John Goodman, 74, has revealed that his substantial 200-pound weight loss has left his body feeling "messed up" and that he is still adjusting to his altered appearance.
Goodman, who at one point weighed close to 400 pounds before undergoing stomach surgery and subsequent weight reduction, discussed his transformation on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast. He admitted that he is "still trying to get used to my face," finding the change disorienting. "It's weird. I think of myself as one way and then I look at myself, 'Oh, wow!'" he said.
The actor recounted turning down a nude scene in the HBO show "Righteous Gemstones" due to concerns about how his body would look on camera after his significant weight loss. "I thought I was going to have to be naked in it and I said, 'I don't know. My body's too messed up losing all this weight,'" Goodman stated, though the scene was eventually completed.
Reflecting on his past, Goodman believes his former appearance might have contributed to "self-sabotage" in his career, even while he was consistently working. He noted that he tends to ignore public commentary on his appearance, recognizing it as fair game within the entertainment industry.
Goodman previously detailed how his addictive behaviors shifted from alcohol to food, contributing to his peak weight of nearly 400 pounds. After getting sober in 2007, his weight fluctuated significantly, with losses of 60 to 80 pounds being regained. "I took steps so I wouldn't have to do that anymore," he explained.
His decision to quit drinking stemmed from being "sick and tired of being sick and tired." He described a cycle of drinking, hangovers, and withdrawal symptoms that required hospitalization. Goodman felt that his drinking delayed his personal growth and made him more selfish, causing him to neglect "real life."
Following stomach surgery to address his weight gain, Goodman experienced complications, including anemia and a loss of subcutaneous fat, leaving him constantly feeling cold. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times Culture Magazine, he mentioned having to "force myself" into the gym, noting that his joints were severely impacted by his previous weight.
Goodman has since undergone two knee replacements. He expressed that weight loss injections would have been beneficial during his slimming journey, as they could have helped curb his "addiction" to food, acknowledging their potential to aid with alcohol addiction as well. He confirmed he is not currently using such treatments.
Goodman achieved world fame for his role as Dan Conner in the sitcom "Roseanne." His character's weight was often a subject of humor and plot points. By 2010, he had lost 100 pounds by cutting out sugar and exercising six days a week. He later shed over 200 pounds by 2023, marking the end of decades of alcoholism.
"Being heavier was a waste," Goodman reflected, adding jokingly, "It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your a** and figure out what you're going to eat next."