by Sir Anthony Hopkins has celebrated 47 years of sobriety and told his fans to ‘be kind to yourself’ in a touching New Year’s message.
The 84-year-old Oscar-winning actor spoke candidly about recovering from alcoholism in a video posted to Instagram.
In the video, titled ‘Wishing everyone a healthy 2023’, Sir Anthony said: ‘Hi everyone, I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and also say today I am celebrating 47 years of sobriety.
“But this is a message that doesn’t want to be heavy, but I hope it is useful.
“I am a recovering alcoholic and for you out there, I know there are people struggling in this day and age of undoing, hate and long compromise, bullied children.
“I say to 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.
“47 years ago, I was in a hopeless, hopeless situation and probably didn’t have long left to live.
“And I happened to recognize one day that there was something really wrong with me. But I didn’t realize it was some kind of condition. A mental, physical, emotional condition called alcoholism or addiction.
“I’m not a drug expert. I’m not an expert on anything. I don’t know anything except that I’ve found a life where no one bullies me.
“I’m going to say to all you young bullied kids, be careful, be proud of yourself. Don’t listen to them, don’t let them get you down.
“Depression is part of being alive sometimes, and anxiety, life is hard.”
Sir Anthony, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the drama in 1993, went on to encourage all of his 3.9 million Instagram followers struggling with addiction to commit to the 12-step recovery programme. and praised the free and accessible nature of the recovery program, saying “it will give you a whole new life.”
She added: “All I can say is I have the best life I could ever imagine and I can’t even take credit for it.
“So wherever you are, get help. Do not be ashamed. Be proud of yourself, whatever you do, don’t let anyone bring you down.
“Don’t let anyone get you down. If you’re going to get angry, be angry. Don’t let anyone bring you down.
“Celebrate yourself as I do, even if I know nothing. A lot of love for you.
Numerous famous faces left positive responses to the video, with actor Hugh Jackman commenting, “Well said!”
Whilst model Naomi Campbell thanked the Silence of the Lambs star, writing: ‘Thank you Sir @anthonyhopkins you are a shining beacon of light, you inspire me on my healing journey’, to which Sir Anthony replied: ‘One day at a time , Dear.”
In 1992 Sir Anthony won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.
He won a second Academy Award for Best Actor in 2021 for The Father, becoming the oldest candidate and winner of the award.
