Sir Anthony Hopkins, the celebrated British actor and two-time Academy Award winner, has taken an intimate look at his personal struggles with alcohol addiction and the profound transformation that led him to sobriety. In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, the 87-year-old star disclosed how a powerful, internal voice he believes to be divine helped him overcome decades of drinking and begin living with a renewed sense of purpose.
The revelation came during a life-altering moment in December 1975 when Hopkins was driving under the influence through California. Confronted with the potential danger of harming others, he described feeling an overwhelming sense of clarity and a voice from within speaking to him in a way that changed his life entirely. ‘It’s all over. Now you can start living. And it has all been for a purpose, so don’t forget one moment of it,’ the voice is said to have told him, according to Hopkins. He called this experience an ‘epiphany,’ a moment that marked the beginning of his journey to sobriety and a deeper connection with his faith.
Hopkins, best known for his iconic roles in classics like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘The Elephant Man,’ has remained sober for nearly five decades since that pivotal moment. In his memoir, ‘We Did OK, Kid,’ set for release next month, he delves into these experiences, offering a candid reflection on how his faith and the presence of this inner voice guided him through the challenges of life and career. The book promises to provide further insights into how his journey of faith and sobriety shaped his personal and professional life.
As part of his storytelling, Hopkins recounted other defining moments, including a visit to a Catholic church in Los Angeles in the late 1, where he shared his newfound sense of belief in God. He acknowledged that while the experience is deeply personal, it was this inner voice that convinced him of the existence of a greater power that is both within and beyond himself. ‘What happened that morning — when that voice said: ‘It’s over. Now you can start living and it has all been for a purpose’ — I knew that was a power way beyond my understanding,’ he said, emphasizing that he chose the term ‘God’ for simplicity and ease of expression.
Hopkins’ reflections offer a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, personal struggle, and transformation. His willingness to share these intimate details not only highlights his personal growth but also resonates with those who may have faced similar challenges in their own lives. This candidness, combined with his legendary career, underscores the complexity of a public figure who has managed to find peace, purpose, and continued relevance through his journey of faith and sobriety.