In February 2018, Kevin Smith had a widowmaker heart attack. He almost died, but thankfully, got to the hospital in time for doctors to save his life. Over the last six years, Kevin’s taken his second chance at life very seriously and has made a lot of lifestyle adjustments in order to stay healthy. He lost 50lbs, became a vegan, exercises regularly, and quit smoking pot. In 2022, he took charge of his mental health by checking himself into a treatment center to deal with childhood trauma that caused him to have a “complete break from reality.”
Every year, Kevin is one of the biggest hits at San Diego Comic-Con. He hosts a panel or two, appears as a guest on others, and has his own lengthy Rated-R “An Evening with Kevin Smith” panel in Hall H on Saturday night. Earlier this week, he released the first trailer for his latest movie, The 4:30 Movie, which looks like a very Kevin Smith-esque movie, lol. While at the Con, Kevin did an exclusive interview with People. He shared an update on his mental and physical health, as well how he’s learned to live each day in the moment because you never know when your time is up.
While attending the San Diego Comic-Con 2024 on Saturday, July 27, the filmmaker, 53, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE and gave an update on his mental health after going to intensive therapy at Arizona’s Sierra Tucson treatment center last year. The 4:30 Movie director said that his mental health is “good” right now.
“I’m holding on,” he tells PEOPLE. “It’s coming up on a year and a half since I got out. And when you’re in there, it’s very easy to stay healthy because you’re surrounded by people who are doing the same. And then the moment you leave, you’re back in the real world and the rat race begins anew.”
Smith says that, since suffering a “massive” widowmaker heart attack in 2018, he is constantly working to prioritize his health and appreciating the moment he’s in.
“It is struggle — not a difficult f—ing life-or-death struggle, but it’s a struggle — to remember to breathe and place yourself in the here and now. Be mindful, not live in the past, not worry about the future, but just be right here,” he says. “And right here is Comic-Con. Nothing wrong with that.”
“A few years ago, there’s a chance that I didn’t walk away from a heart attack and that would’ve been my last Comic-Con. I’ve gotten six since then,” he continues. “I work under the assumption I’m living on borrowed time, so I just try to enjoy it.”
I think that this is a really wonderful mindset to have. He’s been open in previous interviews, too, about how he looked at his heart attack as a “gift” that inspired him to turn his health around. Rather than complaining about how getting old sucks, I’ve always loved the saying, “Getting old is a blessing.” It helps me keep things in perspective.
Kevin has always been a great communicator, and it’s great that he’s always so open about his struggles and how he seeks help for them. I suffer from anxiety and have had bouts of depression before, and it can feel scary and overwhelming to even get to a place where you want to ask for help. Kevin’s early movies were a big part of my adolescence, so I’ve always had a soft spot for him. I hope he continues to take care of himself so that he can be around for a long time to come.
Photos credit: Jeffrey Mayer / Avalon, JPI Studios / Avalon
Lovely sentiment and lovely man. His love and support of Jason Mewes is also heartwarming. Kevin’s determination to push things just a little too far tends to diminish his directional work, but he really shines during live shows/interviews/commentaries. If you can find it, Dogma is really great.
Dogma is probably my favorite of his!
You can watch Dogma in its entirety on youtube. Love that movie.
Great update. He sounds grounded.
Dogma is one of my all-time favorite films
I am more surprised that Jason Mewes is still alive TBH
Jay & Silent Bob up there 30 years later … 👍🏻
Side note: I always thought he was really good as a supporting character in the romcom Catch and Release – I wish he’d acted in other directors’ films more!
I went to high school w a girl in his first movie. I gre up in same area he lived and filmed clerks.
I also have a soft spot for Kevin. He is so lucky to be alive. I once read the survival rate for that kind of heart attack is 12 percent. Some people don’t even have a warning before it happens. He did have symptoms between sets at a comedy show and went to the hospital.
His evening with Kevin Smith stories are wonderful. Love that he has taken his second chance seriously.
Love that he has had this career where he makes stuff without huge budgets so they can actually make money.
A few of them are too off the wall for me (yoga hosers???) but i was in my 20s working in a video store when clerks came out. I have a soft spot for Randal and Dante.
And frankly, Dogma is on another level- it is bizarre and wonderful.
Kevin Smith remains one of the Gods of my universe. His 1999 film “Dogma” is an incredible feat of writing (LOL! Despite the naughty words and potty humor). I’m glad he’s still around. Life is SO interesting with his talented ass in it. 🙂