The 1975 blackout that nearly ended Anthony Hopkins’ life—and his shocking next move

Content warning: This article discusses alcoholism and personal trauma.

At 87, Sir Anthony Hopkins remains a force in entertainment, captivating audiences with every role.

Last week, he revealed a story more personal than any film performance—a moment that changed the course of his life.

Hopkins shared on The New York Times podcast the terrifying 1975 incident that made him confront his alcoholism—driving drunk in California during a complete blackout.

He will mark 50 years of sobriety this December, a milestone that once felt impossible when he could not remember how he navigated city streets or where he was heading.

That moment pierced decades of denial, forcing him to acknowledge the danger he posed to himself and others.

Shortly after, at a Beverly Hills party, he approached his former agent with three simple words: 'I need help.'

It was 29 December 1975, and Hopkins was 38 years old.

Hopkins’ struggles were shaped by the culture around him, where heavy drinking was a rite of passage for actors.

'Actors in those days—Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton, all of them—I remember those drinking sessions, thinking: 'This is the life. We're rebels, we're outsiders, we can celebrate'' he recalled.

'Because that's what you do in theater, you drink,' he admitted, acknowledging that he was 'very difficult to work with, as well, because I was usually hungover.'

By December 1975, he described himself as 'disgusted, busted and not to be trusted,' aware that alcohol was a deadly companion.

'And at the back of the mind is: 'It'll kill you as well.' Those guys I worked with have all gone,' he said, reflecting on the fates of many peers, including Burton and O'Toole, who died relatively young.

Hopkins’ turning point came when he called a 12-step program in Los Angeles and chose to attend meetings himself rather than wait for someone to come to him.

At that first meeting, he experienced what he described as a 'deep, powerful thought': 'It's all over. Now you can start living and it has all been for a purpose, so don't forget one moment of it.'

Almost instantly, his craving for alcohol vanished.

'The craving to drink was taken from me, or left. Now I don't have any theories except divinity or that power that we all possess inside us that creates us from birth, life force, whatever it is,' he said.

Hopkins’ life transformed in ways that defied expectations.

He has said he has 'had more fun these 49 years than ever,' challenging the misconception that sobriety equates to a dull life.

His career thrived post-sobriety, with milestones including an Oscar for The Silence of the Lambs in 1991, a knighthood in 1993, and a second Oscar for The Father in 2021 at age 83.

His memoir, We Did OK, Kid, is due for release on 4 November 2025.

In his personal life, Hopkins found love again with Stella Arroyave, marrying in 2003 after meeting her at an antique store.

He fondly recalled: 'Arroyave made their meeting very interesting by dancing over to meet him instead of walking.'

Hopkins has become a vocal advocate for sobriety, sharing his story to inspire others.

When a fan celebrated two years of sobriety, he responded: 'Congratulations on 2 years. One day at a time. You will find a life beyond your dreams. Wishing you a healthy 2025.'

His advice is practical and compassionate: 'If you do have a problem—having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine—but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help. It's not a terrible deal, it's a condition. If you're allergic to alcohol, get some help. There's plenty of help around.'

Hopkins stresses that 'no condition is unique, as there are thousands of people in his shoes.'

Approaching 88, he reflects on life with gratitude: 'There are monstrous difficulties in life. But finally, approaching 88, I wake up in the morning going: 'I'm still here.''

'I don't know. But whatever's keeping me here, thank you very much! Much obliged!'</p]

If Anthony Hopkins’ journey to sobriety made you think about the long-term effects of alcohol, there’s more to consider about how even moderate drinking can impact your health.

Recent research suggests that your evening drink might not be as harmless as it seems, with new findings linking alcohol consumption to brain health risks.

For a deeper look at the surprising ways alcohol can affect your mind, this article offers valuable insights and real-world advice.

Read more: Your evening tipple might not be protecting your brain after all

Have you or someone you know ever been inspired to change after witnessing a celebrity’s journey to sobriety?