Sir Anthony Hopkins is delighting fans as he celebrates a massive, 47-year milestone. The Hannibal actor is now 47 years sober, and his inspiring video message to mark the occasion has been lifting hearts. “I was headed for disaster,” the Hollywood star confessed.
47 Years Sober
Revealing that he was close to drinking himself to death in former years, Sir Anthony took to Instagram to wish fans a happy 2023. The 82-year-old said, “I just want to wish you a happy new year, and also to say I’m celebrating 47 years today of sobriety.”
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Looking Good At 82
Fans saw Hopkins indoors and leaning against a chair while in a black turtleneck top. Despite nearly fifty years dry, the actor did say that he is a “recovering alcoholic.” He added to those “out there,” that “there are people struggling” and to be “kind” to themselves.”
‘Be Proud Of Your Life’
Hopkins also extended a self-love angle, continuing: “Be proud of your life.”
The Silence of the Lambs actor then reflected on his own past battles. He recalled a time when he was in a “desperate situation in despair” while also wondering how much longer he’d have to live. It was in 1975 that the actor woke and really realized something was wrong. Here, he referred to “addiction.”
Drinking Himself ‘To Death’
Earlier this year, Hopkins took to social media with a candid reveal .
“45 years ago today, I had a wake up call. I was heading for disaster, drinking myself to death. I’m not preachy, but I got a message, a little thought that said: ‘Do you want to live or die’? And I said I wanted to live,” he stated.
Celebs Respond
Anthony’s post has garnered celebrity attention, love, and praise. Supermodel Naomi Campbell, herself sober since 2008, replied calling Anthony a “shining beacon of light” and also thanked him for inspiring her own sobriety journey. Also sending love was actor Alec Baldwin. Wolverine star Hugh Jackman also left the thumbs up.
Sober Celebrities
Anthony joins the long list of celebrities who have successfully battled alcohol addiction. Friends star Matthew Perry, reality star Kelly Osbourne, actress Jessica Simpson, and singer Demi Lovato have all battled alcohol – also making headlines for his sobriety journey has been singer Justin Bieber (for drugs).
Admits To ‘Off’ Days
Anthony has admitted to up and down days.
“I have my off days and sometimes little bits of doubt and all that, but all in all I say hang in there. Today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday,” he said in his May IG post.
Fans Love Him
Anthony continues to prove immensely popular despite being in his 80s.
Instagram Following
Hopkins is followed by 3.9 million on Instagram . For more, see his account.
