Joe Manganiello puts his bulging biceps on display as he reveals why he got sober 17 years ago: 'I really thought I was broken'

He's known equally for his acting abilities and his movie star good looks. 

But there is something else about Joe Manganiello that a lot of people don't know: he's been sober for 17 years.

And in June's Men's Health the 42-year-old cover star talked about how he has managed to stay clean while having a good time.   

Bulging biceps and complete charm! Joe Manganiello showcased his incredibly strong and fit physique when he posed for the cover of Men's Health June edition in photos released on Wednesday

Bulging biceps and complete charm! Joe Manganiello showcased his incredibly strong and fit physique when he posed for the cover of Men's Health June edition in photos released on Wednesday

Putting his focus on his health, fitness and acting, the star has now been completely sober for 17 years. 

Speaking of his new role in Bottom Of The Ninth, he said he was drawn to the role as he understood what it felt like to hit rock bottom all of a sudden.  

'There was a point where I really thought I was broken beyond the point of being able to be fixed,' he confessed, referring to 2002 when the then 25-year-old's hit Spider-Man had been released.   

'Drinking was a way for me not to have to deal with me. And I think that acting was a way for me to not have to be me either.' 

Hey batter, batter! In one image, he sat on the hood of a vintage convertible and posed with a baseball bat

Hey batter, batter! In one image, he sat on the hood of a vintage convertible and posed with a baseball bat

'So I could go onstage and not be me, come offstage and go to the bar and not be me. Rinse and repeat. I needed to really look in the mirror and get honest with myself about the man that I wasn't becoming.'  

He is married to Sofia Vergara (pictured February 2019)

He is married to Sofia Vergara (pictured February 2019) 

There was no single event that saw him quit cold turkey, but Joe soon realized he needed to connect with his soul. 

He spent four years away from acting - working as a side DJ, delivery man and demolisher. 

'Hard physical labor is the best work you can do for your soul, even if it's gardening,' he joked. 

The True Blood star also revealed he keeps his mental health in check with some meditation every single morning when he wakes, even if Sofia is still sleeping in bed next to him.  

'I do it as soon as I wake up. Twenty minutes. She's asleep and I just sit up and do it,' he said. 

'There's a reason why mediation is 4,000 years old. The word mantra—mind-vehicle—I find that to be true. I’ve had some profound things happen to me while meditating.' 

New role: The baseball references come as part of his new movie he's producing and starring in, Bottom of the Ninth. It follows a top baseball prospect, Sonny Stano, who gets into a fight and accidentally kills another teen after a strong punch - landing him in jail for 20 years

New role: The baseball references come as part of his new movie he's producing and starring in, Bottom of the Ninth. It follows a top baseball prospect, Sonny Stano, who gets into a fight and accidentally kills another teen after a strong punch - landing him in jail for 20 years 

Joe's cover shot saw him wear a simple white T-shirt and jeans while flexing his upper arm muscles. 

Other pictures of the Magic Mike actor had him more relaxed enjoying a combination of sports. 

In one image, he sat on the hood of a vintage convertible and posed with a baseball bat. 

17-years and counting: Putting his focus on his health, fitness and acting, the star has now been completely sober for 17 years

17-years and counting: Putting his focus on his health, fitness and acting, the star has now been completely sober for 17 years 

He was also seen inside a batting cage wearing a denim shirt and cropped jeans. 

The baseball references come as part of his new movie he's producing and starring in, Bottom of the Ninth. 

It follows a top baseball prospect, Sonny Stano, who gets into a fight and accidentally kills another teen after a strong punch. 

Time to change: Joe revealed there was no single event that saw him quit alcohol cold turkey, but Joe soon realized he needed to connect with his soul, spending the next four years, 2003-2007, away from acting - working as a side DJ, delivery man and demolisher.

Time to change: Joe revealed there was no single event that saw him quit alcohol cold turkey, but Joe soon realized he needed to connect with his soul, spending the next four years, 2003-2007, away from acting - working as a side DJ, delivery man and demolisher.

The movie follows Sonny's life after he's released from prison at 38-years-old. Joe's real-life wife Sofia Vegara will play his on-screen love interest. 

Coming in at 6'5', Joe also dished on his health and fitness regime to Men's Health. 

He still continues to train six days a week and keeps things fresh by mixing up CrossFit and bodybuilding sessions.

And although age is just a number for the incredibly fit and strong star, he did admit that he was feeling more muscle soreness following his workouts. 

Joe's Men's Health June cover will be on stands on May 28, 2019.  

 

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Joe Manganiello reveals why he got sober 17 years ago: 'I really thought I was broken'

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