Celebrities Who Smoke Cigarettes and How They Quit

Famous Smokers: Celebrities Who Smoke Cigarettes

Cigarette smoking has declined considerably over the past 50 years due to increased awareness of the health hazards. However, some celebrities continue to smoke, often glamorizing the habit to impressionable fans. Nicotine is incredibly addictive, so quitting takes immense willpower even for the rich and famous. But many stars have managed to successfully kick the habit for good.

Why Celebrities Start Smoking

The pressures of fame, stressful work schedules, and easy access all contribute to smoking among celebrity circles. Reasons stars take up the habit include:

• Dealing with stress and performance anxiety
• Weight control - smoking suppresses appetite
• Boredom and need for regular smoke breaks on sets
• Rebellion and desire to look "cool"
• Social smoking at parties and events
• Greater access to cigarettes
• Addiction often starts young in the entertainment industry

Health Toll of Celebrity Smoking

The damaging health effects of smoking are well-documented. Long-term cigarette use puts celebrities at increased risk for:

• Lung cancer and other cancers
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart disease and stroke
• Fertility issues
• Premature skin aging and wrinkles
• Diminished stamina for physically demanding concert tours and movie shoots
• Hoarse voice and sore throat from smoke irritation

Smoker's cough, yellow teeth, and bad breath also take a toll on celebrity images. Stars are motivated to quit when smoking starts to visibly age them and impact their vocal talents.

Celebrities Who Still Smoke

Today only about 15% of U.S. adults smoke, but rates remain higher among celebrities. Stars who have been spotted smoking either onscreen or in their personal lives include:

• Katherine Heigl
• Charlie Sheen
• Johnny Depp
• Robert Pattinson
• Simon Cowell
• Lady Gaga
• Melissa Etheridge
• Keanu Reeves
• Rihanna
• Ryan Reynolds

Seeing such sophisticated and successful people light up normalizes the habit and makes it seem "cool." But in reality, celebrities struggle with the same nicotine addiction issues as anyone.

Celebrities Who Quit Smoking

The following stars managed to overcome tobacco addiction and quit smoking, serving as inspiration for fans to do the same.

Anthony Bourdain

The late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain smoked cigarettes for over 30 years. At his peak, he smoked 2-3 packs per day. He decided to quit when he became a father. In 2007, Bourdain quit cold turkey, relying on sheer willpower. But he still occasionally smoked cigars afterward.

Ben Affleck

Hollywood leading man Ben Affleck started smoking at age 15. For years, the cameras caught him puffing away outside clubs and on movie sets. In 2015, Affleck announced he had quit smoking after many failed attempts. Fatherhood motivated him to finally kick the habit for good.

Ellen DeGeneres

Funny lady Ellen DeGeneres picked up her first cigarette packet at age 13. For years, she smoked up to a pack and a half per day. DeGeneres decided to quit when she realized she couldn't exercise without getting winded. She went cold turkey in 2007. Her wife Portia de Rossi quit alongside her in support.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah was an enthusiastic smoker, puffing away through award show speeches and performances. After decades of smoking, she developed a chronic cough and began considering her mortality. In 2008, her cardiologist warned her she needed to quit ASAP. Queen Latifah switched to nicotine gum and has now been smoke-free for over 10 years.

Robert Downey Jr.

Troubled actor Robert Downey Jr. picked up smoking as a teenager. For many years, he was rarely photographed without a cigarette in hand. After getting clean from drugs in the early 2000s, Downey made another smart decision - quitting smoking in 2003. He quit cold turkey and used meditation, yoga, and martial arts to manage nicotine cravings.

Michelle Obama

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was a closet smoker in her early 20s. She sometimes sneaked cigarettes at college parties but did not consider herself a regular smoker. She successfully quit when she met her non-smoking husband. Michelle has been applauded for her efforts championing healthy, tobacco-free living.

Brad Pitt

Heartthrob actor Brad Pitt was a heavy smoker throughout much of the 1990s. In public, he usually had a cigarette in hand and a cigarette pack visibly poking out of his shirt pocket. When Angelina Jolie became pregnant with their first child in 2006, Pitt quit his pack per day habit almost immediately.

Oprah Winfrey

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey took up smoking as an emotionally troubled teen. She would sometimes smoke up to 40 cigarettes per day as a coping mechanism. In 1992, Oprah decided to quit for good for her health and to better lead by example. She quit cold turkey and powered through intense cravings.

Eminem

Rapper Eminem smoked heavily for years, with cigarettes prominently featured in his songs and videos. His smoking likely contributed to his struggles with asthma and pneumonia. In the early 2000s, Eminem decided to quit tobacco. Music gave him an outlet for stress while chewing gum and exercising helped manage cravings.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow took up smoking as a teenager. Soon she was hooked, smoking one to two packs per day. She continued smoking through her early 20s. When her dad was diagnosed with oral cancer in the late 1990s, it inspired her to quit smoking for good. She used the nicotine patch to gradually wean herself off cigarettes.

Barack Obama

Former U.S. president Barack Obama was a regular smoker well into adulthood. He sometimes snuck cigarette breaks during his early political campaigns. Concerns over his health and setting the wrong example finally motivated him to quit. Obama has cited his smoking struggles when advocating for more quit-smoking resources.

How Celebrities Quit Smoking

These famous former smokers used various techniques to successfully beat nicotine addiction:

• Cold turkey - Quitting all at once through sheer willpower.
• Nicotine replacement - Patches, gum, or lozenges to wean off cigarettes.
• Prescription drugs - Such as Chantix and Wellbutrin to reduce cravings.
• Hypnosis - Used by some to reprogram their unconscious mind to hate cigarettes.
• Acupuncture - Tiny needles stimulate pressure points to reduce cravings.
• Support network - Enlisting friends and family to hold them accountable.
• Apps and counseling - Getting professional help to develop a quit plan.

Quitting aids like nicotine patches or anti-smoking apps can be a huge help. But having the willpower and commitment to persevere through tough cravings is key.

How Celebrities Stay Smoke-Free

While quitting cigarettes is hard enough, staying off them long-term is even more challenging. Stars use various strategies to resist smoking temptations, including:

• Removing smoking triggers by avoiding drinking and social events where others smoke
• Exercising regularly to relieve stress and pent-up energy
• Picking up new hobbies or skills to distract from cravings
• Drinking lots of water and snacking healthy to control oral fixation
• Carrying gum, mints, or a vape pen when intense cravings hit
• Using behavioral strategies like delaying cravings or taking deep breaths
• Seeking support from other former smokers in their circle

It often takes multiple tries to quit for good. But with perseverance and lifestyle changes, even longtime celebrity smokers can stub out cigarettes for life. Their success can motivate fans to do the same.

The Takeaway

Like anyone, celebrities don't find it easy to quit cigarettes despite having fame and fortune. Kicking the nicotine habit requires tapping into internal motivation and resolve. With dedication and help, famous smokers can serve as inspiring examples of overcoming tobacco addiction. Their journey reflects both the challenges of quitting and the immense health benefits of doing so.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.