Anthony Hopkins celebrates 49 years of sobriety at 86
Anthony Hopkins is well-known to audiences around the world. The actor hasn't touched alcohol for years. He celebrates 49 years of sobriety by sharing the story that changed his life.
At 86 years old, Anthony Hopkins is a cinema legend. The actor, known for films such as "The Silence of the Lambs," "The Father," and "Hannibal," is still active professionally. This year, he appeared in two productions. They include the series "Those About to Die," where he played Emperor Vespasian in a story about Rome during gladiator times, and the movie "Mary," where he portrayed King Herod. A film titled "Eyes in the Trees" is announced for 2026. What’s happening in the actor’s personal life?
Anthony Hopkins: 49 years in sobriety
The actor once again celebrates a life of sobriety. On this occasion, he decided to share the story that transformed his life. The two-time Oscar winner, who will turn 87 on Tuesday, December 31, shared on Instagram an incident from 1975 that led him to stop drinking. "Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped," he confessed.
Hopkins admitted that during one of the boozy parties, he was "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 closeness of tragedy prompted him to seek support in fighting 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 over 5.3 million followers, emphasizing that help is available for 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, "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" featuring Anthony Hopkins is available on Prime Video.
