Anthony Hopkins admits alcohol addiction was going to kill him
Sir Anthony Hopkins opened up about his battle with alcoholism, admitting that his addiction could have ended his life. The 87-year-old Welsh actor, known for his Oscar-winning role in The Silence of the Lambs, reflects on his turbulent past in his memoir We Did Ok, Kid, due for release on Tuesday.
Hopkins revealed that heavy drinking was commonplace both in his family and in the theatre world, where such behavior was often normalized. Over time, his addiction began affecting his professional life, leading to conflicts with directors and performances where he appeared drunk on stage.
“It was terrible. You used to be on stage and not know where you were or why you were there, adding ten minutes to the play.”
“It was just the done thing... Who cares about the establishment? When you’re growing up, it’s healthy to want to punch out and be rebellious and survive. And it was a bit of fun, I thought. But I remember thinking one day: ‘Yeah, and it’s going to kill you as well.’”
In his memoir, Hopkins also acknowledges the deep regret he feels for leaving his first wife and their baby daughter, a decision that continues to haunt him.
Author’s Summary
Anthony Hopkins candidly recounts how his alcoholism nearly destroyed him and reflects on the lasting remorse over choices that shaped his life.