Sir Anthony Hopkins has officially marked 50 years of sobriety as he advised others to ‘choose life instead of the opposite’.
The two-time Academy Award winner, 87, started his career on stage before soaring to fame in the 1968 movie The Lion In Winter.
Sir Anthony has been open up about his struggles with alcohol early in his career, and even admitted he was once driving drunk and could have killed someone.
But taking to Instagram on Monday, Sir Anthony revealed he is officially 50 years sober as he shared an inspirational video.
In the clip he told the camera: ‘I got help and 50 years ago today was the end. Without being a killjoy I just wish you all choose life instead of the opposite.
‘I realised at that point that I was having too much fun. It was called alcoholism.’
Sir Anthony Hopkins has officially marked 50 years of sobriety as he advised others to ‘choose life instead of the opposite’ (Seen earlier this month)
The two-time Academy Award winner, 87, started his career on stage before soaring to fame in the 1968 movie The Lion In Winter (Seen in 1975)
He continued: ‘So anyone out there who’s got a little problem with having too much, check it out, because life is much better.’
Turning his attention to others celebrating their sobriety, Anthony advised they take it ‘one day at a time’ and added: ‘I’m also going to be 88 in two days’ time, so maybe I did something right.
‘Anyway Happy New Year and a happy, happy life.’
He captioned the clip: ‘Anthony: One day at a time, today I celebrate 50 years of sobriety. Happy birthday to everyone.’
Stars were quick to congratulate Sir Anthony on his achievement, with Andy Garcia writing: ‘Blessings maestro!’
Josh Brolin said: ‘Unreal, Tony. I’m so happy that you are the incredible pillar that you are in this program — truly, such a great example to all. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.’
Naomi Campbell added: ‘Congratulations @anthonyhopkins ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.’
Meanwhile Selma Blair said: ‘Happy birthday. Thank you for all your leading by example. You are incredible.’
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Sir Anthony revealed he is officially 50 years sober as he shared an inspirational video
In October, Anthony revealed a terrifying incident made him ‘come to his senses’ and realise he was an alcoholic.
Speaking during a Saturday appearance on the New York Times’ The Interview podcast: ‘I was drunk and driving my car here in California in a blackout, no clue where I was going, when I realised that I could have killed somebody. Or myself, which I didn’t care about.
‘I could have killed a family in a car, you know. I realised that I was an alcoholic, and I came to my senses.’
Soon after he then saw his ex-agent at a party and admitted to them: ‘I need help’, before turning his life around with the help of a 12-step program in Los Angeles.
Discussing his sobriety last year, Anthony said: ‘If you do have a problem – having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine – but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help,’ Anthony said.
‘It’s not a terrible deal – it’s a condition if you’re allergic to alcohol, get some help, there’s plenty of help around.
‘One thing I didn’t realise, that I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me – anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I’ve had a wonderful life.’
He added: ‘They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I’m going to be 87 in two days now.’
Back in December 2023 he sent his fans and followers a sweet New Year’s message on Instagram – while also celebrating 48 years of sobriety
The actor captioned the clip, ‘One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session.’
Anthony wrapped up in saying: ‘So I’m celebrating my long life – unexpectedly long life.’
He added: ‘So if you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step program, whatever you could do – because it is a killer – with that, happy new year!’
If you need help contact Alcohol Anonymous: 0800 917 7650 / help@aamail.org
