Anthony Hopkins Reveals the Shocking Night That Changed His Life Forever
Ever wonder what it takes for someone to look in the mirror and say, “Hey, maybe it’s NOT just everyone else who’s the problem”? No? Well, let’s dive in anyway—because Sir Anthony Hopkins, yes, the guy who once made “Hello, Clarice” echo forever, just peeled back the curtain on his own toughest scene. It’s easy to assume Hollywood icons float through their own velvet-roped realities, but sobriety anniversaries? Those are very real, and Hopkins is about to hit his 50th . Think about it: after decades of fame, fortune, and (let’s be honest) probably more than a few wild parties, what does it really feel like to suddenly realize you’re at a crossroads with a bottle in your hand and fate in the other? It’s not all just glitz and red carpets—sometimes it’s headlights and near misses.
Hopkins admits he never saw himself as unique in his struggles or above needing help (raise your hand if humility isn’t what you expect from Oscar winners) . Reflecting on a “terrifying” night in ‘75, he opens up about that life-or-death moment behind the wheel—a blackout, a heart-thudding realization, and then that almost spooky voice that told him it was time for change . Fifty years later, the craving’s vanished, but the story’s power? Still electric . Are you ready for your jaw to hit the floor? Because this one isn’t just about celebrity confessions—it’s about the kind of raw honesty we don’t see on posters.
If you’re craving more than just popcorn-worthy stories, trust me, this is one read you don’t want to skip . LEARN MORE
Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism, which some readers may find distressing.
Anthony Hopkins has opened up more about the terrifying incident that made him realise he was an alcoholic.
The actor often speaks about his sobriety, coming up to 50 years since he quit drinking in December.
When he hit 49 years, he spoke about realising ‘he needed help’ and how he’s had ‘more fun than ever’ since. Hopkins often urges others who experience problem drinking to get help, having not realised himself at the time that he was ‘not unique’.
“I’ve had a wonderful life,” the 87-year-old told his Instagram followers as he said quitting alcohol hasn’t stopped him from working or making the most of his years.
And it was all because of an incident on 29 December 1975 that prompted him to seek support.
Anthony Hopkins says he’s had a ‘wonderful life’ without booze (David Livingston/Getty Images)
Speaking on the New York Times’ podcast The Interview, Hopkins shared more details about that day in California.
“I’m always slightly reluctant to talk about it because I don’t want to sound preachy or like a goodie two shoes,” he explained.
“But I was drunk driving my car here in California in a blackout – no clue where I was going. And it was a moment when I realised I couldn’t have killed somebody or myself – which i didn’t care about – but I could’ve killed a family in a car.”
Hopkins said he therefore realised he was ‘an alcoholic’ and came to his senses.
The star spoke to an ex-agent of his at a party in Beverly Hills and said ‘I need help’ before calling and heading over to a group for alcoholics.
“This is the spooky part,” The Silence of the Lambs star added, recalling how he looked at his watch at 11 o’clock precisely.
“Some deep, powerful thought or voice spoke to me from inside and said, ‘It’s all over now. You can start living and it has all been for a purpose. So don’t forget a moment of it.’
“And it was just a voice from the blue, from inside, deep inside me.”
Hopkins said from that moment, ‘the craving to drink’ disappeared, and it was all over.
“Now I don’t have any theories except the divinity or that power that we all possess inside us, that creates us from birth, life force, whatever it is,” he added. “It’s a consciousness I believe. But my whole life has been like that.”
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.
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