Denzel Washington Opens Up About 10 Years of Sobriety and Past Alcohol Struggles

Denzel Washington, the acclaimed actor known for powerhouse roles in films like Gladiator II and Training Day, has spoken candidly about his decade-long journey of sobriety and the heavy toll his past drinking habits took on his health. In a revealing interview with Esquire in November 2024, Washington shared details of his struggle with alcohol, his commitment to recovery, and his renewed focus on health as he approaches his 70th birthday.

A Decade of Sobriety

Washington’s sobriety began in December 2014. As of November 2024, he was nearly 10 years sober—a milestone he marked with pride and reflection. “I’ve been clean … ten years this December,” he told Esquire, highlighting the significance of this achievement after years of battling addiction.

A History of Heavy Drinking

Washington’s struggles with alcohol spanned approximately 15 years, beginning in the late 1990s. During this time, he developed an intense habit of drinking up to two bottles of wine a day. His passion for wine went beyond casual drinking; in 1999, he built a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, often indulging in high-end bottles worth thousands of dollars. To control his intake, he adopted the strategy of ordering just two bottles at a time from Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits on Sunset Boulevard, explaining, “If I order more, I’ll drink more.”

Despite this, Washington maintained a strict boundary around his work, never drinking during filming or preparation for roles. Instead, he reserved drinking for after projects wrapped. He described wine as a particularly “tricky” addiction—slow and subtle—compared to harder drugs like heroin and cocaine, which he tried but never became addicted to.

Health Impact and Reflections

Washington openly acknowledged the physical damage caused by his years of drinking. “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see,” he said candidly. Yet, approaching 70, he expressed optimism about his health and future. “Things are opening up for me now — like being 70. It’s real. And it’s OK.”

A Renewed Focus on Fitness

Since quitting alcohol, Washington has taken proactive steps to improve his health. About two years before the interview, his friend Lenny Kravitz introduced him to a trainer, and since February 2023, Washington has been committed to regular workouts. Currently weighing around 190 pounds, he aims to reach 185 pounds, eating healthier and feeling stronger. This commitment is part of his broader goal to embrace what he calls his “last chapter” and strive for longevity, inspired by his mother’s long life—she lived to 97.

Sobriety and Career

Washington’s sobriety journey parallels his recent film projects, including Gladiator II, where he notably lost weight for the role, aided by his improved lifestyle. He reiterated his professional discipline, noting that he never drinks while working on films, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on his craft.

His wife, Pauletta Washington, played a supportive role in his journey. She challenged him when he ordered two bottles of wine, encouraging him to control his consumption—a nudge that helped him recognize the extent of his drinking.

Denzel Washington’s openness about his past struggles and his decade of sobriety offers a powerful message of resilience and self-awareness. As he embraces healthier habits and continues his celebrated career, Washington stands as a testament to the possibility of transformation at any stage in life.