Paul Walter Hauser, an acclaimed actor, shares his inspiring weight loss journey, marked by challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, a commitment to health and well-being. This article explores Hauser's path to losing 70 pounds and transforming his life, highlighting the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped his success.
Early Struggles and the First Steps
Hauser's weight issues began in his early 20s. At 23, he landed his first film role in 2009. Shortly after, he contracted gout, a painful arthritic disease linked to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. Weighing 330 pounds, Hauser was heavily addicted to food, marijuana, and alcohol, using them as coping mechanisms for various emotions. Whether celebrating, bored, or masking pain, eating or using was always the answer.
As his acting career gained momentum in his late 20s, Hauser resolved to lose weight, adopting what he termed "common sense eating." Small changes, such as reducing portion sizes when eating pizza, helped him drop to 275 pounds. This initial success of losing 55 pounds motivated him to take the next step. He joined a gym, setting his sights on reaching the low 200s.
Setbacks and Professional Demands
In 2016, Hauser faced a significant setback when he was cast in the movie I, Tonya, alongside Margot Robbie and Sebastian Stan. To accurately portray his character, a real person who was over 300 pounds, Hauser had to regain about 30 pounds. This was incredibly disheartening because he'd undone all those months of work.
After I, Tonya wrapped, Hauser resumed his workouts at Orangetheory and refined his eating habits. The weight started to come off again, but he soon booked Richard Jewell, another role that required him to portray a hefty individual. The first thing Clint Eastwood said to him when he walked into his office at Warner Bros. was, "It's time to pick up the donuts." Hauser found himself in a frustrating loop, constantly battling to keep the weight off while being offered roles that demanded a larger physique.
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A Turning Point: Sobriety and Self-Discovery
A crucial turning point came with the TV show Black Bird, where Hauser played real-life serial killer Larry Hall. While filming in New Orleans in 2021, Hauser was physically healthier than he had been in years, but he was deeply depressed and still abusing alcohol and marijuana. He'd feel OK from day to day, but then he'd find himself making mezcal margaritas at two in the afternoon out of boredom when he wasn't on set. Drinking led to darker thoughts and suicidal ideation, scaring him. Midway through filming Black Bird, he quit drinking.
Hauser soon realized that being "California sober" wasn't enough. Approaching 90 days of sobriety, he admitted to his sober buddies that he was still using marijuana and resolved to stop. He reset his day count on October 26, 2021. This decision was the foundation for his subsequent weight loss and fitness journey. Although he felt strong from daily yoga, shooting hoops, and eating well, he didn't feel healthy in his heart or mind until he got sober.
Sobriety allowed Hauser to connect with his true self. He realized he liked Paul the actor, but he didn't have a good relationship with himself as a human being. Without being in an altered state, he could embrace the real him and recognize that he could love this person. He saw himself as a different, non-destructive, and kind-spirited individual who he needed to be if he wanted to be around in 10 years.
Practical Strategies and Mindset
Hauser employed several practical strategies to stay on track with his health goals. One effective ritual was keeping a journal of good decisions. Every day, he aimed to make 10 small, positive choices that would contribute to a greater win for himself, logging them in the Notes app on his phone. These included opting for iced water instead of Diet Coke at a lunch meeting or declining a donut. All these little things add up to something greater.
Hauser acknowledged the challenges of maintaining accountability, especially when tired or sad, when he felt entitled to some form of elation or relaxation through food or drugs. He approached these moments by "parenting" himself, making the process as enjoyable as possible.
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Inspired by Mark Wahlberg's famously early workouts, Hauser started posting his own early-morning workouts on Instagram with the hashtag #444club. This playful approach not only motivated him but also inspired some of his followers to join in.
Current Status and Future Goals
As of September 2023, Hauser weighs around 260 pounds. He emphasizes that while his clothes fit better and he feels stronger, the most rewarding aspect of his journey has been the ability to keep up with his children and be the best father, husband, and actor he can be. He has two small boys, and he cherishes the mornings when he can ensure the house is clean, the kids are fed, and they've all engaged in some physical activity before his wife and he begin their day.
Hauser is now the kind of person who has the energy to show up for others, and he wants to continue being that guy. He plans to lose an additional 40 to 50 pounds in the next year or so, hoping it will open him up to different kinds of roles and allow him to move beyond playing specifically big guys. He is committed to maintaining his health for the long term.
Hauser's Perspective on Acting and Empathy
Hauser's journey also reflects his perspective on acting and the importance of empathy. He believes that empathy is necessary to love the character. to bring it to life. He encourages actors to take people seriously, as he did with Shawn Eckhart in I, Tonya, and Richard Jewell, and even in Horace. Hauser identifies with characters who are trying to be taken seriously but are often laughed at, as he personally fights to be taken seriously because of his appearance and the roles he plays.
He appreciates the improvisational freedom that directors like Craig Gillespie provide, allowing him to keep it real and find the appropriate line in the moment. Hauser's physicality also plays a crucial role in his performances, as seen in his willingness to embrace unconventional roles like Horace in Cruella.
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