Denzel Washington Reflects on Sobriety Journey

Denzel Washington, nearing his 70th birthday, reflects on his 15-year struggle with alcohol in a candid interview with Esquire. He recounts how his love for wine began with a lavish 10,000-bottle cellar he built in 1999, which led to extravagant purchases and a pattern of excessive drinking. Although he experimented with drugs in his youth, he never became dependent, and after turning 60, he made the decision to quit alcohol entirely, celebrating nearly a decade of sobriety this December. Washington acknowledges the damage done to his body and expresses a renewed sense of purpose as he enters this new chapter of his life, emphasizing his faith and aspirations for the future. He also shares insights about maintaining sobriety during filming and reflects on his past experiences with alcohol and drugs. This openness marks a significant moment in his career as he prepares for the release of Gladiator II.