Celebrities Who Quit Smoking

Celebrities Who Quit Smoking

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). It heightens the chances of heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. Because tobacco is highly addictive, stopping can be extremely challenging — even for high-profile figures.

Continue reading to discover which famous people have swapped cigarettes for a healthier way of living.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Now known for her wellness advocacy, Gwyneth Paltrow smoked heavily during her adolescence. She once smoked up to two packs per day, and even the loss of her father to cancer in 2002 didn’t immediately make her stop. She ultimately gave up cigarettes when she learned she was pregnant with her first child.

Barack Obama

The former president picked up smoking in his teens and has described nicotine dependence as an ongoing challenge. ABC News noted that Obama pledged to stop in 2007. He used Nicorette gum to manage cravings that came with the stresses of office. He acknowledges setbacks at times, but refrains from smoking around his family. In 2009, he backed an anti-smoking measure aimed at discouraging future generations from taking up the habit.

Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart has spoken about using cigarettes to fill an emotional gap. He described smoking as something that provided temporary relief and a distraction from life’s pressures. Stewart eventually understood that although smoking offered short-term comfort, it was harmful over time and chose to stop.

Gisele Bundchen

Like many in the modeling world, Gisele Bundchen once smoked to help stay thin. In 2003 she gave up cigarettes to pursue a healthier lifestyle for herself and her family, becoming a positive example for many young women. Bundchen says she gained about 15 pounds after quitting but felt much better with her healthier physique.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones was photographed smoking late into a pregnancy in 2003. Smoking while pregnant is highly risky and can lead to premature delivery, placental issues, stillbirth, and other complications for the fetus, according to the March of Dimes. Zeta-Jones pledged to quit for the sake of her children in 2005, though she experienced several relapses before staying tobacco-free.

Michael Douglas

Actor Michael Douglas, husband of Catherine Zeta-Jones, has battled a long-term smoking habit. In 2011 he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his throat, likely linked to heavy alcohol use and smoking. During radiation therapy, smoking is strongly discouraged — as highlighted by The New England Journal of Medicine — so Douglas made a concerted effort to stop.

Jennifer Aniston

The actress, who had been a habitual smoker for years, completed an intense detox in 2007. Aniston credits yoga with helping her quit. She now keeps active and follows a healthy diet to eliminate caffeine and nicotine from her system.

Anthony Bourdain

The acclaimed chef, traveler, and candid writer smoked for nearly four decades before quitting. After his wife and he had a daughter, smoking in their apartment was no longer permitted, meaning he had to descend 11 flights of stairs each time he wanted a cigarette. Over time he realized that the effort to keep smoking outweighed continuing the habit, and he quit in 2007.

Tips to Quit Smoking

Giving up smoking is difficult, but the experiences of these celebrities show it can be done. Understanding why quitting matters and building a network of support will help you stay on course.

If you’ve resolved to stop, consider proven strategies to increase your chances of success. Quitting benefits not only your personal health but also the welfare of those around you. For information on related risks and behaviors, see resources like smoking and strep throat and guidance about smoking weed with a cold.