In a surprising confession that contradicts her wellness empire's image, Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed plans to pick up a notorious old habit in her later years. The actress and founder of Goop made the unexpected admission during a candid chat on a popular podcast.
A Nostalgic Longing for Cigarettes
Appearing on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast on Tuesday, the 53-year-old lifestyle mogul shared her favourite nostalgic pastime. Despite building a multi-million pound business on health and clean living, Paltrow openly admitted she loved to smoke. The conversation turned wistful as both women, who came of age in an era where smoking was commonplace, reminisced.
"Remember cigarettes," host Poehler said, adding, "We know they're very bad for you, but God, we came up in a good time." Paltrow then disclosed her future plan for indulgence, stating, "You know, I decided when I'm like 87 I'm going to start smoking again."
The Juxtaposition of Wellness and Vice
The discussion highlighted a stark contrast between Paltrow's public persona and her private cravings. She recalled a "great phase" that combined cigarettes with macrobiotic staples like tofu, brown rice, and seaweed. Poehler humorously compared this duality to "cleaning your house while it's on fire."
Paltrow last smoked on the night of her wedding to Brad Falchuk in 2018. She explained to Vogue in October 2025 that obtaining life insurance, which would be nullified if she smoked, compelled her to stop due to her strong sense of integrity. "I never smoked again. I miss it, though," she confessed.
Public Backlash and Professional Repercussions
The podcast revelation was not met with universal amusement. Listeners and commenters online criticised the duo for glamorising smoking, noting a worrying trend of its resurgence in media. One user wrote, "Funniness and nostalgia understood, however, can you stop talking about how good cigarettes are."
Others pointed to the irony of Paltrow's comments alongside her promotion of expensive wellness products. This is not the first time Paltrow's lifestyle branding has faced scrutiny. She also revealed on the podcast that the backlash to her and ex-husband Chris Martin's 2014 "conscious uncoupling" statement was so severe it cost her a movie role, with a distributor deeming her "too hot to touch."
The episode underscores the complex and often contradictory relationship between celebrity, personal vice, and the lucrative wellness industry they champion.
