness routines, underscoring that the actor has treated the process with the same seriousness he brings to his craft.

Visible Progress

Washington’s efforts have paid off. By the end of 2024, he reported weighing around 190 pounds, with a goal of reaching 185. More importantly, he shared that he feels “stronger” than he has in years. Atlanta Black Star noted his emphasis on strength and vitality as he approached his milestone birthday, portraying a man determined to age with vigor and purpose.

Staying True to Form

Washington’s decision reflects his lifelong reputation for discipline. Whether preparing for the intensity of Fences or the physical demands of The Equalizer franchise, he has always immersed himself fully in his roles. Now, he’s applying that same rigor to his personal well-being.

“I’m getting strong,” he told Esquire, a simple yet powerful affirmation from an actor whose career has long symbolized strength, resilience, and authenticity.

Looking Ahead

With Gladiator II on the horizon and his legacy firmly cemented in Hollywood, Washington’s renewed focus on health signals a new chapter—one defined not just by artistic excellence but also by longevity.

For fans, it’s a reminder that even icons face moments of self-reflection. And for Washington, it’s proof that discipline and determination can shape not only a role but a life.

Would you like me to frame this more as a health and lifestyle feature (emphasizing his transformation and wellness approach), or as an entertainment profile (tying his fitness to his preparation for major upcoming roles like Gladiator II)?