Denzel Washington, the legendary actor known for his powerful performances, has candidly shared his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
In a recent interview with Esquire, the 69-year-old Oscar winner reflected on his past habits, admitting he has “done a lot of damage” to his body.
However, Washington also revealed that he’s been sober for nearly 10 years, giving hope to those battling similar demons.
Washington’s journey into substance use began with something seemingly innocent—wine. “Wine is very tricky. It’s very slow.
It ain’t like, boom, all of a sudden,” he explained. His casual enjoyment of wine turned into an expensive hobby, with Washington developing a taste for the finest bottles.
“I learned to drink the best,” he said. His wine cellar grew massive, and he would spend thousands of dollars on rare bottles. “I was popping $4,000 bottles just because that’s what was left,” Washington shared.
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Despite his heavy drinking at home, the actor was careful never to indulge while working. “I never drank while I was working or preparing,” he stated, noting that he could balance both drinking and professional responsibilities.
However, during breaks from filming, wine would become his escape.
Washington’s journey to sobriety began in 2014, after his 60th birthday. He realized the toll alcohol had taken on his body, admitting, “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body.
We’ll see. I’ve been clean.” Now, approaching his 70th birthday, Washington is focused on the future, acknowledging that his next batch of films will be his last before retirement.
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His candidness about his past struggles serves as a reminder of the power of self-reflection and recovery.
Washington has not only conquered his personal battles but has also come out stronger, with his eyes set on a fulfilling future.