Sir Anthony Hopkins has celebrated his 49th year sober after driving a car ‘drunk out of his skull’ forced him to get help.
The Silence of the Lambs legend is about to celebrate his 87th birthday on December 31 but felt this was an important milestone that needed its own shout-out.
He posted a short video to his Instagram, revealing that fateful night in 1975 he quit drinking and has never looked back.
’49 years ago today, I stopped,’ Sir Anthony said, explaining to his over 5million followers his reasons for becoming sober.
‘I was having such fun’ he confessed until he realised he was ‘in big, big trouble’ — he was ‘driving a car drunk out of [his] skull.’
Sir Anthony ‘couldn’t remember anything’ but decided enough was enough and reached out to support groups for alcoholics.
‘On that fatal day, I realised I needed help – so I got it,’ he said. ‘I phoned up a group of people like me – alcoholic. And that was it. Sober.’
The Thor star, who began his career on stage with Laurence Olivier, added: ‘Anyway, I’ve had more fun these 49 years than ever.’
Since becoming sober, Sir Anthony has starred in the likes of A Bridge Too Far (1977), and 1980’s The Elephant Man.
His best-known role as Dr Hannibal Lecter in 1991’s The Silence of the Lambs landed him two Academy Awards; Best Actor and Best Picture.
In 2020, he became the oldest actor to receive an Oscar for Best Actor after his critically acclaimed role in The Father.
Sir Anthony continued: ‘Having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine. But if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help.
‘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.
‘They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I’m going to be 87 in two days. I’m celebrating my long life – unexpectedly long life.’
Sir Anthony is set to star in the thriller Locked alongside Bill Skarsgard, as well as H.G. Wells adaptation, Eyes in the Trees, both of which are yet to get release dates.
The Welsh actor has amassed a huge following online after sharing fun TikTok dances and insight into his life on various social media platforms.
His wife Stella Arroyave, 67, and 20-year-old niece Tara talked him into joining the platform and he was an instant hit.
In 2023, he told People: ‘I’m slightly reluctant. I say, “Oh no, not again.” But I do something silly because we need humour. We need a laugh in life.
‘For good reason I guess, life is tough. The world is a savage place but life does have its beauty.’
The esteemed actor often shares positive videos, such as returning home to Wales for Christmas or short clips of him playing piano for his family.
In his Instagram caption on his sobriety video, Sir Anthony added: ‘One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session. 🎉.’
Need help?
The NHS recommends Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, there is a free helpline you can call in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
Or you can use Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a free self-help group with a 12-step programme.
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