Denzel Washington Reveals the Toll of Daily Wine Consumption: ‘I Did a Lot of Damage’ to My Body

Over a span of 15 years, Denzel Washington struggled with alcoholism, consuming up to two bottles of wine each day. In a recent interview with Esquire, the 69-year-old actor reflected on his excessive drinking, which he admitted "did a lot of damage" to his health.

Washington shared that the habit began after he moved into a home with a 10,000-bottle wine cellar. He developed a taste for fine wines and started popping open expensive bottles, often ordering just two at a time to control his intake. He recalled a period where he would indulge in his passion for wine immediately after finishing filming, even if he never drank while working on set.

His relationship with alcohol began early in life while hanging out with friends, although he never became addicted to harder drugs. Over time, his wine tastings morphed into a dependence, culminating in his two-bottle-a-day routine.

Notably, during the filming of Flight, where he portrayed an alcoholic pilot, he was sober while on set but returned to drinking once the project was complete. Washington sees his experience in that role as potentially therapeutic, connecting with those who faced addiction.

Now celebrating nearly ten years of sobriety, he acknowledges that his past has left its mark on his body. However, he emphasizes that he has made significant lifestyle changes, including working with a trainer and improving his diet, striving to achieve a healthier weight and physical fitness.

As he approaches his 70th birthday, Washington feels revitalized and ready to embrace this new chapter of his life, inspired by his mother’s longevity and hoping for many more fulfilling years ahead.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!