Scarlett Johansson Opens Up About Past Smoking Habit: “I’m So Ashamed” and What She Wants to Keep from Her Kids
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In a heartfelt and candid moment during a March 2022 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Scarlett Johansson revealed a personal struggle she hopes to keep hidden from her children—her past smoking habit. The actress, widely recognized for her roles in films like Black Widow, shared her deep regret and parental concerns in a rapid-fire interview segment called “The Final 5.”
Johansson, mother to daughter Rose (born 2014) and son Cosmo (born 2021), admitted, “I used to smoke when I was younger and I’m so ashamed.” She went on to emphasize the protective message she wants to pass on: “I just don’t want her to ever think that I ever thought it was cool ’cause she can never, ever, ever smoke.”
This revelation resonated widely, covered by major outlets including People, The Independent, and SheKnows, all highlighting Johansson’s vulnerability and her determination to shield her children from the health risks and social pressures associated with smoking. The actress even humorously noted her parental approach: “’Cause that’s what you do. You forbid your kids from doing things and then they don’t do them,” signaling her firm stance against smoking.
Since the disclosure, no updates or contradictions have surfaced as of mid-2025, with later interviews focusing more on her children’s privacy rather than revisiting her smoking past. This ongoing consistency underscores the sincerity and importance Johansson places on this issue.
The actress’s admission not only adds a relatable, humanizing layer to her public image but also aligns with broader public health efforts discouraging smoking. It offers a rare glimpse into the personal regrets that even celebrities carry—and their hopes to break negative cycles for the next generation.
For Scarlett Johansson, the message is clear: protecting her children from the mistakes of her past is a priority, rooted in love, honesty, and the desire to guide them toward healthier choices.
