John Goodman has revealed that his weight once reached nearly 400 pounds as a result of "eating alcoholically" after he quit drinking. The actor shared these details in a recent interview with The New Yorker.
Goodman, now 74, began his weight-loss journey before achieving sobriety in 2007 at the age of 55. He described a cycle of losing and regaining significant weight, stating, "I’d lose 60 pounds in a summer, gain it all back — 70 pounds, 80 pounds — and that got tiring." He added that the "eating alcoholically" continued even after he stopped consuming alcohol.
He explained that his decision to get sober stemmed from a feeling of immaturity, noting that drinking "sustained that immaturity." Goodman expressed a desire to mature, stating, "I was delaying my maturation by drinking, and I had a lot of catching up to do, just realizing how selfish it made me."
Goodman underwent stomach surgery to address his weight gain after quitting alcohol, but this procedure led to other health issues, including anemia and a loss of subcutaneous fat, leaving him feeling cold frequently.
Over time, Goodman has lost approximately 200 pounds. He has been seen showcasing his transformed physique at various public events, including the Los Angeles premiere of "Digger" and a SAG-AFTRA Foundation event. In 2025, he drew attention for his significantly slimmer appearance at the premiere of "Smurfs."
Previously, Goodman had detailed his weight-loss efforts, which included working with a personal trainer, eliminating sugar from his diet, and exercising six days a week. He told People magazine in 2010 that he felt his past inactivity was a "waste" and that he wanted to "live life better."