Anthony Hopkins celebrates sobriety, offers words of hope

Last Updated on January 5, 2023

Academy Award-winning actor Anthony Hopkins is marking 47 years of sobriety with a message of hope and encouragement for those struggling with addiction.

On his Instagram–yes, Anthony Hopkins has an Instagram–the legendary actor posted a video captioned, “Wishing everyone a healthy 2023.” In it, he says, “I just want to wish everyone a happy new year and also to say I’m celebrating 47 years today of sobriety…This is a message not meant to be heavy, but I hope helpful. I am a recovering alcoholic. And to you out there–I know there are people struggling.”

Building on the theme of alcoholism–and addiction as a whole–Anthony Hopkins said, “If you need help with any addiction or problem, talk to someone. Talk to someone you respect, whether it’s a counselor or to go to a 12-step program.”

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Anthony Hopkins continued his message by encouraging those who face bullying. “I want to say to all you young people who are being bullied, take heed–you be proud of yourself…Don’t listen to them. Don’t let yourself be put down. Depression is part of being alive, sometimes [as is] anxiety. Life is tough.”

Perhaps the most profound thought from Anthony Hopkins’ Instagram video came through words that can be carried through pressing times. “In this day and age of cancel and hatred and non-compromise, children being bullied, I say [this]: Be kind to yourself…Be kind. Stay out of the circle of toxicity with people, if they offend you. Live your life. Be proud of your life…So wherever you are, get help. Don’t be ashamed…Be proud of yourselves, whatever you do. Don’t let anyone put you down. If you’re gonna be angry, be angry at them…Celebrate yourself.”

On a similar note, Hugh Jackman, Anthony Hopkins’ co-star in The Son (you can read our own Chris Bumbray’s 8/10 review here)–a prequel to 2020’s The Father, which earned Hopkins his second Best Actor Oscar–recently made a call to have mental health professionals on movie sets.

Even at 86–Sir Anthony Hopkins was actually born on New Year’s Eve–the actor is keeping busy, as he will next have a voice role in Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon and will play humanitarian Nicholas Winton in One Life.

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