Blake Burt, the star of Netflix’s hit series Boots, recently shared insights into his remarkable weight loss journey while portraying his character, John. Burt underwent a transformation of 124 pounds to align with John’s evolution throughout the show. In an exclusive interview, Burt revealed that his health was the primary focus of this endeavor.
Burt, aged 32, emphasized the support he received from the studio, stating, “Health was the No. 1 focus.” He initially planned for a “much smaller” transformation but decided to take a different approach as he delved deeper into the character. “I was like, ‘No, we have to give John true justice. We’ve got to give him a massive transformation,’” he explained.
To achieve this, Burt enlisted the help of a dedicated team, including primary trainer Duke Rousse from Duke Academy in New Orleans and fellow trainer Billy Eubanks in Mississippi. Additionally, they collaborated with Clean Creations for meal preparation. This comprehensive support system allowed Burt to focus on both his character’s and his personal journeys effectively.
Burt began his journey weighing approximately 320 pounds. His progress was evident as he reached 289 pounds by the second episode and later cut down to 257 pounds. However, during the SAG-AFTRA strike, Burt paused his weight loss to maintain realism for the character. “They’re like, ‘Hey, let’s hold [on the weight loss]. We don’t want to make this unrealistic,’” he recalled.
His commitment to the character and personal growth was tested further during filming. Burt faced physical challenges while undergoing intense training sessions that lasted four to five hours. He recounted a moment of concern when he experienced a drop in blood sugar after an exhaustive day, which included running a 5k and multiple workouts. Fortunately, his castmates came to his aid, highlighting the camaraderie developed among the cast.
“During that tough moment, I had a little breakdown for a second. I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to be able to finish this out,’” Burt shared. His co-stars, who have since become close friends, provided essential support during these challenging times.
After filming wrapped, Burt faced a personal tragedy when his father suffered a massive stroke and passed away. This loss impacted his weight management, causing him to regain some of the weight he had lost. “It was hard to see progress slip away, but it was a tough time in my life,” he said. He reflected on how he had previously gained weight during a similar family crisis in 2019 and noted the importance of being there for his family during difficult moments.
Despite these setbacks, Burt found strength through his loved ones. “I knew if I didn’t take care of myself, how could I be there for other people?” he expressed. Recently, he has resumed his fitness journey, currently weighing around 242 pounds. “We’re only hovering about 20 pounds above where we ended the show, which is a good holding place for now,” he explained.
The success of Boots has been significant, with the show doubling its weekly audience and reaching the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s TV charts shortly after its premiere in October 2023. Burt’s portrayal of John has resonated with viewers, making him a fan favorite. “With the drive that he has now in this story, I obviously think he’s going to continue to better himself — physically, mentally, and spiritually,” he noted.
The series not only offers entertainment but also conveys themes of camaraderie that viewers have embraced. Burt expressed gratitude for the positive reception, stating, “It’s been honestly incredible. It’s nice to have a show that’s got such an incredible reach and it’s a show for everyone.”
As the cast and crew hope for a second season, Burt remains focused on his personal wellness journey and the ongoing evolution of his character. “I’m actually going to leave here with some lifelong friends — which I did,” he remarked, highlighting the bonds formed during the production of Boots.
The show continues to stream on Netflix, captivating audiences with its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
