As he nears his 88th birthday, Sir Anthony Hopkins wanted to share a little life experience. Famous for his fine acting skills and beautiful Welsh accent, the actor shared an Instagram message marking 50 years of sobriety, which has garnered thousands of positive messages from around the world.
In the humble message posted on the anniversary of his 50-year milestone, which also happens to be near the eve of his birthday, the actor seemed so very full of life, and excited to be a part of it. Perhaps this joie de vivre stems from the fact he was so close to death 50 years ago, as he shared in his video.
Yet what's really striking is how the octogenarian implores all of us to choose "life, life, life, and more life!" A message that resonates for those struggling with addiction, but also for those who might be struggling with life in general.
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This video echoes a previous message he shared five years ago on how he still has moments when it's not so easy, yet he soldiers on. His message wasn't aimed just at those coping with addiction, but also those in need of a ray of hope.
In that video, which received over half a million "likes," the Academy Award winner talks of a "message" he received at a moment in his life when his drinking was out of control:
“I was heading for disaster, I was drinking myself to death. I’m not preachy but I got a message, a little thought, 'Do you want to live or die?' I wanted to live and suddenly relief came and my life has been amazing.”
The actor, who played Pope Benedict XVI in The Two Popes, was once an atheist, but turned to God during his addiction. This change of heart was revealed in an interview with Piers Morgan, who asked him if he believed in God, to which Hopkins replied wholeheartedly: "Yes, I do. I do."
He went on to explain that he sought help for his drinking problems when he'd reached a low point and a woman suggested he turn to God. "I was hell bent on destruction. And I just asked for a little bit of help, and suddenly, pow. It was just like, bingo," as reported in Christian Post.
From that moment Hopkins managed to control his addiction and his career went from strength to strength. With roles such as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs and impressive performances in Shadowlands and The Remains of the Day he became a world-renowned actor.
Hang in there!
So it's wonderful to see the octogenarian share with millions of people his struggles and how he still tries to overcome them, just as so many people have been struggling with their own difficulties. But in a rallying call, he implored people "to hang in there" reminding them that "today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday."
As with today's message, his previous uplifting video came with a final plea that perhaps we can all take with us into this new year:
"Don’t give up. Just keep in there. Keep fighting. Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid. That sustained me through my life."
