Clint Eastwood, 96, admits he doesn't want to 'check out early' in life confession
Clint Eastwood, 96, admits he doesn't want to 'check out early' in life confession
Bethany Whittingham, Hollie Beale Sun, May 31, 2026 at 10:11 AM UTC
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US actor Clint Eastwood introduces Argentinian composer Lalo Schifrin (out of frame) accepting an ho (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood has shared a candid reflection on mortality in a rare interview.
The Western film legend, 96, spoke with GQ discussing his health and perspective on his later years. He told the publication, "I'm not one of these guys who wants to check out early.
"But when you check out, it's when you're supposed to check out. You know, I take care of myself." The star has stayed remarkably active well into his 90s. His most recent directorial effort, Juror 2, hit theaters in 2024.
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A personal tragedy motivated the actor to prioritize his well-being. The acclaimed filmmaker lost his father to a fatal heart attack at just 63, which he told Closer magazine "hit like a ton of bricks". Following this loss, he became committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
During the GQ conversation, the star indicated his eating habits weren't particularly extraordinary but stressed he was mindful of his food choices. He also attributed favorable genetics for helping him maintain his weight over the years.
The Hollywood icon has opened up about his health in his twilight years (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
He shared: "The only thing special about it [the diet] is I just try to watch the intake of saturated fats. I was blessed with a reasonable system that just never put on a lot of weight, so I always took advantage of that." However, Eastwood appeared humble during his interview.
He went on to share more specifics about his careful approach to nutrition. While his methods aren't revolutionary, they are undeniably wholesome.
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Speaking with Muscle and Fitness, he explained: "I've never carried much body fat, but I've always been pretty good about watching my diet. Stay away from carbohydrates, especially rich desserts.
Clint Eastwood has just turned 96 (Image: Getty)
"Keep a scale in your bathroom. Get proper rest. Try to be optimistic. Eat fruits and raw vegetables. Take vitamins. Skip beverages loaded with sugars. Avoid alcohol in excess."
Unlike numerous Hollywood celebrities whose lives have been plagued by substance abuse and alcohol dependency, the actor successfully avoided these pitfalls. He revealed: "I got all the way through the '60s and the '70s on beer, I just never got into drugs.
"I always thought beer and a couple other things were about as good as I wanted to know about..." He also embraced unconventional wellness practices, including transcendental meditation.
Transcendental meditation involves silent, focused breathing for 10 or 20 minutes while listening to a mantra. This practice has gained popularity among celebrities, including Ted Danson and Katy Perry.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
