Jerry O’Connell has successfully kicked the smoking habit for an impressive 14 years, thanks to a transformative experience with hypnosis. The 52-year-old actor revealed during a recent episode of the Work in Progress podcast that he spent $800 on a hypnotist back in 2012 to help him overcome his long-standing nicotine addiction.
O’Connell shared with host Sophia Bush, who is 43, that he struggled with smoking for decades. His decision to seek hypnosis was fueled not only by the desire to quit but also by a stern ultimatum from his wife, actress Rebecca Romijn, who warned him that she wouldn’t have any physical contact with him until he quit smoking. “After about three-and-a-half weeks, you realize it was serious, this was game on,” he recounted, emphasizing the turning point that pushed him to take action.
Jerry detailed how he reached out to a friend who had successfully quit smoking, and she connected him with a hypnotist. During his session, he was instructed to bring a photo of his family and to listen to calming music as the hypnotist guided him into a relaxed state. Initially skeptical of the process, he questioned whether the $800 investment had been worthwhile when he woke up from the session, feeling unconvinced about its efficacy.
However, O’Connell’s doubts quickly vanished when he found himself unable to light a cigarette he had in his car shortly afterwards. “I wanted it so bad. I couldn’t light it,” he recounted, demonstrating the powerful impact of the hypnosis.
With a supportive spouse and a newfound resolve, O’Connell’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that determination, coupled with the right support, can lead to positive life changes. His journey highlights the effectiveness of alternative methods like hypnosis in overcoming addictive behaviors.