Anthony Hopkins Shares Regret Over Estrangement from Daughter Abigail
Sir Anthony Hopkins opens up about his deep regrets regarding the estrangement from his daughter Abigail in his new memoir, We Did OK, Kid, released on November 4, 2025. The 87-year-old actor reflects candidly on family struggles and his battle with alcoholism.
Hopkins’ Personal Reflection on Family and Alcoholism
Known for confronting harsh realities in his roles, Hopkins now turns that honesty inward. He recounts leaving his first wife, Petronella Barker, and their 14-month-old daughter, Abigail, when his alcoholism became uncontrollable.
“Abigail never seemed able to forgive me for leaving the family when she was a baby.”
Hopkins describes himself as “a cold fish” who had early defense mechanisms. He accepts Abigail’s pain as justified and states,
“I will always be sorry for hurting her when I left the family, even as I believe to this day that I had no choice.”
Fragmented Relationship with Daughter
Their relationship briefly revived in the 1990s, with Abigail appearing in Hopkins’ films Shadowlands and The Remains of the Day. However, the connection eventually faded again into silence and distance over the years.
Significance of Hopkins’ Admission
What stands out is the actor's rare and public acknowledgment of his previous emotional coldness towards his daughter.
Author’s summary: Anthony Hopkins openly admits his profound regret and emotional distance from his daughter Abigail, highlighting a painful family history marked by addiction and estrangement.