John Goodman on losing 100 pounds: exercise good, alcohol bad, new clothes already too big [Updated]
John Goodman's been noticeably skinnier of late on "Treme" and in that maybe-not-so-controversial "Be the One" Gulf Coast restoration video. About 100 pounds skinnier, in case you were keeping track.
Goodman just shared a few of his tips with People: He quit drinking three years ago, hired a health coach, exercises six days a week now and doesn't eat sugar.
The Emmy nominee said in the July Men's Health that his transformation started after he played Santa Claus in a 2006 TV movie and didn't like what he saw. (Decide for yourself -- there's a picture from that film at the bottom of this post.)
"For years, at Christmas-time I'd get fed up and make a resolution, and I'd lose 60 pounds, 65 pounds," he said. "And then I was off to the races again in the summer. I'd just eat whatever I want, and the big key was drinking. I'm an alcoholic."
About his workouts, Goodman told People, "I'm breaking a sweat but I'm not going nuts." Those workouts, he told Men's Health, include cardio on the elliptical machine and recumbent bike, strength training with resistance bands, and boxing twice a week.
[Updated at 1:54 p.m. Aug. 9: For those commenters wondering about the speed of Goodman's weight loss: According to a June article in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Goodman has been working with fitness coach Mackie Shilstone since shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, with "accelerated progress" since "Treme" began filming in March 2009.]
And about the clothes? Some "nice slacks" he just ordered finally came, he told People, and they're already too big.
Better not shop too early for that Emmy Awards tux, John.
-- Christie D'Zurilla
Top photo: John Goodman in the Treme district of New Orleans on May 24, 2010. Credit: Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times
Lower photo: John Goodman with Delta Burke as Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the 2006 NBC movie "The Year Without a Santa Claus." Credit: Paul Drinkwater / NBC
You mark that frame an 8 and you're entering a world of pain.
Posted by: John | Aug 06, 2010 at 11:44 AM
See that? It's possible even without the Hollywood Dietary supplements. If working out and eating right is good enough for John Goodman, it's good enough for anyone. Put away the diet pills and the laxatives. Forget Slim Fast and other so called weight loss miracles. Just eat right and work out.
Posted by: Heather | Aug 06, 2010 at 11:46 AM
He got that perfectly: Watch what you eat (and drink!), exercise. Great job, John =)
Posted by: Michelle | Aug 06, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Congratulations for taking control of your life.
Posted by: JM | Aug 06, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Lose 100lbs, age 100 years...yeesh!
Posted by: xicanoboy1331 | Aug 06, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Good For you Handsome!
Posted by: WOW | Aug 06, 2010 at 01:05 PM
So he didnt like what he saw in July? Is that the first time he ever looked at himself? He never was a slim guy. I am very happy for him however and wish him the best. John, you just added decades to your life, bravo!
Posted by: Big George | Aug 06, 2010 at 01:36 PM
He's always been a favorite actor of my and im happy to see hes healthy and happy!!
Posted by: Steven Riddle | Aug 06, 2010 at 01:45 PM
Good for you Mr. Goodman.
I'm happy to hear it because we want you around for a long, long time. Your talent, humor and sweet, handsome face are appreciated MORE THAN YOU KNOW AND WE WANT MORE OF IT!!!!!
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!!
Posted by: Patti | Aug 06, 2010 at 01:53 PM
As a big fan of John Goodman I couldn't be happier.
Posted by: sailbyme | Aug 06, 2010 at 02:07 PM
"I'll show you the life of the elliptical!!!"
Posted by: Josh H. Pille | Aug 06, 2010 at 02:26 PM
God love 'em! Now he can stay alive and continue to spread his unique form of joy!
Posted by: patrick shields | Aug 06, 2010 at 02:47 PM
John,
You are one of my favorites. I am so pleased to see you happy and healthy. You will inspire many. Keep it up and be around and in front of the cameras for a very long time. Sincerely, a devoted fan
Posted by: LisaChristine | Aug 06, 2010 at 02:54 PM
Smokey, my friend, you are entering a world of pain.
Posted by: eddie | Aug 06, 2010 at 03:18 PM
Congrats Mr Goodman ur awesome, luvd watching you on "Roseanne" also the repeats on Tv Land they just replace it with that dumb "Nanny" show with that whiney lady??
WEll good luck John. i really need to follow ur foot steps with the weight damn!!
Posted by: ronaldo | Aug 06, 2010 at 03:19 PM
Awesome! I always have considered Goodman to be a very attractive man.
Go John!
Posted by: Tee | Aug 06, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Thanks for getting healthy, Mr. Goodman. I saw you last year on Broadway in Waiting for Godot and I was very concerned for your health. I'm glad you're getting better.
Posted by: Victor R | Aug 06, 2010 at 05:01 PM
Bravo! Very nice, Mr Goodman.
Posted by: Bernard Hudson MD PC | Aug 07, 2010 at 02:23 PM
Congrats John Goodman I like all of your work and you look healthier with all the fat off. I bet you feel a heck of a lot better too.
Posted by: Vashti | Aug 07, 2010 at 02:25 PM
FINALLY HE LISTEN TO THE DOCTORS. KEEP IT UP DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LEXUSRY | Aug 07, 2010 at 04:26 PM
He just won't look as scary walking down a hall, shotgun in hand, with that slim body. But, good for him. As you get older, the weight (not to mention the booze) will actually kill you quicker.
Posted by: JC | Aug 07, 2010 at 06:26 PM
His neck look like sleeve of wizard.
Posted by: Talix | Aug 07, 2010 at 06:56 PM
Calories In = Calories Out
simple...
Posted by: Jack C NYC | Aug 07, 2010 at 08:28 PM
WOW. i would just like to point out he did this NOT by cutting out fat, as the conventional diet dogma suggests, but by cutting out sugar (and its close relative alcohol). way to go john!!! i've always loved your acting and thought you were a good-looking man; now you're smokin'! :-)
Posted by: r. | Aug 07, 2010 at 09:02 PM
Careful man there's a beverage here.
Posted by: Joe | Aug 07, 2010 at 09:26 PM