Denzel Washington is more than a Hollywood celebrity – he’s an icon, widely considered one of the best actors of this generation, and to many people’s surprise, in recovery from alcoholism. The 71-year-old Oscar-winning actor, who continues to release films with his newest, Highest 2 Lowest, released August of this year, opened up in 2024 about his struggles with alcohol abuse.
How Did His Alcoholism Begin?
Denzel Washington’s sobriety and addiction journey started a bit differently. While the star said he never “got strung out on coke” or even on liquor, he does admit he consumed up to two bottles a day of wine at his worst. In a 2024 interview with Esquire, Denzel said, “I had this ideal idea of wine tastings and all that, which is what it was at first. And that’s a very subtle thing.” After 15 years, Washington said his wine drinking grew to the point where he ordered two bottles of wine daily and consumed both in one day. This drinking was made even worse because the star has a personal wine cellar in his home.
The Myth that Wine is Ok
For many of us, the holiday season, special events, and stigma make it seem like wine is a safer alternative to hard liquor. There are even some that justify drinking wine for its purported heart benefits. On the contrary, Denzel Washington’s sobriety journey shows us that even wine can be deceptively dangerous. The World Health Organization states that even a small amount of alcohol, whether from wine, liquor or beer, is never safe for consumption.
Where is Denzel Washington’s Sobriety Now?
Fortunately, the Gladiator II actor said he is now 11 years sober (as of December 2025) and putting his health ahead of him. While he fears that the constant drinking may have done some damage to his body, the celebrity continues to take it in stride and, like other actors, continues to put his acting career ahead of drinking. He said, “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. And I said, ‘Those days are over, man.’ I feel like I’m getting strong. Strong is important.”
