The person who as soon as made audiences giggle as the subtle lawyer William Dent on “Girlfriends” is now making jaws drop together with his dramatic bodily transformation.
Actor Reggie Hayes, as soon as the thing of merciless web ridicule after gaining almost 100 kilos throughout the pandemic, has flipped the script on his critics by steadily reclaiming his well being regardless of vital medical challenges.
The actor’s journey from disgrace to triumph has unfolded publicly by candid social media posts that chronicle each his struggles and victories. Hayes, who performed the only real male character among the many core solid of “Girlfriends,” has been sharing his weight reduction milestones together with his followers.
In January 2024, Hayes commemorated his progress with a photograph of his leather-based chair lined with measurement 42 pants, which he captioned, “Nicely, measurement 42 pants. It was good understanding you. Inform everybody down at Goodwill Reggie stated, ‘Hello.’”
The publish holds such significance for Hayes that he has it pinned on the high of his Instagram profile.
“I’ve misplaced a whole lot of weight. I’ve misplaced like 60 kilos,” Hayes revealed in a 2021 interview with Comedy Hype podcast.
His weight acquire had occurred whereas working in Atlanta, the place he discovered himself quarantined in a resort room for 2 weeks throughout COVID restrictions.
“Atlanta, the meals is so good. I used to be sitting up in a resort room after which we bought like COVID quarantine so I used to be within the room for like 2 weeks simply consuming,” he defined.
Hayes’ journey has been difficult by well being challenges.
“I bought a weak coronary heart so it’s form of exhausting to work out,” he shared, revealing that he had been hospitalized a number of instances for respiration difficulties and chest pains.
In September 2020, on the age of 51, Hayes was admitted to the hospital with congestive coronary heart failure. This well being scare coincided with the resurgence of “Girlfriends” on Netflix, bringing renewed consideration to the actor and his profession.
A 12 months after his pants publish, Hayes shared a video of himself sporting slim-fit pants, a blue shirt, and tie.
“Hello, I’m Reggie Hayes. I’m 6 foot 2 from Los Angeles, California,” he wrote throughout the video because the digital camera panned to indicate his remodeled physique.
Within the caption, Hayes expressed amazement at his progress, “Wow by no means thought i’d have the ability to put on slim match pants. they’re really too huge for me.”
He added within the feedback, “DAMN, my belt is just too huge too. oh nicely CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS RIGHT?!”
Hayes’ transformation has resonated with followers who’ve rallied round him with encouragement within the remark part.
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown commented, “Completely satisfied for you!” whereas one other supporter wrote, “Okay Zaddy! Add a beard subsequent!!! You look nice!!”
One fan referenced his iconic position, “Oh snap you wanting like William dent out right here once more! Girlfriends reboot loading!!”
One other admirer commented, “Trying good Reggie! P.S. you had been one among faves on Girlfriends.”
The outpouring of assist prolonged past his established fan base, with one particular person writing, “Congrats on the transformation! I’m completely happy for you even tho I don’t know you!”
The encouragement stands in stark distinction to the merciless feedback Hayes acquired when pictures of his weight acquire circulated on-line.
“When the information got here out that I used to be like heavy, individuals like actually got here out and put me down for like two days,” Hayes recalled in 2023.
Initially, he responded by blocking unfavorable commenters earlier than finally partaking with a few of them straight.
Hayes’ profession took a difficult flip after “Girlfriends” ended its eight-season run in 2008. Regardless of the present’s recognition with Black audiences, Hayes struggled to search out constant work.
“I had starred on this long-running present however I wasn’t Matt LeBlanc or one of many different youngsters from ‘Buddies’ who had doorways opening for them after their present ended. Just about, I used to be simply one other man,” Hayes stated, based on the Chicago Tribune.
Monetary difficulties adopted, main him to promote his dwelling and finally dwell in his sister’s storage for six years. He tried varied jobs, together with bouncer and furnishings mover, however discovered his fame made standard employment troublesome.
In the present day, Hayes approaches his well being with willpower, utilizing a calorie counter app and incorporating strolling into his routine. The Chicago native’s journey from starring in a beloved sitcom to well being struggles and now to a bodily transformation displays a resilience that resonates with many followers who proceed to have fun his progress on-line.
To high every thing, Hayes is poised to return to the display. He has been solid within the lead of a brand new indie movie titled, “I Hate My Love Life,” which premieres later within the month on the Seattle Black Movie Competition, reverse Terri Vaughn.
With “Girlfriends” discovering new audiences on Netflix, Hayes has embraced the renewed consideration with gratitude.
“It seems like a second birthday,” he stated of the present’s resurgence, permitting him to look again with pleasure on each his profession and his ongoing private journey.
