Anthony Hopkins is probably the most experienced when it comes to playing life-threatening villains. Contrarily, his reality is more pro-life than commonly seen.

Turning 88 on December 31, 2025, Sir Anthony Hopkins took to Instagram to address more than just the yet-to-come warm wishes. He took time to remind himself and the onlookers of a dangerous time in his life, one that changed his perspective on life.

"I realised at that point that I was having too much fun," he reminisced, recalling a near-death experience he faced 50 years ago. The actor stated how the incident helped him realise the importance of his life and he chose to get help.

Sir Hopkins had first opened up about his path to sobriety in 2018. In a session with 500 students at the University of California, the veteran admitted being hard to work with during his early days because of his problem, as per the BBC.

Sir Anthony Hopkins not only overcame his demons, but also all the stages of Hollywood prestige.

Anthony Hopkins' stages of Hollywood life

Sir Anthony Hopkins first took the stage in a 1960 production of Have a Cigarette at Swansea Palace Theatre. From then on, he steadily rose to being called the greatest actor of his generation by Richard Attenborough in the 1970s.

His role in The Silence of the Lambs in 1991 made him a blueprint for Hannibal Lecter, whom he kept returning to play in two other films as well. The role brought Hopkins film acclaim, earning the actor his Academy, BAFTA, and more awards thereafter.

Sir Anthony Hopkins had chosen to live a healthy life after speaking to Alcoholics Anonymous in 1975. From then on, his presence has not only given him 88 years of flourishing, but a grace the screens can hardly forget today.

What do you think of Anthony Hopkins' celebration of sobriety? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by

Adiba Nizami

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra