Anthony Hopkins talks about alcoholism and his path to sobriety; recalls his ‘greatest regret’ from the drinking phase

Anthony Hopkins talks about alcoholism

Sir Anthony Hopkins, one of the most celebrated actors of our time, has marked 50 years of sobriety. In a candid new interview with The Guardian, the 87-year-old star reflected on the darkest period of his life, revealing how alcoholism nearly derailed his career and sense of self.

Anthony Hopkins, who has now been sober for nearly 50 years, vividly recalled the turning point. In December 1975, after waking up in Los Angeles with no memory of how he got there, he realised the gravity of his addiction. “I was insane, I was nuts, I couldn’t remember half the journey,” he said. What came next was a moment of clarity that changed his life. “I knew I needed help, I knew it was over.”

The actor joined Alcoholics Anonymous and, as he described it, felt an immediate shift. “I got out on the street, 11am, 29 December 1975, and everything looked different. Everything seemed sunnier, everything seemed more … benign. No threat in the air.” He has not touched a drink since.

Before sobriety, alcohol had fueled his anger, paranoia, and professional clashes. “Yes, yes, I did. I would not be trusted, and I would have fights and quarrel with, especially, directors.” He admitted to being part of the hard-drinking culture of British theatre in the 60s and 70s, a time when “drinking was a family tradition” and “the done thing.”

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Anthony Hopkins’ memories of rage and recklessness haunt him still, particularly leaving his first wife and infant daughter. “The saddest fact of my life, and my greatest regret,” he says, reflecting on that period.

Sobriety, however, allowed his career to shift into a different gear. While he inspired awe as Hannibal Lecter, earned knighthood, and became a global icon, his own greatest victory was internal. Today, he looks back not only with gratitude but with creative energy intact. He continues to act, write music, and even post playful Instagram videos.