Anthony Hopkins Has Struggled With Addiction & Daughter's Estrangement

Jan 06, 2022

Philip Anthony Hopkins — professionally known as Anthony Hopkins — has been making his mark on the film and television industry for more than half a century. His incredible talents as an actor, director and producer have helped bring his visions to life and attract a huge fan following. Both fans and critics alike have raved about the accomplished star frequently over the years for his unique acting skills and impeccable abilities to portray several distinct characters.

Born on Dec. 31, 1937, in Port Talbot, Wales, Anthony grew up inspired by fellow Welsh actor Richard Burton. Although he wasn’t the best student in school and also struggled with his mental health over the years, Anthony never gave up on his dreams of making it big. It wasn’t long before Anthony himself became a legend in his own right in the entertainment industry. Some of his most notable films include “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Hannibal” and “Hitchcock.” More recently, Hopkins has received praise for his role in "The Father," which won two Oscars. The accomplished actor has also appeared in several television shows and films, leaving behind an outstanding list of accolades along the way.

While it’s clear that Anthony managed to conquer the entertainment industry, his life isn’t without tragedy and hardship. The actor has spoken openly about his struggles with alcoholism and his family life. In 2018, the Mirror reported that the Academy Award-winner hasn’t been in contact with his daughter, Abigail, since the early 2000s. The actor and his daughter became estranged after he walked out on his family when Abigail was just 14 months old.

The Mirror further reports that Anthony was dealing with alcoholism at that time. However, the actor continued to keep in contact with his daughter from time to time until her teenage years. When she was 16, Abigail and her father got into an argument, which led to a longer period of estrangement and hardship for the teen. Shortly thereafter, Abigail dropped out of college as she struggled with her own addictions and emotional troubles.

“It was the worst time I can remember," Abigail said of that period.

"I totally abused my mind and body. The root cause was the fact that my father and I had an intermittent relationship when I was young. I was angry and there was a lot of grieving going on,” she added.

Despite their tumultuous relationship, Abigail and Anthony reunited to work together on two films, and since then, Abigail has continued to act off and on.

However, Anthony and Abigail largely remain estranged. 

"I guess I am selfish. I have not been a good husband or father,” Anthony said in 2002.

In another interview, he added that he “hardly ever” hears from Abigail.

"I guess we are estranged. I hope she is well. She is too busy and has to do her own thing. I think she is in England somewhere. Life is life. You get on with it.”

More recently, Anthony opened up about his relationship with his daughter in 2018 and 2021.

In his 2018 interview with RadioTimes.com, the actor said that he didn’t have “any idea” whether Abigail has a family of her own.

“People break up. Families split and, you know, ‘Get on with your life.’ People make choices. I don’t care one way or the other.”

And when the interviewer pointed out that his comment was a little “cold,” the actor added, “Well, it is cold. Because life is cold. It’s like John Osborne’s response when someone said to him, ‘Mr Osborne, your play is so offensive,’ and he said, ‘Life is offensive.’”

Since then, the actor has been reluctant to speak about his relationship with his daughter. In a 2021 interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, he even called the topic “taboo,” adding that he did not want a single “word on that.”

However, the 84-year-old did more generally comment on the past. 

"The past is sealed. I have regrets,” he said.

"You can't undo things. You have to get on with life — live it and don't look back."

While Anthony’s family life has been undeniably fraught, the actor does seem to have found love and support in his third marriage with Stella Arroyave, whom he married in 2003.

According to The List, Anthony and Arroyave first met at an antique shop in Los Angeles and tied the knot two years later. Since then, the couple has helped each other find a real sense of love and happiness. 

Anthony even credited his wife as helping him push through a “slight depression.” Speaking about his wife with the Independent, Anthony said, “Every day she wakes up happy. She’s very positive about everything. I learnt from her just to take life as it comes. So I love my life in non-expectation.”

What do you think of Anthony Hopkin’s relationship with his daughter? Have you ever been estranged from someone in your family? Let us know, and be sure to pass this story on to others.