'I Hope He Is Okay': Worried Fans React to John Goodman's Disheveled Look After 200-Pound Weight Loss

The celebrated actor's striking transformation drew gasps this week, but not just for the weight he has lost over the years.

John Goodman surprised fans on July 16, 2025, when he appeared at the Empire State Building in New York City to promote "Smurfs." Though the 73-year-old actor's 200-pound weight loss was evident and applauded, his unkempt hair, oversized suit, and odd walk quickly became talking points.

Goodman and several of his co-stars, like Nick Offerman and Natasha Lyonne, were seen on top of one of the most iconic buildings in the world for the promotional run of the rebooted animated film, in which the actor voices Papa Smurf.

Digital creator Mickey Blank posted a reel with several clips of the event, showing the actor's slim figure on full display thanks to his navy suit paired with a light blue shirt and tie.

Goodman can be seen taking photos with Offerman on the roof of the building in some clips, with the striking view of New York City in the background.

In others, he is alone with his arms spread wide open, a smile on his face, and his hair in disarray. Lyonne appears only briefly at the end, seen inside the building holding a camera while standing near Goodman.

The caption of the post reads, "John Goodman showed up looking like a whole new man—and the Smurfs showed up too. 🌀💙 @empirestatebldg."

Though many people were impressed by the actor's figure, several netizens voiced concern over his clothing and hair.

One person commented, "I'm sad that he didn't have a stylist, hair and makeup like all the other celebs have. His true self didn't look bad it was the dressings they could have gotten him straightened right up [sic]."

Another noted, "Needs to visit the tailor and have the suits adjusted [sic]." A third wrote, "You look absolutely handsome and healthy and amazing but please get a smaller suit. You have worked so hard dnd you deserve the smaller sized suit [sic]."

A netizen suggested, "He looks great but would look amazing with a suit that fit better and a cut [sic]." Someone simply said, "Suit and a haircut." Another offered, "Might be time to buy a new suit."

Several netizens noticed something aside from his styling with one asking, "Two things...... what's wrong with his gait (walk) and why with all his money can't get buy a suit that fits [sic]?"

Someone else expressed, "He needs a suit that fits. Why is he walking so strange? I hope he is okay." Another person remarked, "He showed up looking dishevelled, needing a new tailor, haircut and knee replacements."

Despite the commentary, Goodman's new look is the result of a long health journey, which started in 2007 with the help of trainer and health coach Mackie Shilstone.

At his heaviest, the actor weighed 392 pounds, and although it had been years, fans didn't see the results of his transformation until 2023, when he appeared at the 62nd Monte-Carlo TV Festival, having shed approximately 200 pounds.

However, his desire to change was never a secret, as he spoke about his journey and struggles many times over the years. In 2010, the actor told People about his decision to lose weight.

"I know it sounds sappy, but it was a waste," he said. "It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your [expletive] and figure out what you're going to eat next … I wanted to live life better."

At that time, he had already lost 100 pounds thanks to altering his regular habits. He had quit alcohol and sugar and was training six days a week with Shilstone.

The trainer also talked to People back then, expressing how excited Goodman was with his results. "He remembers what it feels like to be extremely heavy and it's something he doesn't want again," he said.

The actor even quipped that he had ordered a pair of slacks, only to find they did not fit when they arrived. Still, his journey was far from smooth.

In 2016, while promoting his film "10 Cloverfield Lane," Goodman spoke with Peter Travers of ABC News, who asked how the actor had managed to lose nearly half his body weight since filming wrapped.

"I just stopped eating all the time," he revealed, adding that he would constantly have food in his hand and would just put it to his mouth.

He described this as "eating alcoholically" and mentioned that he'd lose 60 or 70 pounds in three months, then reward himself with a 6-pack, which caused him to revert to his old habits.

However, John Goodman decided to change for good, managing to find the will to move and exercise, especially because remaining active helped him do his work as an actor.

"I just got tired, sick and tired of looking at myself. You're shaving in the mirror and you don't want to look at yourself. It gets dangerous," he added.

Be sure to check out "Smurfs," which premieres this Friday, July 18, and also features Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette!