Blake Burt, the star of Netflix’s acclaimed series Boots, has undergone a remarkable personal transformation, losing 124 pounds to mirror his character’s development in the show. Burt, 32, shared insights into this journey, revealing that his health became the primary focus as he prepared to portray John, a character facing significant challenges throughout the narrative. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Burt emphasized the studio’s strong support for his transformative process.
Initially, the plan called for a “much smaller” transformation. However, as Burt delved deeper into the character’s story, he felt compelled to pursue a more substantial change. “We have to give John true justice. We’ve got to give him a massive transformation,” Burt recalled. He collaborated with personal trainer Duke Rousse from the Duke Academy in New Orleans, and later, Billy Eubanks in Mississippi, to achieve his goals. Meal preparations were managed by Clean Creations, creating a comprehensive support system for Burt’s weight loss journey.
Burt began his journey at approximately 320 pounds. By the second episode, he had reduced his weight to 289 pounds, ultimately reaching a low of 257 pounds. The onset of the SAG-AFTRA strike prompted a halt in his weight loss, as the production team sought to maintain realism in the character’s portrayal. “I didn’t want to wear a fat suit,” Burt noted, explaining his decision to regain some weight to align with John’s boot camp experience. He fluctuated back to 289 pounds but later returned to 257 pounds as filming progressed.
Boots, which premiered in October 2023, follows the story of Cameron, portrayed by Miles Heizer, as he navigates military life in the 1990s alongside his best friend, Ray. The series addresses themes of identity, with Cameron forced to conceal his sexuality during the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy era. Burt’s character, John, quickly became a fan favorite, with viewers empathizing with his struggles, including a troubled past and a complicated relationship with his brother, Cody.
Despite the demanding training schedule, which often included four to five hours of workouts, Burt’s commitment remained unwavering. He shared that there were challenging moments, including a particularly taxing day where he nearly fainted after an intense training session. Fortunately, his supportive cast members were present to assist him during this difficult moment.
Following the completion of filming, Burt faced personal challenges that affected his weight management. Tragically, his father suffered a massive stroke in January, leading to Burt’s emotional turmoil and subsequent weight gain. “It was hard to see progress slip away,” he explained. Yet, he drew strength from his family and friends, recognizing the importance of maintaining his health to support them.
“I wanted to be there for my mom, my fiancé, my sister, and everybody in my family,” Burt said. After a period of reflection, he resumed his weight loss efforts and is currently around 242 pounds, maintaining a steady trajectory towards his health goals.
The success of Boots has been impressive, with the series doubling its weekly audience and climbing to No. 2 on Netflix’s charts. Viewers have expressed their enthusiasm for a second season, a prospect Burt and the cast are hopeful for. “It’s been honestly incredible,” he stated, highlighting the show’s broad appeal and positive messages about camaraderie and personal growth.
As Burt continues his journey, he remains committed to both his health and his character’s development. “With the drive that he has now in this story, I think he’s going to continue to better himself — physically, mentally, and spiritually,” Burt reflected on John’s evolution. The journey toward self-improvement continues as Boots resonates with audiences, showcasing the transformative power of determination and support in the pursuit of personal goals.
