Anthony Hopkins Celebrates 45 Years Of Sobriety 'With Gratitude,' Recalls Wake-Up Call

Anthony Hopkins is celebrating another milestone in his sobriety journey.

The "Hannibal" star, 82, took to Instagram and Twitter to celebrate 45 years of sobriety "with gratitude" on Tuesday. In the video he shared, Hopkins opened up about his struggle with alcoholism and spoke about how his life has been "amazing" since he quit drinking.

In the clip, Hopkins noted how 2020 has been a tough year for everyone and "full of grief and sadness." He then recalled the "wake-up call" he got over four decades ago that compelled him to become sober.

"I was headed for a disaster," he said. "I was drinking myself to death. I’m not preachy but I got a message, a little though that said, ‘Do you want to live or die?’ And I said, ‘I want to live’ and suddenly the relief came."

The "Two Popes" actor ended his message with words of encouragement for those who are also battling alcoholism, advising them to just "hang in there." He encouraged them to continue their own fight for sobriety until they make it.

"Today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday," he concluded. "You young people, don’t give up, just keep in there, just keep fighting. Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid. That's sustained me through my life... This is going to be the best year."

Hopkins' post received warm and positive responses from his followers, who flooded him with congratulatory messages and thanked him for being an inspiration and a good role model.

"Happy New Year. I love your AA talks online. The helped me as a depressed young actor to realize one could get over hating life and oneself. #actorslife," one Instagram user commented.

"Thank you for being part of something greater than yourself and keeping this thing alive for those that needed it and will need it if they WANT it," another follower wrote.

"You're amazing, Sir! Lots of love from Russia Happy New year," a third user added. "Congratulations! You’re the best!" another wrote.

His fellow celebrities also congratulated him for the achievement, with Alec Baldwin tweeting, "Happy anniversary and all my love to you Tony."

In a previous interview, Hopkins described himself as a loner who can't stand being unproductive. He also admitted to having a temper, recalled how he gave up drinking in 1975 and shared how he worked on his temper.

"I’m very happy I’m an alcoholic – it’s a great gift, because wherever I go, the abyss follows me. It’s a volcanic anger you have, and it’s fuel. Rocket fuel. But of course, it can rip you to pieces and kill you," he told The Irish Times. "So, gradually, over the years, I have learned not to be a people-pleaser. I don’t have a temper anymore. I get impatient, but I try not to judge. I try to live and let live."