Anthony Hopkins celebrates his 49th year of sobriety with a video post

Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins shared a new message with his fans as he reached 49 years of sobriety.

The veteran actor has a long history of sending messages of hope to people struggling with alcoholism, and he uses his sobriety to motivate them.

On his sober anniversaries, Hopkins typically makes a video recording describing his experiences and his decision to get sober and continued the tradition this year.

In the nearly two-minute clip, he shared his sobriety story with his fans and what led him to quit drinking.

Hopkins began, “Good morning. Happy December 29th. 29th? Why the 29th? Well, 49 years ago today I quit (imitates the act of drinking).”

He said he was having fun at the time, but realized he was in “big trouble” because he couldn’t remember anything.

The Father actor continued: “I was driving and I was completely drunk. Then on that fateful day I realized I needed help, so I got it.”

After realizing he needed help, Hopkins said he “called a group of people” who were in a similar situation and began his journey to sobriety. He added: “Anyway, I’ve had more fun in these 49 years than ever before.”

The actor used his message to inspire people struggling with alcoholism or alcohol-related issues. He assured them: “If you have a problem, it’s wonderful to have fun, it’s okay to have a drink. But if you have a problem with alcohol, there is help.”

Hopkins explained: “It’s not a terrible business. It is a disease when you are allergic to alcohol. Get help, there’s plenty of help out there.”

He also said, “One thing I didn’t realize was that I wasn’t unique. There are thousands of people like me.”

In the final portion of the video, Hopkins expressed hope and positivity to his followers and used his life as an example of how sober people can still have fun and great opportunities.

He said, “Anyway, I got sober. It sounds like a boring word, but I had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs.”

The 86-year-old shared: “I’m turning 87 in two days, so I’m celebrating my long life – my unexpectedly long life – so if you have a problem, you know where to go.”

Hopkins urged those with alcohol problems to seek help by calling a group, enrolling in a 12-step program or doing whatever they can do “because alcohol (alcohol) kills.”

He ended his message by blowing him a kiss and saying, “On that note, Happy New Year!”

He said“Hello, happy new year everyone! All night owls and drinkers have fun. Wonderful!”

Hopkins added: “Happy New Year, I hope you have a great time. When you get a hangover, remember me. I don’t get them anymore because I stopped taking them 48 years ago today. I got help for it and my life changed.”

The “One Life” star concluded: “I don’t envy you having fun out there, but if you need help, there’s a time. Life is in full swing. Do it.”

In a 2020 interview with The New York TimesHopkins recalled the moment he decided to quit drinking in 1975.

He revealed that he woke up in a hotel room in Arizona but had no idea how he got there.

Hopkins said per Independent“I thought, ‘Well, I have to stop this because I’m either going to kill someone or myself. From that moment on, my life took on new meaning.”

The Silence of the Lambs actor’s decision to quit drinking helped him greatly.

The icon won his first Oscar in 1991 for his role as serial killer Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs.” Hopkins’ second Oscar win came in 2021, when he was 83 years old.

He won the award for his role as a father with dementia in “The Father,” making him the oldest Oscar winner.