Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins shared a new message to his fans as he celebrated 49 years of sobriety.
The veteran actor has a long history of sending messages of hope to people struggling with alcoholism and uses his sobriety as a way to motivate them.
On his sobriety anniversaries, Hopkins typically makes a video recording detailing his experience and how he chose to get sober and continued the tradition this year.
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Anthony Hopkins reveals the moment he stopped drinking
In the nearly two-minute clip, he shared his sobriety story with his fans, recounting what led him to quit drinking.
Hopkins began: “Hello. Happy December 29th. The 29th? Why the 29th? Well, 49 years ago today I quit [mimes the act of drinking]”.
He shared that he was having fun at the time, but realized he was in “big trouble” because he couldn’t remember anything.
“The Father” actor continued, “I was driving a car, completely drunk. Then, that fateful day, I realized I needed help, so I got it.”
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Anthony Hopkins reveals how he got help
After realizing he needed help, Hopkins said he “phoned a bunch of people” who were in a similar situation and began his sobriety journey. He added: “No matter what, I’ve had more fun than ever in these 49 years.”
The actor used his message to inspire people struggling with alcoholism or alcohol-related issues. He assured them: “If you have a problem, having fun is wonderful, having a drink is good.” But if you have a problem with alcohol, there is help. »
Hopkins explained: “It’s not a bad deal. It’s a condition if you’re allergic to alcohol. Get help, there’s a lot of help around.”
He also said, “One thing I didn’t realize was that I wasn’t unique. There are thousands of people like me around me.”
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Anthony Hopkins wishes everyone a “Happy New Year”
In the latter part of the video, Hopkins expressed hope and positivity to his followers, using his life as an example of how sober people can still have fun and take advantage of great opportunities.
He said: “Anyway, I got sober. This word sounds boring, but I’ve had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me work.
The 86-year-old shared: “I’m going to be 87 in two days, so I’m celebrating my long life – my amazingly long life – so if you have a problem, you know where to go.”
Hopkins urged people with alcohol problems to seek help by calling a group, enrolling in a 12-step program or doing whatever they can “because it [alcohol] is a killer.”
He ended his message by blowing a kiss and saying, “With that, Happy New Year!”
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Hopkins urges people who need help to ‘go for it’
He said“Hello, Happy New Year everyone! All you party people and drinkers are having fun. Wonderful!”
Hopkins added: “Happy New Year, have a good time. If you have a hangover, remember me. I don’t anymore because 48 years ago today I quit. I received help and my life changed.”
The “One Life” star concluded, “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.”
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How Hopkin’s life took on ‘new meaning’
In a 2020 interview with The New York TimesHopkins remembers the moment he decided to quit drinking in 1975.
He revealed he woke up in a hotel room in Arizona but didn’t know how he got there.
Hopkins said according to the Independent“I thought, ‘Well, I have to stop this because I’m either going to kill someone or I’m going to kill myself. My life, from that moment on, took on a new meaning.’
The ‘Silence of the Lambs’ actor’s decision to quit drinking has greatly benefited him.
The icon won his first Oscar in 1991 for his role as serial killer Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs.” Hopkin’s second Oscar win came in 2021, when he was 83 years old.
He won the award for his role as a father suffering from dementia in “The Father,” making him the oldest person to win an Oscar.
