John Goodman amazed audiences at the Smurfs premiere on July 13 in Los Angeles by revealing the results of his remarkable 200-pound weight loss journey. The 73-year-old actor’s commitment to improving his health has earned him widespread praise, highlighting the impressive changes he has achieved through dedication and lifestyle shifts.
How John Goodman Achieved His Weight Loss Journey
Goodman reached a peak weight of 392 pounds before beginning his fitness transformation in 2007. Over the years, he committed to sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes, adopting a methodical approach to his health. His process included dietary adjustments, consistent physical activity, and sobriety, all contributing to his success.
Central to Goodman’s diet was the Mediterranean eating plan, which emphasizes wholesome ingredients such as fish, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, and fresh fruit, while minimizing processed foods and sugars. This diet played a key role in his ability to shed pounds steadily, with the actor once telling People magazine that eliminating sugar helped him lose 100 pounds.
It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your ass and figure out what you’re going to eat next,
Goodman said in 2010.
I wanted to live life better.
—John Goodman, Actor
Exercise became another cornerstone of Goodman’s transformation. He committed to daily routines involving six workout days per week, including walking 10,000 to 12,000 steps and using machines like elliptical trainers and treadmills. This regular physical effort was crucial for long-term weight control and boosting overall vitality.
Regarding his past eating habits, Goodman acknowledged his difficult relationship with food:
I’d have a handful of food and it’d go to my mouth. I was just eating all the time. I was just eating alcoholically.
—John Goodman, Actor
Changing Habits and Embracing Sobriety for Lasting Health
One major factor in Goodman’s sustained success was his recognition that rapid weight loss attempts often failed. Instead of short-term drastic measures, he pursued gradual improvement to avoid falling back into old patterns. This shift marked a turning point in his health journey.
In the old days, I would take three months out, lose 60 or 70 pounds, and then reward myself with a 6-pack of Bud or whatever and just go back to my old habits,
he told ABC.
Then this time I wanted to do it slowly, move, exercise. I’m getting to the age where I can’t afford to sit still anymore. And it gives me the energy to work, ’cause work is very draining.
—John Goodman, Actor
Adopting sobriety was a vital part of his transformation; cutting out alcohol improved multiple facets of his health simultaneously. Alongside this, Goodman focused heavily on portion control, learning to listen to his body’s actual needs rather than overindulging.
In 2018, when discussing this change, he stated:
It was basically just portion control and ‘I don’t need it.’ I was just shoving everything into my mouth.
—John Goodman, Actor
Goodman’s transformation extended beyond weight loss to a lifelong commitment to wellness. He shared with Howard Stern:
I took it slow. I just wanted to change my lifestyle. It’s an ongoing process for the rest of my life.
—John Goodman, Actor
Balancing Health with a Flourishing Career
The weight loss and healthy habits have accompanied John Goodman as he maintains an active career in Hollywood. At the recent Smurfs premiere at the Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, Goodman looked vibrant and energized, reflecting his renewed vigor after years of commitment.
Goodman voices Papa Smurf in the upcoming animated musical film featuring a star-studded cast, including Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, and Hannah Waddingham. The movie is scheduled for release on July 18 and marks another highlight in his ongoing career.
Following the conclusion of the seven-season run of The Conners in April 2025, where Goodman played Dan Conner, the actor continues to balance his health goals with steady professional work. His inspiring journey serves as a hopeful example for fans and others looking to undertake similar transformations.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are John Goodman and Bruce Willis still friends?
A. John Goodman and Bruce Willis have been buddies since 1979, but they didn’t work together until “Once Upon a Time in Venice.” This action-comedy is set to premiere in theaters and be available on video-on-demand on Friday, June 16.
Q. How heavy was John Goodman at his heaviest?
A. John Goodman mentioned that at one point, his weight was nearly 400 pounds. On a June 2010 episode of Late Night with David Letterman, he said he was “pushing 400” pounds at his peak weight. Goodman also shared with host David Letterman that he would lose 60 pounds every spring after finishing Roseanne, according to TV Guide.
Q. Is John Goodman a drinker?
A. One of the most admirable things about John Goodman is how he faces his alcoholism head-on. He acknowledges it as part of his life but is ready to let it go.
Q. What did John Goodman weigh at his heaviest?
A. At his highest weight, Goodman was 392 pounds before starting his fitness journey in 2007. He first showed off his 200-pound weight loss at the 62nd Monte-Carlo TV festival in June 2023.
