Actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery is hitting the road to promote his new film, “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” which hits theaters on Aug. 2. Although the film is based on a wildly popular children’s book, it’s Howery’s new look that has social media buzzing.
On July 23, the 44-year-old “Get Out” star dropped a post with a slimmed-down pic of himself at a screening of the film on Instagram. In yet another case of the internet doing what it does, several commenters doubted Howery’s ability to lose weight without popular semaglutides like Ozempic.
His post saw responses including,“Why can’t people tell the truth on how they lost weight?” and “O o o Ozempic!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ain’t fooling no one.” Celebrities including Sheryl Underwood, Tracy Morgan and Charles Barkley have been open about using Ozempic and other drugs to help them shed their unwanted weight.
But Rel’s seemingly heartfelt and sincere caption under the post should serve to shut down the haters.
“This is my own appreciation post for myself. I’ve worked really hard on myself the last 5 years physically, mentally, spiritually, professionally and personally,” he captioned the post.
Rel wrote that his new bod is the result of changes to his diet and fitness routine and even gives followers a peek at his workout.
“I’m so proud of myself. This is the best I’ve ever felt and looked in my whole life. Honestly. To stop drinking, eating better, working out almost every single day, writing, building a closer relationship with God, therapy and honestly accountability has taken my life to the next level of pure happiness,” he wrote.
Rel’s post received plenty of praise from some famous followers.
Tina Knowles wrote, “Yes Rel you look amazing handsome! Fit! And Happy! So happy and proud of you. You changed your whole life and are healthy happy. and have a great woman by your side doesn’t get better than that.❤️”
“The Chi” creator Lena Waithe wrote, “I SEE YOU,” and actress/comedian Wanda Sykes, shared, “Looking great Rel!🫶🏾🔥”
Rel added some inspirational words for others looking to get on a path to losing weight.
“Whatever you do please do for yourself and if you can don’t take the short cut really put the work in this is a whole just straight hard work nothing else and that’s the honest to God Truth. Let me be an example of truly putting the work in,” he wrote.