Anthony Hopkins’ ‘Taboo’ Is His Only Child He Left, Yet He Once ‘Broke Down’ Recalling Daughter at Work

• Anthony Hopkins is a distinguished actor who has carved an illustrious career in the film industry, earning accolades, admiration, and a permanent place in cinematic history.
• The acclaimed actor has maintained a guarded silence about his relationship with his only daughter, Abigail.
• Hopkins revealed how he had an emotional breakthrough during his work, where he once broke down while thinking of the daughter he left behind.

In the world of cinema, Hopkins is an icon. His presence on-screen is magnetic, his performances legendary. He's breathed life into an array of unforgettable characters, from the chilling Hannibal Lecter to the wise Odin. His acting prowess has earned him an Academy Award for his portrayal of Dr. Lecter, a character etched into the annals of film history.

But beyond the silver screen, behind the curtain of fame, lies a story of complexity, estrangement, and a daughter named Abigail. Anthony Hopkins, celebrated for his talent and guarded privacy, has always been tight-lipped about his personal life.

When probed about his daughter, he responds with a solemn, "Taboo! I want no word of that." It's a silence that reverberates, a silence that hints at a relationship fraught with intricacies.

Anthony Hopkins' Stormy Marriage and Divorce

In the swinging sixties, as Hopkins soared to prominence at the National Theatre, his personal life was a tempest. In 1967, he took the plunge with actress Petronella Barker, herself from a theatrical lineage. However, their union wasn't a fairy tale. Hopkins had earned a reputation as a heavy drinker during his time at the National Theatre, reveling in the pleasures of life. Of this reputation, he said:

"Oh, I had a grand old time. I lived it up a storm."

It was during this turbulent period that their daughter, Abigail, came into the world. But happiness proved fleeting in their relationship, which was marked by tempestuous storms, exacerbated by Hopkins' struggles with alcohol.

A particularly disturbing incident was reported, where a violent altercation unfolded, with Hopkins allegedly attempting to smother Barker during a heated confrontation. Despite this tumultuous union, the couple officially wed in September 1967. However, their marriage was short-lived.

Just five years later, in 1972, they parted ways, and divorce became the inevitable outcome of their tumultuous journey. This marked the beginning of a tale marked by estrangement and longing, particularly for their young daughter, Abigail.

Abigail Hopkins: Raised Without a Father, Forging Her Own Path

Abigail, the product of this turbulent marriage, had to navigate the turbulent waters of life without her father's consistent presence. She was a mere two years old when her parents separated, and her father's star continued to rise, casting a long shadow over her upbringing.

As Abigail recalled, her father's absence was palpable during her formative years. She retains "no real memories of life as a family," a poignant testament to the estrangement that characterized her relationship with her father.

The detachment between father and daughter persisted into her adult life. He remained a distant figure in her world. She acknowledged their relationship as sporadic, lacking the depth needed for meaningful conversations about life's profound matters.

While their estrangement tugged at the strings of their familial bond, there was an incident that brought their separation into sharper focus. In 2006, when Abigail was just 37 years old, it had been five long years since she had seen her father, either in person or on screen. During this period, Hopkins had settled in Los Angeles, while Abigail pursued her career in London.

The prospect of a reunion seemed tantalizingly close when both found themselves in London, albeit for different reasons. Hopkins was in town for the premiere of his film "The Fastest Indian," while Abigail was performing her jazz songs in small, smoky clubs. However, fate had other plans.

They remained estranged, their paths diverging once again, mirroring the intermittent nature of their relationship over the years. Abigail's journey also held moments of personal struggle. She battled her own demons, including a short-lived period of drug addiction, and contemplated suicide.

This dark chapter in her life was in part prompted by the fractured relationship with her father. Though she characterized it as a relatively brief spell that many 18-year-olds go through, it was a time of deep emotional turmoil. Her path eventually led her to follow her creative instincts. Abigail ventured into the world of music, becoming a singer, songwriter, and actress.

Her distinctive voice and soulful lyrics drew comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush and Bjork. She founded her own label, Possessed Records, to record her songs, taking control of her own destiny. Her artistry often delves into themes of loss and addiction, reflecting her own experiences and observations of human suffering.

She possesses her father's musical talent, a love for acting, and, at times, a reflection of his depressive traits. In her journey, Abigail has found independence through her music, a path she forged on her own terms. She refrained from seeking her father's help in her musical endeavors, believing in the power of self-reliance.

Despite the emotional distance, Abigail holds deep affection for her father, acknowledging his support and wishing him well.

Anthony Hopkin's Perspective on the Estrangement

Hopkins' confessions about his estranged relationship with his only child, Abigail, offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of their bond. During one interview, he made it clear that he was reluctant to discuss his daughter. He cited his past irresponsible behavior as a father, acknowledging the pain it could cause his ex-wife and Abigail. He stated:

"You are not going to get anything from me. I'm keeping the personal parts of my life that would be painful for my ex-wife and daughter."

It was a moment of candor that revealed the emotional complexities hidden beneath his stoic exterior. Intriguingly, one of his film roles, "The Good Father," unexpectedly stirred emotions related to his daughter. When asked about the film, he initially claimed not to remember its essence. However, a specific scene resurfaced in his memory—one where he showed his wife their child's bed.

This seemingly innocuous moment triggered an emotional avalanche within him. He shared, "As I did it, I just broke down, which I've never done before. I felt ashamed and very angry with myself." These reflections led back to his daughter. Hopkins shared that there was a period when they got closer. She stayed with him, but he sensed a certain desperation in her actions, an attempt to impress or manipulate.

In response, he withdrew, a pattern he admitted to in his interactions with people. He explained his reluctance to be controlled by anyone, even if it meant doing so with his own daughter. "I was quite prepared to go into the wilderness without her," he admitted with a cold resolve. In another conversation, Hopkins offered a glimpse into his broader outlook on life.

He delved into the fragility of human nature, emphasizing that everyone carries their own brokenness and regrets. He avoided pointing fingers or condemning others, opting instead to savor life as best as he could. Yet, when the subject of his daughter arose, he reaffirmed his reluctance to delve into the depths of their estranged relationship.