Anthony Hopkins Reflects on Estrangement from Daughter Abigail
In his memoir We Did OK, Kid, Anthony Hopkins reveals the painful estrangement from his daughter Abigail, whom he had with his first wife, Petronella Barker. The acclaimed actor admits the situation "broke my heart."
Complicated Family Dynamics
The two-time Oscar winner details the troubled relationship with his only child, now 57, which stemmed from his decision to leave Barker, a British actress. Hopkins, now 87, was a heavy drinker during their marriage, which began in 1967.
The Impact of Alcoholism and Personality Clashes
Hopkins describes their volatile marriage:
“Our opposing personalities and my alcoholism doomed the relationship from the start.”
Despite knowing they were a poor match, they tried to stay together for their unborn child, but ultimately the marriage "was a disaster."
Sources of Conflict
- Hopkins' alcoholism
- Barker’s resentment towards his career success
Hopkins recalls a night after returning from a Scotland shoot when Barker sarcastically called him “Mr. Lord High and Mighty.”
Enduring Openness
Despite the distance between them, Hopkins keeps the door open for reconciliation with Abigail.
“My door is always open to her.”
Author’s Summary
Anthony Hopkins candidly shares his regrets over a fractured relationship with his daughter, shaped by past struggles with alcoholism and personal differences, while expressing hope for future reconciliation.