Anthony Hopkins shares the secret behind 49 years of sobriety
Anthony Hopkins is well-known to audiences around the world. The actor has not touched alcohol for years. He is celebrating 49 years of sobriety by sharing a story that changed his life.
The 86-year-old Anthony Hopkins is a cinema legend. The actor of films like "The Silence of the Lambs," "The Father," and "Hannibal" is still professionally active. This year, he appeared in two productions. One is the series "Those About to Die," where he played Emperor Vespasian in a story about Rome during the time of the gladiators, and the other is the film "Mary," where he played King Herod. A film titled "Eyes in the Trees" is announced for 2026 featuring him. So, what's happening in the actor's personal life?
Anthony Hopkins 49 years sober
The actor is once again celebrating a life of sobriety. On this occasion, he decided to share the story that changed his life. The two-time Oscar winner, who will turn 87 on Tuesday, December 31, spoke on Instagram about an incident in 1975 that prompted him to stop drinking. "Forty-nine years ago, I stopped," he confessed.
Hopkins admitted that during one drinking party he "having such fun" until he realized he was "in big, big trouble" because he "couldn't remember anything" and was "driving a car drunk out of his skull."
The actor said that the proximity to tragedy prompted him to seek support in his fight against alcohol addiction. "Then on that fatal day, I realised I needed help. So I got it. I phoned up a group of people like me — alcoholic," he added.
Hopkins addressed his more than 5.3 million followers, emphasizing that help is available to those who seek it. "Having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine — but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help," he said. "One thing I didn’t realise, I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me. Anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I’ve had a wonderful life."
He added: "They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I’m going to be 87 in two day’s time." The actor concluded his statement with: "I’m celebrating my long life — unexpectedly long life. So if you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step programme, whatever you could do. Because it is a killer."
The series "Those About to Die" with Anthony Hopkins is available on Prime Video.
