Denzel Washington is nearly 10 years sober: Drug, alcohol use led to ‘a lot of damage’
As a seasoned movie-goer with decades of cinematic memories under my belt, I must say that Denzel Washington‘s journey is not just a tale of Hollywood success but a testament to human resilience and personal growth. His 10-year sobriety milestone is a beacon of hope for many who may be struggling with similar battles.
Denzel Washington will celebrate more than just the holidays this December.
In an interview with Esquire, the two-time Academy Award winner is set to celebrate a significant achievement in his recovery: ten years without using alcohol or drugs. He reflected on his past struggles with substance abuse, stating that he had inflicted a lot of harm on his body in the process.
He stated in an interview published on Wednesday, “I haven’t had a drop since reaching 60, and I still haven’t.” He added, “Now, opportunities are presenting themselves to me – it feels as if I’m turning 70. It’s genuine.
The star of “Training Day” and “Gladiator” shared insights about his journey with sobriety, revealing both its triumphs and tribulations, in a six-part narrative detailing pivotal moments from his life. He reminisces about his rather subdued initial experience with LSD during his childhood and discusses how he turned to alcohol as a means to deal with the disappointment of losing the 2000 Lead Actor Oscar to Kevin Spacey. Washington was nominated for “The Hurricane,” while Spacey won for his performance in “American Beauty.
Washington admitted that in the past, he felt compelled to drink and harbored resentment over losing the Oscar, but he bears no grudge against Spacey who went on to win it. Reflecting on his past, Washington referred to his excessive drinking habit, stating, “wine was my escape.” Frequently, he would purchase two bottles of wine at a time from a liquor store along Sunset Boulevard.
Washington explained, “My wife asked me, ‘Why do you always get only two?’, to which I replied, ‘If I order more, I’ll end up drinking more.’ So, I stuck with two bottles, finishing them off throughout the day.
The actor portraying Macbeth in the play stated that he abstained from alcohol during his work and preparation phases, only to resume drinking once the project was completed. “Three months of wine,” he explained, “followed by a return to work.
For fifteen years, he had a pattern of drinking, but the ‘Equalizer’ actor admitted that this habit went back much further, even before his days in Hollywood. Earlier in the interview, Washington shared a childhood memory about drug addicts from his New York neighborhood. In his own words, “That’s where it all began.” However, he clarified that he never became fully dependent on heroin, cocaine, or hard drugs.
He stated that he used drugs as frequently as others did, yet he never developed an addiction. Similarly, he never became addicted to alcohol.
2012 saw Denzel Washington take the lead in “Flight,” a movie that revolved around an airline pilot struggling with alcoholism. Following an extraordinary emergency landing where he became a hero, his drinking problem gained widespread attention. Washington mentioned that this film came during the later stages of his drinking and inspired him to reflect on individuals battling addiction. Apart from quitting alcohol and drugs, Washington also revealed that he began prioritizing his physical fitness under the guidance of a personal trainer suggested by his friend, Lenny Kravitz, a renowned musician.
After over a decade of staying sober and the premiere of “Gladiator II” this coming Friday, Washington expresses that there’s even more to be proud of in this year. His children, John David, Malcom, and Katia, collaborated on their movie titled “The Piano Lesson,” which he also produced. The concluding part of Washington’s feature article focuses on a significant incident from the film’s festival screening.
Speaking about his greatest sense of pride, Washington stated that nothing he’s achieved compares. Instead, it’s our kids that stand out. They are genuinely kind individuals.
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2024-11-21 01:31