At 69, Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, is looking back on his life and career, reflecting candidly on his past struggles with alcohol and drugs. In a revealing interview with *Esquire* magazine, Washington admits that his past vices did significant damage to his body, but he’s proud to be sober for nearly a decade. His honesty about the impact of those years, including the slow descent into alcoholism, is a sobering reminder that even the most successful individuals are not immune to the pressures of addiction.
Washington’s journey with alcohol began innocently enough, with wine. “Wine is very tricky,” the actor explained. “It’s very slow. It ain’t like, boom, all of a sudden.” For Washington, wine didn’t just start as a casual indulgence—it became an obsession. He recalls a time when he was spending thousands of dollars on expensive bottles, boasting a massive wine cellar at home. “I drank the best,” he said, referring to high-end bottles like 1961s and 1982s. His habit grew to the point where he’d place orders for $4,000 bottles of wine just to feed his growing addiction.
Yet, Washington is quick to clarify that he never fell into the trap of hard drugs. “I never got strung out on heroin. Never got strung out on coke,” he stated. Instead, his vice was more subtle, creeping in over time with wine as his crutch. “I had this ideal idea of wine tastings and all that,” he confessed. “Wine was my thing.” Even as he indulged in this expensive hobby, he maintained a semblance of control—at least when it came to his work. “I never drank while I was working or preparing,” he noted. “I could do both.”
But the actor admitted that his personal life was a different story. Washington would often go on extended drinking binges after completing a film. “After however many months of shooting, boom, three months of wine, then time to go back to work,” he explained. Despite his alcohol consumption, he knew where to draw the line when it came to his career.
One of his most memorable roles came in the 2012 film *Flight*, where he played an alcoholic pilot. Washington reveals that while filming, he wasn’t drinking, but the role hit close to home. “I’m sure I did as soon as I finished,” he said. By then, his drinking was winding down, but he had experienced the chaotic mornings that come with overindulgence.
Washington ultimately turned his life around in December 2014, shortly after his 60th birthday. “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see,” he said, acknowledging the toll his addiction had taken. Since then, he’s been sober, reflecting on his past with a sense of gratitude for the second chance at life. With his 70th birthday fast approaching on December 28, Washington is already looking to the future, preparing for the final chapter of his career.
“I’m doing the best I can,” he said. “Things are opening up for me now—like being seventy. It’s real. And it’s okay.” Washington also revealed plans to retire after completing his next round of films, marking the end of a storied career in Hollywood. His mother lived to 97, and Washington admits he’s doing his best to live a long, fulfilling life—one that continues to inspire generations of fans.
As Washington prepares for his next chapter, his story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most accomplished individuals face battles of their own. His recovery and commitment to sobriety prove that it’s never too late to make a change, and that the most important thing is to take control of your life before it’s too late.