'Hannibal' Star Anthony Hopkins, 82, Marks 45 Years of Sobriety — Watch His Inspiring Video

Legendary actor Anthony Hopkins celebrated decades of sobriety this week by posting an inspirational video message on social media. The clip came two days before the star celebrated his birthday.

Back in 1975, Anthony Hopkins made the hard decision to give up drinking for good. The “Hannibal” actor celebrated the 45th anniversary of his sobriety on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

He honored his great achievement by recording a black-and-white video for his fans. The star started off his message by noting how 2020 had been a tough year for everyone because of the pandemic.

The "Silence of the Lambs" actor noted how the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease had left many people grieving and very sad. He then revealed that he had a wake-up call 45 years ago on the same day.

The star noted how he was headed for disaster because he was “drinking myself to death.” He confessed that he wasn’t one to preach but that he had a message he wanted to share with the masses.

Hopkins recalled how he had a thought that asked him whether he wanted to live or die. That defining moment saw the famed actor making a serious decision by saying:

“I said, 'I want to live.'"

The star then noted how that realization gave him sudden relief and his life has been amazing since. However, to be completely honest, the actor confessed that he’d had some off days and some doubts too.

Anthony Hopkins admitted that this attitude was what sustained him through his life.

Sharing some encouragement with his fans, Hopkins told other people who were struggling with sobriety to hang in there. He noted how today was the tomorrow they were so worried about the day before.

The Oscar Award winner urged young people to keep fighting, never give up, and to remain bold. He noted how this behavior would lead to strong forces coming to their aid.

Hopkins admitted that this attitude was what sustained him through his life. He concluded his powerful message by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and noted that 2021 was going to be the best year.

The famous actor will be turning 83 on New Year’s Eve. In a 2018 “Irish Times” interview, the star credited his wife, Stella Arroyave, for helping him turn his life around by encouraging him to exercise and more.

The Port Talbot-born actor even once confessed that working with him earlier in his career was tough because he was always hungover. At the time, he was speaking to students at the University of California.