Anthony Hopkins is enjoying his old age with vigor and celebration. But, the obvious joy that now exudes from him was won via the process of overcoming a challenging past.
At 83 years old, Anthony Hopkins won an Academy Award for his role in “The Father,” where he plays an elderly man suffering from dementia. This means he is the oldest man to take home an Oscar, the second win he’s managed to grab during his lifetime.
Outside of his astounding career, Anthony has struggled with many personal issues, including Aspergers, which affects an individual’s social abilities. He has also fought against dependency and grappled with family issues.
The Actor’s Family
Fourteen months after Anthony’s daughter Abigail Hopkins was born, he walked out of her life. Abigail, now in her fifties, claims that she would see her father around once every year. In 1984, when Abigail was 16, the two fought, leading to their estrangement.
They reconnected in the 1990s, where for a period of time, Abigail worked on films, a few alongside her father, including “Remains of the Day” and “Shadowlands.”
However, they eventually stopped talking again following this reunion. There is no indication of why and who was involved in the decision not to contact each other afterward. Anthony has vehemently hesitated to speak about their estranged relationship, calling the topic “taboo.”
Anthony had Abigail with the actress and his first wife, Petronella Barker. He is now married to an ex-antique dealer and his third wife, Stella Arroyave, whom he met when he was 65. They said their “I do’s” on March 1, 2003, and live in Malibu, California. Speaking about their union, the beloved performer expressed:
“She’s very good for me. My wife worries because I work too hard. I will go on working because what else would I do? I’ll retire when my teeth and hair fall out.”
Hopkins has stated that he enjoys buying his wife gifts and that she makes him breakfast in bed. Arroyave was an antique dealer when the two first met but has since found herself working in the entertainment industry, delving into directing, writing, acting, and producing.
Anthony Hopkin’s Life in His 80s
On December 29, 2022, Anthony shared an inspiring message for 2023. He revealed that he was celebrating 47 years of sobriety and explained that he was in a dark place 47 years ago. The actor said he was at a point in his life where no one can push him around anymore. Multiple times in the clip, he encouraged individuals not to allow anyone to bully them, even themselves. He expressed:
“Don’t listen to them. Don’t let yourself be put down.”
Anthony spoke about addiction and mental health issues, encouraging everyone to seek help. Once more, he encouraged everyone to take pride in themselves, expressing: “Celebrate yourself.” He then sent love to everyone and thanked them.
Anthony shared a similar clip on Twitter, stating that some days are difficult. He encouraged younger generations to continue fighting and have courage.
He wished everyone a Happy New Year and exclaimed that the upcoming year would be the best one yet.
In 2020 and 2021, the Oscar winner shared posts on his Facebook, supporting and campaigning for the No Kid Hungry campaign. In one post, he wrote:
“Thank you for your continued support of the No Kid Hungry campaign.Anthony Hopkins Collection.”
For Valentines Day of 2021, he also shared a clip honoring the No Kid Hungry campaign, featuring his paintings dedicated to the cause, while playing piano in the background. Anthony spent a lot of time on these art forms during the pandemic.
Beyond his passion for painting, during the course of this year, he has also shared multiple videos of him simply having fun and dancing. One was of him walking, looking debonair, with suave music playing in the background, with the caption:
“Ready for the runway… ”
In another clip, he appeared to be enjoying himself in Siena, Italy, also trying to be smooth jokingly. He trotted next to another individual who sang and appeared to be Italian, as Anthony danced with a stylish yet comedic trot next to him. In contrast, the other individual stepped in line, enjoying the smooth dance with the actor, who donned a peaked cap. Anthony captioned the short video:
When the student becomes the master… You go with it 🕺🕺”
Commenters went wild, sending him love, adoration, and a slew of compliments. There were many who expressed how great of an actor the iconic performer is.
In another, he is filmed enjoying the outdoors, once again dancing, this time with his Welsh trainer in Tuscany, Italy. It turned into playful boxing training, with Anthony lightly “punching” the upright hands of his trainer. The caption read:
“Sunday vibes with my Welsh trainer. I prefer to dance than spar. 🕺🕺”
The two danced in the sunshine among rolling hills and a sparkling pool in the background. The two found themselves swaying to Mambo Italiano. Another clip showed him playing beautiful music on the piano with evident passion.