John Goodman, beloved for his roles in films like The Big Lebowski and the TV series Roseanne, has been on an incredible journey to better health over the past two decades. After committing to sobriety in 2007, Goodman made a determined decision to turn his life around, losing nearly 200 pounds in the process.

Displaying his transformed and uplifting new look at the premiere of the latest Smurfs movie on Wednesday, Goodman captured everyone’s attention. While many praised his astounding weight loss, some fans expressed concern for his well-being on social media.

For years, John Goodman battled with his weight, reaching his heaviest at nearly 400 pounds. He shared candidly with David Letterman in 2011 about his struggles, saying, “I’d get off of Roseanne every spring. I’d lose 60 pounds every spring,” only to gain it back, and then some, each year. Goodman noted the difficulty of maintaining his weight, acknowledging it as an ongoing effort throughout his life.

After addressing his drinking issues in rehab in 2007, Goodman realized a holistic lifestyle change was necessary. He sought the expertise of Mackie Shilstone, a renowned fitness guru who previously trained tennis champion Serena Williams.

With Shilstone’s guidance, Goodman embarked on a healthier lifestyle, adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, and fruits. Additionally, Goodman committed to a consistent exercise routine, working out five to six times weekly.

John Goodman’s Inspiring Transformation

By 2010, Goodman’s efforts were paying off as he had shed over 100 pounds. “This didn’t happen overnight — it’s been an ongoing process,” Shilstone told the New York Post, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning. Goodman’s determination to embrace healthier habits was instrumental in his weight loss journey.

In a 2016 conversation with ABC, Goodman reflected on his former eating habits, saying, “I just stopped eating all the time.” He identified his past behaviors as “eating alcoholically,” admitting, “In the old days, I would take three months out, lose 60 or 70 pounds, and then reward myself with a six-pack of Bud or whatever and just go back to my old habits.”

He candidly shared, “I’m getting to the age where I can’t afford to sit still anymore. I just got tired, sick, and tired of looking at myself. You’re shaving in the mirror and you don’t want to look at yourself. It gets dangerous.”

Goodman continued to focus on maintaining a healthier lifestyle. By 2023, he revealed to Rolling Stone Magazine that he had lost an astounding 200 pounds and discovered a newfound interest in boxing. He explained, “It’s usually just an hour, hour and a half of hitting the mitts, hitting the bags, learning footwork. It’s great.”

Health Scare on Set

Even while leading a healthier life, John Goodman remains a prominent figure in Hollywood. The veteran actor, now 73, has enjoyed a variety of roles in recent years, showcasing his versatility in both live-action and animated films.

Despite his health triumphs, Goodman experienced a setback earlier this year when he had an accident on set, resulting in a hip injury. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in July, he described the incident as a “real accident.”

“We had been working on the scene for a week and a half. I wasn’t quite getting it right, and through a process, I finally made a breakthrough. But after that, we were blocking it, and I was wearing stocking feet, like I had been for the last week and a half. I was passing Tom, and my legs just went on the floor, and I came up parallel to the ground and landed on my hip. I tried to get back up, and when I couldn’t do that, I started fearing the worst. I didn’t know I had fractured it until we got X-rays,” he detailed.

Fortunately, there was a skilled doctor on set who quickly facilitated Goodman’s transfer to the Cleveland Clinic in London for surgery the following morning. His recovery kept him inactive for about a month, which he expressed as “driving me nuts.” However, he was determined to return to his beloved work and soon found himself back in action.

Public Reaction and Concerns

Despite the challenges, Goodman has been active lately, lending his voice in the latest Smurfs movie. He made a public appearance at the premiere in Los Angeles, proudly revealing his further weight loss. This time, the notable transformation left some fans both impressed and concerned.

While many followers praised Goodman for his dedication to shedding 200 pounds, some were worried about his gaunt appearance. Comments on social media included remarks like, “He looks terribly gaunt. Not good,” and “He looks horrible now.”

Others attributed his drastic change to the use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, though there is no confirmation of such claims. Despite differing opinions, fans largely commended the actor for his significant achievement.

Encouraging words such as “Wow good for him,” and “Kudos to him for losing 200 pounds” were common, showcasing the public’s admiration for Goodman’s inspirational journey. Another supporter remarked, “He looks totally different. Great job to John,” while another cheerfully exclaimed, “Bloody hell, he’s done good-oh!”

What do you think of John Goodman’s remarkable transformation? Feel free to share your thoughts with others!