- - Anthony Hopkins Sends Message After 50 Years of Sobriety: ‘I Was Nearly Killed’

Geca FloresDecember 30, 2025 at 2:37 AM

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Sir Anthony Hopkins has reached a deeply personal milestone before the end of 2025.

The Oscar winner has stayed active online, sharing glimpses of his life, from moments in England to book signings and more.

In his latest Instagram post, The Silence of the Lambs star is not just celebrating his upcoming birthday but also a turning point close to his heart.

The post featured a video of the 87-year-old actor sitting on a couch in a cozy knitted cardigan.

Hopkins began the clip by offering New Year’s greetings to his followers and acknowledging the milestone of completing another year.

“Lots of cheer, lots of fun and all that. So, really have a great time. Congratulations on reaching another year to all of you,” he said.

Sir Anthony Hopkins attends the “Life Is A Dream” concert - Composer Sir Anthony Hopkins performs with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for Riyadh Season 2025. Darren Arthur/Getty Images for GEA

As he continued his video, the legendary Welsh actor recalled the drunk driving incident he experienced.

“My only problem was I had too good a time. Cos 50 years ago today I was nearly killed. I drive my car in a drunken blackout. That’s the way it was. But I realized at that point I was having too much fun. It was called alcoholism,” The Father star shared.

Moreover, he also offered encouragement to those who were struggling with drinking by taking a hard look at it and explained that life became much better once he quit.

“So anyone out there who's got a little problem with having too much, you know, check it out. Cos life is much better. So I stopped. Without bragging, I got help and 50 years ago today was the end,” he mentioned.

The actor emphasized loving life and choosing life over self-destruction.

“I just wish you well. Choose life instead of the opposite. Life life life and more life. I’m going to be 88 in two days' time. So maybe I did something right.”

Capping off his 50 years of being sober, he once again greeted everyone with a “happy new year” and a “happy happy life.”

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Hopkins' Instagram post drew the attention of not just his followers but also fellow Hollywood stars.

Among those who commented was Amy Schumer, who said, “God I love you. Happy birthday, you sweet man!”

Iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell chimed in and said, “Congratulations @anthonyhopkins.”

“Happy 50, Tony! Sending lots of love,” Blindspot actress Jaimie Alexander added.

As for his fans, users not only sent their congratulatory messages, but the majority also expressed how proud they are of the actor’s journey.

“So proud of you man! You’re a role model in my life. You’re melting my heart every time. Love you and wish you a long life. We all need you and so thankful to have you in our lifetimes.”

Some also called him an inspiration, writing, “You’re such an inspiration, sir. May you continue to enjoy a happy, happy life, forever! So much love for you.”

In 1975, Hopkins experienced a life-changing moment when he survived a near-fatal crash. He had been driving from Arizona to Beverly Hills while blackout drunk, under the influence of alcohol.

“I could have killed someone. I could have taken out a whole family,” the prolific actor wrote in his memoir We Did Ok, Kid.

He confessed in his book that his “craving to drink” suddenly disappeared after the incident.

Now he is 50 years sober and living life to the fullest.

Related: ‘90s Heavy Metal Icon Marks Seven Years Sober: ‘Recovery is Possible’

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”