Anthony Hopkins has opened up about the life-threatening event that forced him to confront his alcoholism and ultimately turn his life around.
The two-time Oscar winner, 87, revealed during an appearance on The New York Times’ The Interview podcast that he was once driving drunk in California when he realised he could have killed someone.
Hopkins, who has now been sober for nearly five decades, said the moment jolted him into seeking help.
Speaking during a Saturday appearance on The New York Times’ The Interview podcast, Hopkins said, “I was drunk and driving my car here in California in a blackout, no clue where I was going, when I realised that I could have killed somebody. Or myself, which I didn’t care about.”
“I could have killed a family in a car, you know. I realised that I was an alcoholic, and I came to my senses.”
Soon after, Hopkins ran into his former agent at a party and told them, “I need help.” He went on to find recovery through a 12-step program in Los Angeles and has remained sober ever since.
Last December, the Silence of the Lambs star marked nearly five decades of sobriety in a message to his 5.3 million social media followers, encouraging others to seek help if they are struggling.
“If you do have a problem – having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine – but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help,” Hopkins said in a video.
“It’s not a terrible deal – it’s a condition if you’re allergic to alcohol, get some help, there’s plenty of help around.
“One thing I didn’t realise, that 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 continued, “They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I’m going to be 87 in two days now.”
Hopkins captioned the video, “One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session.”
He concluded with a heartfelt message, “So 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 program, whatever you could do – because it is a killer – with that, happy new year!”
The year prior, in December 2023, Hopkins shared another New Year’s video celebrating 48 years of sobriety while offering encouragement to those struggling with addiction.
“Hello there, Happy New Year to you all!” he began cheerfully.
“All of you revellers, and drinkers all having fun. Wonderful! Happy New Year, have a great time,” he added with a laugh.
“If you get a hangover, remember me.”
“I don’t get them anymore because 48 years ago today, I stopped. I got help for it and my life changed,” he said. “I don’t envy you having fun out there. But if you need help, there’s a time. Life is in session. Go for it.”
Images: Shutterstock
