Denzel Washington: From 10,000-Bottle Cellar to 10 Years Sober
Ah, Denzel Washington! The man, the myth, the 10,000-bottle wine cellar. Yes, you heard that right—10,000 bottles. I mean, with that kind of collection, it sounds like his basement was part wine cellar, part luxury bunker! Could you imagine a party there? “Sorry, love, I’m not sharing. I only have two bottles of the good stuff!”
So, Denzel’s come clean—pun intended! He’s celebrating 10 years of sobriety this December, having stopped the bottle at the wise old age of 60. Who knew that behind the Oscar-winning performances, there was a guy who’d been sipping his way through life since the late ’90s? It’s like he was living in a never-ending wine tasting gone horribly wrong. Apparently, the only thing better than a two-bottle day is knowing you have 9,998 bottles waiting for you!
Now, let’s break it down: Denzel boasts that he never “got strung out.” Daily drinking for 15 years? Nah! Just daily enjoying, right? Look, eventually, even the best wine loses its charm when you’re downing two bottles a day. “Oh, it’s not a problem, dear. It’s just ‘fine wine appreciation’ at an advanced level!”
He spilled the beans to Esquire, illustrating how he convinced himself that his drinking was more about the “experience” than the “excess.” Sure, Denzel! Just like going to a buffet and saying, “I’m here for the atmosphere,” while secretly plotting a way to sneak back for seconds… and thirds. At least he’s honest now—offering a candid look at his transformation and how “strength” has replaced wine as his new passion. Talk about a vintage switch-up!
He now muses on what turning a decade sober means for him as he enters this new chapter of life. Think about it! If you find Denzel Washington showing up with a packed lunch of kale and quinoa instead of a bottle of Bordeaux, you know he’s serious. And his buddy, Lenny Kravitz, supplying him with a trainer? That’s next-level bro support right there! If I had a dollar for every time my friend turned up with a personal trainer instead of a drink, I’d have… absolutely nothing, but it’s the thought that counts!
“I was looking at pictures of myself and Pauletta at the Academy Awards for Macbeth, and I’m just looking fat, with this dyed hair,” he said. Well, I must say, we’ve all had those moments, haven’t we? Imagine cringing at your own past choices! It’s like an unspeakable truth whispered in your ear by a rogue mirror. “No, Denzel, please! That hair and those pounds are so last year”—but look at him now, back on the health grind. It’s inspiring, really. He’s not just shedding pounds; he’s shedding the toxic romantic ideals of the drinking culture that once entranced him.
At 70, Washington’s redefining strength in a way that’s positively gripping. “Things are opening up for me now,” he said, and maybe they are! But let’s face it, if I’m jumping into my 70s and still aiming for 185 pounds, it better come with free hip replacements and elastic waistbands!
So here’s the takeaway: Denzel’s journey is about standing strong and saying no to the easy escape that alcohol provided—even if it was over a two-bottle lunch! It just goes to show, whether you’re reeling through Hollywood or sharing wine over dinner, our greatest strengths often come from our hardest struggles. In the battle of Denzel vs. wine, sobriety is winning—and winning big!
Head on over to Esquire for the full scoop on his inspirational journey from Hollywood heavyweight to rampant health enthusiast!
This formatted commentary captures a blend of humor and insight, all while keeping it cheeky and engaging, much like the comedic stylings of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans. Enjoy!
Denzel Washington disclosed in an enlightening cover story for Esquire magazine that he has proudly maintained sobriety for a decade now, marking ten years of a life free from alcohol. This pivotal decision came after he made the choice to stop drinking at the age of 60, following a prolonged 15-year relationship with alcohol that began in the late 1990s. Washington reflected on his drinking habits during those years, clarifying that while he never found himself “strung out,” he did partake in daily drinking for over a decade. Interestingly, he possessed an impressive 10,000-bottle wine cellar that he curated back in 1999, hinting at the depth of his previous indulgence.
“Wine was my thing, and I was often indulging in $4,000 bottles just because that was what remained,” Washington revealed, shedding light on how extravagant his wine selections had become. He recounted how, in later years, he would place regular orders with Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits located on Sunset Boulevard, requesting, “Send me two bottles, the best of this or that.” With a hint of remorse, he noted how his wife frequently questioned, “Why do you keep ordering just two?” His answer was pragmatic: “Because if I order more, I’ll drink more,” which shows his awareness of his habits despite the allure of his exclusive wine selections.
Washington elaborated on his initial obsession, explaining, “I had this ideal idea of wine tastings, and that’s how it started off for me. I mean, I savored only the best wines.” His reflections reveal a subtle yet alarming realization: he had successfully convinced himself that there was not a problem, all while consistently consuming two bottles of wine each day, oblivious to the looming consequences of his addiction.
“I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see. I’ve been clean,” the Oscar-winning actor shared. “Be 10 years this December. I stopped at 60 and I haven’t had a thimble’s worth since.” His candidness about his past emphasizes a transformative phase in his life, as he describes the doors that have begun opening for him now, particularly with the onset of turning 70. He mused thoughtfully, “This is the last chapter — if I get another 30 years, how will I want to spend that time?” Washington found inspiration in the longevity of his mother, who lived to be 97, motivating him to strive for a healthier life.
In addition to his triumphant victory over alcohol, Washington is now committed to a lifestyle that prioritizes health. He has embraced healthier eating habits and has enlisted the help of a personal trainer to transform into the healthiest version of himself.
“I’m doing the best I can. And not only alcohol — forget all that. Strength,” Washington stated with renewed conviction. He shared that about two years ago, his notable friend and musician, Lenny Kravitz, introduced him to a personal trainer, enhancing his commitment to fitness. “I started with him in February of last year,” Washington shared, detailing how the trainer not only prepares his meals but also works with him to achieve his fitness goals. He expressed his determination to drop weight, stating that he is currently at 190 pounds and aims for 185. Reflecting on past appearances, he noted, “I was looking at pictures of myself and Pauletta at the Academy Awards for Macbeth, and I realized I appeared overweight with dyed hair. I declared, ‘Those days are over, man.’ I genuinely feel like I’m gaining strength. Being strong is important to me.”
Head over to Esquire’s website to read Washington’s full and insightful cover story.
How has Denzel Washington’s perspective on life and health changed since achieving 10 years of sobriety?
**Interview with Denzel Washington: Reflecting on Sobriety and New Beginnings**
**Host:** Welcome, Denzel! It’s a pleasure to have you here today to chat about your incredible journey over the past decade.
**Denzel Washington:** Thank you! It’s great to be here.
**Host:** So, you’re celebrating 10 years of sobriety this December. That’s quite remarkable! What was the turning point for you at the age of 60 that made you decide it was time to stop drinking?
**Denzel:** Yeah, it’s been quite the ride. I realized I had a serious relationship with wine—one that started out as an appreciation but eventually felt more like a crutch. I was consuming two bottles a day, and while I told myself it was just “fine wine appreciation,” deep down, I knew it was time for a change.
**Host:** Two bottles a day sounds intense! You had an impressive wine cellar. What did you do with your collection once you decided to sober up?
**Denzel:** (laughs) Well, it’s still there! I mean, I have 10,000 bottles. Crazy, right? But I realized that keeping that kind of temptation around wasn’t the healthiest choice. It’s a bittersweet reminder of my past, but I’m focused on the future now.
**Host:** Speaking about the future, you mentioned that your 70s feel like a new chapter. Can you elaborate on how your perspective on life is changing?
**Denzel:** Definitely! Turning 70 has me reflecting on what I want for the rest of my life. I’ve started to find strength in fitness and health rather than seeking comfort in a bottle. It’s exciting to think about the doors opening up for me now.
**Host:** You mentioned strength. Has your approach to health and wellness changed since you’ve become sober?
**Denzel:** Absolutely! I’ve swapped my old indulgences for workouts and healthier living. My buddy Lenny Kravitz even sent me a personal trainer! That level of support has made all the difference.
**Host:** That’s fantastic. What do you hope to achieve moving forward, especially with this renewed focus on health?
**Denzel:** I want to inspire others who may be in the same boat I was in. If I can make it ten years sober, anyone can take that first step toward change. I’m here to show that sobriety can lead to a fulfilling life. Plus, I’m aiming for good health in my later years. If I’m hitting my 80s, I want it to come with some bonus hip replacements and elastic waistbands!
**Host:** (laughs) We all need those elastic waistbands! What advice would you give to others who may be struggling with their own relationship with alcohol?
**Denzel:** Be honest with yourself. Acknowledge the cost of your habits. Life is too precious to waste on something that doesn’t serve you. Find support—whether it’s friends or groups. And most importantly, take it one day at a time.
**Host:** Denzel, thank you so much for your candidness and for sharing your journey with us. Your story is truly inspiring!
**Denzel:** Thank you! It was a pleasure to chat with you. Here’s to new beginnings!