Denzel Washington's Journey with Alcohol

In a recent candid interview with Esquire, Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington shared his transformative journey over the past decade and opened up about his past struggles with alcohol. As he prepares for his role in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator II, Washington has not only focused on his fitness regime but has also reflected deeply on his life choices that led to a 10,000-bottle wine cellar and a long battle with wine.

The Rise of His Alcohol Dependence

Washington recounted that his serious drinking began in the late 1990s when he found himself indulging in expensive wines. 'Wine was my thing,' he admitted. In a startling confession, he revealed that he often ordered $4,000 bottles, calling up Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits to have 'two bottles' delivered at a time. 'I realized if I ordered more, I’d drink more. So two was my limit,' he explained, noting that he would consume both bottles in a single day.

Building a Wine Cellar

He built an impressive wine cellar in his home, housing up to 10,000 bottles, as he initially justified his habit with notions of sophisticated wine tastings. 'At first, it was about enjoying the best,' he recalls, but he soon recognized that he was masking his growing dependence on alcohol.

Turning Point: A Life-Changing Decision

Ten years ago, Denzel made a life-changing decision to quit drinking entirely. Reflecting on his past, he noted, 'I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. But I’ve been clean for ten years this December.' He stopped drinking at 60 and hasn't had a drop since. The change has opened new opportunities for him, particularly as he embraces the wisdom of aging. 'Things are opening up for me now—like being 70. It’s okay. This is the last chapter,' Washington contemplated, referencing his mother's longevity, who lived to 97.

Preparing for Gladiator II

As he gears up for Gladiator II, where he plays a ruthless power broker, many believe Washington’s performance could lead him to yet another Oscar nomination. However, he expressed a disinterest in awards, revealing the bitterness stemming from a past loss to Kevin Spacey for The Hurricane in 2000. 'That experience stuck with me. I went home and drank that night,' he reflected, admitting that the recognition from Hollywood did not shape his feelings toward acting.

Struggles with Bitterness

Despite the accolades he has received, including an Oscar win for Training Day and four additional nominations, Washington revealed that he faced a struggle with bitterness for years, keenly felt during a period marked by his drinking habits. He distanced himself from the awards circuit, saying, 'They don’t care about me? I don’t care.'

Embracing Life Beyond Alcohol

Now, ten years sober, Washington is committed to embracing life, focusing on health, and exploring what the future holds for him. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of confronting one’s demons.