Many were shocked at Denzel Washington’s drugs and alcohol admission when the actor opened up about his past abuse. The renowned actor shared some insight into his past drug and alcohol use while reflecting on his life and career. Washington’s admission came on the heels of the release of his recent movie Gladiators II, the epic historical action movie. The actor revealed that he hoped to live a long life despite harming his body with his long-time use of drugs and alcohol.
Shocking Denzel Washington Drugs and Alcohol Admission
When fans celebrated the release of Gladiator II, one thing they didn’t imagine was Denzel Washington’s drugs and alcohol admission. However, the acclaimed actor revealed he once abused alcohol and drugs. Washington disclosed this to Esquire in an interview preceding his 70th birthday and celebrating his 10 years of sobriety. Although he tried a few substances, wine was his major weakness.
“Wine is very tricky. It’s very slow. It ain’t like, boom, all of a sudden,” the Academy Award winner divulged.
He added that it became an addiction after his family built a wine cellar.
“We built this big house in 1999 with a ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar, and 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 revealed.
Denzel Washington Never Drank While Working
The Equalizer actor could hide his drinking problem because he retained some control over it. He shared that he never drank while working, so he sometimes went three months without a bottle. However, he returned to alcohol as soon as he was finished with his projects. He also tried to limit his consumption. Washington confessed that he drank two good bottles of wine daily.
“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 said.
When his wife asked him why he kept ordering only two bottles, Washinton told her he would drink more if he ordered more than two. He also admitted that it was easy to maintain that pattern when he was younger. However, the actor noted that he was never addicted to “hard drugs, heroin, coke, or liquor.” Meanwhile, his wine abuse, which lasted about 15 years, began with wine tasting.
Denzel Washington’s Drugs and Alcohol Use Stemmed From Childhood
Denzel Washington’s drug and alcohol use was also a consequence of his childhood. The actor stated that his association with his childhood friends likely kickstarted his drug and alcohol abuse. The Training Day actor sold drugs as a child, but he only drank a little then.
“I wasn’t big on alcohol, partly because you had to sneak out and go get somebody to get it for you in Newburgh on the weekends, he said. “Not my thing—until later.”
Denzel Washington’s drug and alcohol use also affected his body. The actor has been clean for close to 10 years after years of partying hard and drinking. However, he revealed that his abuse had damaged his body. The Malcolm X actor’s mom lived to 97, so he reflected on what he would do if he got another 30 years as he looked forward to being 70.
Hopefully, Denzel Washington’s drug and alcohol use stopped early enough to reverse some damage to his body. That way, he can continue to shine the light through the dark with his talent and gift as he hopes.
#Clique, what do you think of Denzel Washington’s revelation? Let us know in the comments.
