Kevin Smith isn’t just Silent Bob or the brains behind Clerks. He’s now a walking example of what real-life transformation looks like after facing a near-death experience.
In 2018, the actor-director suffered a massive heart attack that doctors often call the “widow-maker.” His left anterior descending artery was 100% blocked. Smith later admitted he was ready for the worst, saying, “I was prepared to go.”
Thankfully, he didn’t — and he’s been rewriting his health story ever since.
A Heart Attack Was the Wake-Up Call He Needed
At his heaviest, Smith tipped the scale at around 330 pounds. He told The Guardian, “People used to say, ‘Hey, big guy!’ and I was like, I am the big guy, aren’t I?”
That reality hit even harder after he was removed from a plane because he couldn’t fit in a single seat. “They know I’m fat,” he said. “I thought I was hiding it.”
But nothing would be the same after that heart scare. Smith knew it was time to change. For good this time.
He didn’t jump straight into a complicated fitness program or a celebrity cleanse. Instead, he did what many wouldn’t expect: he started with potatoes.
Yes, really.
7 Things Kevin Smith Did to Drop the Weight and Stay Healthy
1. He Tried an All-Potato Diet
After the heart attack, Smith went on a strict all-potato diet for two weeks. No toppings. No variety. Just plain potatoes. It wasn’t a long-term plan, but it helped create a calorie deficit and reset his habits.
2. He Went Vegan
After the potato phase, Smith shifted to a fully plant-based diet, following in his daughter’s footsteps. He’s honest about it, too. “Vegetables suck compared to cake or steak,” he told Men’s Health, but the long-term benefits won out.
3. He Got His Daughter’s Support
Smith credits his daughter as the main reason he gave veganism a real shot. “She was like, ‘Please do this for me,’” he shared. And that was enough.
4. He Started Fasting Until Noon
No breakfast for Smith. Instead, he drinks unsweetened iced tea in the morning and holds off eating until noon. His go-to meals? Plant-based options like nachos and burgers from Veggie Grill.
5. He Swapped Junk for Healthy Snacks
Smith now keeps better options nearby, including crunchy chickpeas and veggie puffs. They satisfy cravings without wrecking his progress.
6. He Focused on Portion Control and Labels
Using the Weight Watchers app, he became a dedicated label reader. Smith learned that even healthy foods can be calorie-dense, so keeping portions in check made a big difference.
7. He Walked (Thanks to His Dog)
Smith’s pup played a big role in his cardio routine. He said she practically dragged him up Runyon Canyon. That daily walk turned into a sustainable habit that helped with fat loss and heart health.
Want to Make a Lasting Change Like Kevin? Start Small and Stay Consistent
- Simplify your food choices: Kevin used potatoes to break bad habits. You don’t need to go that extreme, but the simpler your meals, the easier it is to stay on track.
- Find support: His daughter’s encouragement helped him push through. Surround yourself with people who want to see you healthy.
- Move every day: Walking may not be flashy, but it works. Start with 20 minutes and build from there.
- Don’t quit your favorites forever: Smith still acknowledges he loves cake. But now, he’s making better daily decisions without obsessing.
Smith’s story isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, survival, and staying committed after a second chance. He’s not just lighter — he’s healthier, more present, and more honest than ever.
