Denzel Washington candidly opened up about his journey to sobriety, revealing that come December 2024, he’ll be marking ten years without touching wine.
In a recent chat with Esquire, the iconic actor detailed his past struggles with alcohol, which began after he and his wife, Pauletta, constructed a lavish 10,000-bottle wine cellar in their home back in 1999. It sparked a habit of indulging in two bottles of high-end wine daily, a routine that continued for 15 years.
Denzel confessed to temporarily halting his drinking during film preparations and shoots, only to resume as soon as he wrapped up his projects. This cycle persisted, taking a toll on his body as he indulged in the finest ’61s and ’82s the cellar offered.
Despite this past, Denzel never fell into deeper drug dependencies. “I shot dope just like they shot dope,” he shared, but he assured that he never got ‘strung out.’ Even with his heavy wine consumption, he maintained a semblance of control.
Reflecting on switching to sobriety, Denzel admits the habit caused considerable damage, physically, acknowledging he’s made significant progress over the years. He’s embraced a new lifestyle, bringing his family and career along for the ride.
Amusingly, his wife questioned his habit of purchasing only two bottles at a time, to which he humorously replied, “Because if I order more, I’ll drink more.” The actor, who stars as Macrinus in the upcoming ‘Gladiator II,’ continues to shine in his cinematic career without the haze of alcohol.
Denzel Washington’s decade-long journey to sober living is a testament to transformation. Though once tethered to a costly wine habit, he now stands as a symbol of resilience and perseverance, inspiring many with his story.
