Entertainment

Denzel Washington Celebrates 10 Years of Sobriety: The Shocking Truth Behind His Battle with Alcohol

2024-11-20

Author: Jacques

Hollywood legend Denzel Washington opens up about his remarkable journey to sobriety in a recent cover story with Esquire magazine.

The 68-year-old actor, who recently marked a decade of being alcohol-free, candidly revealed that he had been consuming two bottles of wine a day for nearly 15 years, a habit that he began in the late 1990s.

"I never got 'strung out' on alcohol, but I was drinking daily for over a decade," Washington stated, reflecting on his past.

In a revealing confession, he disclosed that he had even constructed a lavish 10,000-bottle wine cellar back in 1999, which became a sanctuary for his wine consumption.

Describing his relationship with wine, Washington said, "Wine was my thing. I would splurge on $4,000 bottles just because that's what was left. I would call Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits on Sunset Boulevard and ask for the best two bottles. My wife would question why I only ordered two, and I'd reply, ‘Because if I get more, I’ll drink more.’”

Despite his attempts to manage his intake, he ultimately found himself consuming both bottles over the span of a single day.

The Oscar-winning actor initially viewed wine tasting as an art form, tricking himself into believing that his drinking was merely a passion rather than a problem.

However, Washington candidly admitted, "I’ve done a lot of damage to the body." At the age of 60, he made the pivotal decision to quit drinking entirely and has not had even a thimble’s worth of alcohol since.

As he approaches his 70th birthday, Washington shared his aspirations for the future, hinting at a 'last chapter' in his life.

He is focused on making the most of his years ahead, especially given that his mother lived to 97.

In addition to his sobriety, Washington has made significant lifestyle changes.

He has embraced a healthier diet and started working out with a trainer, a suggestion from his close friend and fellow musician, Lenny Kravitz.

Washington highlighted the importance of strength training, stating, "I’m doing the best I can. It’s not just about quitting alcohol; it’s about being strong."

With every passing day, he feels rejuvenated and more in tune with his body.

"I was looking at old pictures of myself with Pauletta at the Academy Awards for Macbeth and realized I didn’t look my best. Those days are over. I feel strong, and strength is important."

Denzel Washington's inspiring transformation is a testament not only to his resilience but also to the belief that it is never too late to start anew.

With a healthier lifestyle and a clear mind, Washington is ready to face the future with optimism.