Wayne Knight of ‘Seinfeld’ Lost 100 Lbs. After Facing Health Risks

Wayne Knight, best known for his role as the comically rotund Newman on the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, faced a serious health scare that prompted a life-altering transformation. At 69 years old and tipping the scales at over 300 pounds, Knight received a stark warning from his doctor about the dire consequences of his lifestyle. The cardiologist’s message was clear: he was at risk of diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. This revelation served as a wake-up call for the actor, who humorously recalls his lifelong struggle with overeating, joking, “I used to get a tan from the light in the refrigerator.”

Filming a particularly chaotic scene on Seinfeld, Knight recognized that his health wasn’t where it needed to be. He described a moment of panic while shooting a scene involving a farmer’s daughter, where he literally ran for his life, only to find himself gasping for air mid-take. The shock of his doctor’s diagnosis pushed him to take immediate action. “It scared me — literally to life,” Knight remarked, leading him to enlist the help of fitness professional Marc Vahanian.

Now shedding more than 100 pounds, Knight has adopted a new lease on life. He commits to 20-minute workout sessions a minimum of twice a week at a Los Angeles gym. To complement his physical efforts, he utilizes a gourmet food delivery service to manage his caloric intake, keeping it around 1,500 calories daily. As a result, Knight now weighs less than 200 pounds, a significant achievement considering where he started.

Lifespan specialist Dr. Gabe Mirkin weighed in on the situation, acknowledging the serious path Knight was on before making these changes. “He was on a path to an early grave. He was fortunate to have had very good doctors who gave him very good advice,” Mirkin shared. Knight’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of determination and the importance of taking actionable steps toward improved health.