John Goodman Thought His Wife Was 'Too Pretty' for Him, She Accepts Him in Any Shape — Their Life Away From Spotlight

• John Goodman has been married to his wife, Anna Beth Hartzog, for over three decades.
• Goodman's wife once saved him from addiction, which he described as "30 years of a disease."
• The actor has been sober since 2007 and continues to lead an active lifestyle.

One of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, John Goodman, has repeatedly impressed fans with his talent and a strong commitment to living a better life after a long period of unhealthy habits.

Actor John Goodman has someone important in his life who rescued him from the depths of alcohol addiction and accepts him for how he is.

Born on June 20, 1952, in Affton, Missouri, John Goodman has cemented himself in the entertainment industry, with his remarkable talent and versatility captivating audiences throughout his career.

Goodman has contributed his talent to over 50 films on the big screen. One of his most iconic roles is Dan Conner in the 1988 television show "Roseanne," for which he won the Best Actor award at the 1993 Golden Globe Awards.

Beyond his acting prowess, the award-winning actor is known for his plump physique. However, his physical form gradually changed over the years.

Being fit, healthy, and active have been some of the 71-year-old actor's main goals in life He put in lots of hard work, and the results showed when he recently attended the 2023 Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco as the festival's jury president and unveiled an astonishing 200-pound weight loss.

During this challenging phase in Goodman's life, he often resorted to frequent drinking while working on set.

When John Goodman, who previously weighed around 400lbs, first met his future wife, Anna Beth, he thought "that pretty" woman couldn't be interested in a guy like him. He didn't imagine he was worthy of her.

Nevertheless, she accepted him the way he was and stood by his side no matter his body form. Recently, the "Roseanne" star showed off incredible weight loss, all thanks to his beautiful wife who once saved him. Here's what their life looks like now away from the spotlight.

John Goodman Finds Love and Sobriety with the Woman Who Saved Him from His Drinking Habits

Just as Goodman finds joy in the spotlight, portraying diverse characters on-screen, he equally cherishes his role as a devoted husband to his wife of over three decades, Anna Beth Hartzog, a woman of remarkable beauty.

Hartzog hails from Bogalusa, Louisiana. She pursued a fine arts degree at the University of New Orleans before moving to Los Angeles, California, where she established her clothing manufacturing business.

Hartzog and Goodman first met at a memorable Halloween party at a famous music club in New Orleans in 1987. During that year, Goodman was in the same area for work. He recalled their meeting in a 2012 Elle interview:

"I was shooting 'Everybody's All-American.' I went to this Halloween party, and she walked up to me and said, 'Hi.' I couldn't figure out why anyone that pretty was talking to me."

A few years later, in 1989, Hartzog and Goodman tied the knot after he proposed to her by the Mississippi River. They settled in New Orleans, where they raised their only daughter, Molly Goodman.

Although Goodman thought his wife was "too pretty" for him, she accepted him in any shape. Even so, their life away from spotlight, in the early years of their union, was quite challenging.

Goodman struggled with alcohol problems during their marriage. He explained that in the past, he found joy in socializing, indulging in alcohol, and having a good time. He enjoyed drinking a six-pack as a reward for his hard work. However, as his fame increased, alcohol served as a "shield" for him.

During this challenging phase in Goodman's life, he often resorted to frequent drinking while working on set. Looking back on those times, he vividly recalled the consequences: slurred speech and flushed cheeks that resembled a stop sign.

Goodman also compared his alcohol struggle to "30 years of a disease" that profoundly affected everyone in his life. One Sunday at home, after a long weekend of playing golf with friends, Goodman experienced a life-changing moment.

He recalled feeling shaky as he drank and urgently reaching out to his wife for help. Hartzog sprang into action, making several phone calls and ensuring Goodman was admitted to a treatment center for detoxification.

Following the detox, his health improved, and he has abstained from drinking for over ten years. He embarked on a sobriety journey in 2007, emphasizing that his life has become "better" and "clearer."

He also considers himself lucky because, despite the difficulties he has gone through, he continues to get hired at work. He also expressed gratitude for Hartzog, who helped him most when he needed her.

As the years went by, Goodman not only maintained his sobriety but also shed weight. However, he doesn't feel the need to boast about this change, as he has embraced the concept of "portion control."

Goodman is not worried about people's perception of him since losing weight. He is confident that he can deliver outstanding performances regardless of his weight.

Although deciding what to eat next takes up much of his "creative energy," he has committed to doing it more often because he wants to "live life better."

The veteran actor has transformed from being a couch potato, and stays active by engaging in various activities. Whenever he has some spare time at home, he enjoys spending it with his wife, working on household repairs, reading books, and occasionally watching a bit of baseball.

The actor's remarkable physical transformation paved the way for him to reprise his iconic role in ABC's reboot of "Roseanne," where he acted alongside his friend, actress Roseanne Barr.

Goodman and his wife have been enjoying a wonderful time together. He is treasuring precious moments with their daughter, whom he once worried about due to witnessing his struggles with alcoholism growing up. Luckily, the family has moved past it now.

Recently, he and Hartzog celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. Hartzog, the woman who saved him from alcoholism, played a pivotal role in his recovery through her unwavering support and love.

When asked about the secrets behind their enduring marital bliss, Goodman said that "working away from home" contributed to it.

Currently, Goodman's career and family life have been smoothly sailing. Despite being in the spotlight, he has made it a priority to shield his wife and daughter from its glare.