In a candid discussion, Hollywood star Denzel Washington has admitted to his past battles with alcohol addiction, specifically citing a gradual escalation in wine consumption that impacted his health and finances.
According to the New York Post, Denzel Washington has publicly addressed how overcoming his alcohol dependency was critical to his personal and professional life as he approaches his 70th birthday.
The award-winning actor, known for his powerful on-screen presence, began to see wine as a harmless pleasure. This perception of indulgence started subtly after he turned 60; Washington described wine's grip on him as a "very slow" process, contrasting sharply with more abrupt dependencies associated with harder substances.
However, Washington discerned the sinister nature of his "ideal idea" of wine tastings and fine vintages. He admitted that his initial interest in wine wasn't problematic and even appeared cultured and sophisticated, with sessions dedicated to savoring high-quality bottles.
As his taste developed, Washington's spending on luxurious wines skyrocketed. He recounted learning to appreciate, and subsequently only desire, the finest wines, leading him to regularly consume bottles priced in the thousands.
"I learned to drink the best. So I’m gonna drink my '61s and my '82s and whatever we had. Wine was my thing, and now I was popping $4,000 bottles just because that's what was left," Washington said, recalling how he would adjust his spending to accommodate his expensive habit.
The high costs were justified in his mind by the quality he consumed. During stretches away from the camera, he found himself ordering more, equating time off with an opportunity to indulge greatly. "And then later in those years I’d call Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits on Sunset Boulevard and say, ‘Send me two bottles, the best of this or that,'" he shared.
Despite never drinking during film preparations or shooting, Washington acknowledged that his consumption became excessive. This pattern became particularly pronounced on his breaks between filming, when he noted, "However many months of shooting, bang, it’s time to go. Then, boom. Three months of wine, then time to go back to work."
Realization dawned as he approached the latter part of his sixth decade. He openly admitted the severe impact his drinking had on his health. "I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see. I’ve been clean," he said, reflecting on his journey towards sobriety which began earnestly in December 2014.
The actor explained that this decision came about as he reflected on his past actions and their consequences on his well-being. He emphasized, "I'm sure I did as soon as I finished. That was getting toward the end of the drinking, but I knew a lot about waking up and looking around, not knowing what happened."
Now nearly a decade sober, Washington looks to his future, especially as he prepares to enter his 70th year on December 28. He views this milestone as both an achievement and a serious point of reflection. "Things are opening up for me now — like being seventy. It’s real. And it’s okay," he expressed with a tone of acceptance and anticipation.
Washington compares his longevity prospects with those of his family, particularly his mother who lived to be 97. "This is the last chapter — if I get another thirty, what do I want to do? My mother made it to ninety-seven. I’m doing the best I can," he stated, embracing the stage of life he has entered with a mix of hope and realism.
Amidst these revelations, fans will soon see Washington in a new light on the big screen, as his latest project, "Gladiator II," is set to release tomorrow, providing a fresh context to the actor's enduring legacy. This role comes as he continues to navigate the complex interplay of his public persona and private struggles, underlining a career and life marked by profound transitions and recovery.
