Sir Anthony Hopkins has something to celebrate.
The 82-year-old movie star, widely regarded as one of the best in Hollywood, took to social media on Tuesday to announce that he is celebrating 45 years of sobriety.
He shared a happy video message online, adding the caption: “With gratitude, I celebrate 45 years of sobriety.”
“Hello everyone, good morning. Well, new year is coming, it’s been a difficult year”, he started in the black and white video. “A lot of pain and sadness for many, many people. But, 45 years ago, today, I had a wake-up call.”
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The star of “The Two Popes” said he was “heading for disaster drinking to death” at the time and said that “a little thought” came to his mind: “Do you want to live or die?”
“I said, ‘I want to live,'” recalls Hopkins. “Suddenly, the relief came and my life has been incredible. I have my days off, sometimes little bits of doubt and everything, but in general, I say hang on.”
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He added: “Today is the tomorrow that you were so worried about yesterday. You young people, don’t give up, just stay there, just keep fighting. Be bold and the powerful forces will come to your aid. This has sustained me through my life.”
The actor concluded by promising that 2021 will be “the best year”.
Anthony Hopkins is celebrating 45 years of sobriety. (Todd Williamson / Getty Images photo for CinemaCon)
Although popular for decades, Hopkins’ most revered work came after he gave up drinking, including his Oscar-winning role in “The Silence of the Lambs” in 1991 and his Emmy victories in 1976 and 1981.
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Just over a year ago, the prolific film star talked about his struggles with alcohol for Brad Pitt for Interview magazine.
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“I look at him and think, ‘What a blessing it was, because it was painful.’ I did some bad things. But it was all for a reason, in a way, “he said.” And it’s weird to look back and think, ‘God, did I do all these things?’ But it is as if there is an inner voice that says: “It ‘s over. Done. Move on.”