Anthony Hopkins Reflects on 50 Years of Sobriety: Finding Joy in a Better Life

Anthony Hopkins.
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Key Points

• Anthony Hopkins celebrated 50 years of sobriety on December 29.
• The actor recounted the blackout that led him to sobriety, urging his followers to “choose life.”
• He encouraged anyone facing similar struggles to seek help.

Anthony Hopkins marks a significant milestone in his sobriety journey, having celebrated 50 years of sobriety on December 29.

On that day, just two days before his 88th birthday, the Oscar-winning actor shared an Instagram video reflecting on the pivotal moment that led him to quit drinking half a century ago.

“Here we are, another happy new year coming up. Lots of cheer, lots of fun and all that. So really have a great time,” he began. “Congratulations on reaching another year, to all of you. My only problem was I had too good a time because 50 years ago today, I was nearly killed by driving my car in a drunken blackout,” he recalled. “But I realized at that point that I was having too much fun. It was called alcoholism.”

He continued, addressing those who might also struggle with alcohol: “So anyone out there who’s got a little problem with having too much, check it out because life is much better. So I stopped. Without bragging, I got help and 50 years ago today was the end.”

Hopkins concluded with a hopeful message: “Choose life instead of the opposite. Life life life and more life. I’m also going to be 88 in two days. So maybe I did something right, I don’t know,” he added with a laugh. “Happy New Year and happy life!”

Over the years, Hopkins has been forthright about his battle with alcohol abuse. In his memoir, We Did OK, Kid, published in October, he detailed the moment when his doctor informed him of the dire consequences of his drinking habits.

Reflecting on that wake-up call, Hopkins mentioned that at 37 years old, he learned from his doctor that his physical condition resembled that of a man much older. “My memories of that time are foggy,” he recounted. “During my drinking years I had caused a lot of pain. I never had any idea that I was an alcoholic… Denial is the greatest killer. And I was still in the grips of my addiction, though it was getting harder to deny it.”

Hopkins also described a profound experience after driving under the influence in Beverly Hills, where he faced the potential consequences of his actions. He recounted looking up at trees and thanking God that no one had died that night. “I imagined my parents back in Wales hearing that I’d killed someone or myself. I saw their hopes smashed,” he recalled. “I heard a voice ask me, Do you want to live or do you want to die? I want to live, a voice answered from somewhere deep inside me.” That night marked a pivotal change in his life as he sought help and has since remained committed to his recovery, including attending 12-step meetings.

Anthony Hopkins.

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