The actor has been a dedicated vegan since the age of 22.

Sons of Anarchy’s star Theo Rossi has been vegan for 24 years.

The star made the announcement in a recent episode of the PEOPLE Every Day podcast.

The 46-year-old actor told the publication he decided to switch to a diet entirely free of animal products at the age of 22 because of “a certain connection to animals.”

“I’ve never lived a day in my life without multiple animals,” Rossi said.

“I’m surrounded by animals. They’ve kind of dictated my life. My dog is right next to me. I’ve always rescued dogs, and I’ve had cats, and hamsters, and snakes.”

His decision over the years became deeper as he learnt about how meat is processed along the way.

Vegan in the 90s

Rossi revealed that although finding vegan-friendly foods was tough in the 90s, he didn’t find the transition too hard since he was “not big on the whole food thing”. Moreover, he is also totally fine with eating the same foods every day even today.

He remains a committed vegan despite his family eating meat and friends often making fun of his food choices.

“My friends make fun of me and they’re like, ‘oh, are you going to eat your rabbit food or you’re going to eat this?’ ” he said in the podcast.

 “I’ve had the same friends since I was eight years old. They’re very aware that I’m going to do me no matter what.”

Animal advocate

The Luke Cage star’s love for animals even led him to team up with vegan charity PETA to urge fans to adopt, not shop, for animals they choose to bring into their homes and lives.

In 2018, the actor and Benito, a ridgeback-shepherd mix that Rossi rescued from a kill shelter when he was a puppy were part of a poster campaign that ‘highlighted the deep bond between humans and their animal companions’.

“Once we brought Benito home, there was an immediate understanding that he was one of us, part of the family,” Rossi said in an exclusive PETA interview at the time.

 “Benny literally saved my life one time, and he’s more special than words can ever describe. When you adopt an animal from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder or pet store, you save a life just like he saved mine—and who doesn’t love that?!”

• Read: Chelsea Handler says she won’t go vegan because ‘vegan people fart a lot’

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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