At 85, Anthony Hopkins Gushes Over Finding Love In His 60s & Enjoys Painting, Dancing & Traveling

Aug 25, 2023

Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, professionally known as Anthony Hopkins, has made his mark on film and television for more than half a century. His incredible talents as an actor, director, and producer have helped bring his visions to life and bring in a huge fan following. Both fans and critics alike have raved frequently about the accomplished star 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, Hopkins 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, Hopkins never gave up on his dreams of making it big. 

It wasn’t long before Hopkins 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.” The accomplished actor has also appeared in several television shows and films, creating an outstanding filmography along the way.

While it’s clear that Hopkins managed to conquer the entertainment industry, he struggled a bit more to find true love in his personal life. It took a few tries, but he managed to get it right with his third marriage when he tied the knot with Stella Arroyave in 2003. The two have been happily together ever since and have even gone on to work together. 

Since finding love at 65, Hopkins has been living life to the fullest. Now 85 years old, he channels his fun-loving side into sharing Instagram and Facebook posts of his painting, traveling, and dancing in videos.

Hopkins’ career is undeniably full of success, but it took a while for the star’s love life to match his career success. The “Hannibal” star has been married three times and divorced twice. Hopkins was first married to actress Petronella Barker in 1966. The couple welcomed their daughter, Abigail Harrison, two years into their union. 

The former couple was married for six years until 1972, when their marriage ended in divorce. According to a publication by Birmingham Live, the union between Hopkins and Barker ultimately came to an end after the actor found success on stage. He began spending more time away from his family and started depending on alcohol.

Barely one year after his first marriage ended, “The Silence of The Lambs” star found love again in the arms of Jennifer Lyton. The pair met when Lyton, a then-production assistant, went to pick Hopkins up from the airport after he missed his flight. Hopkins and Lyton got married in 1973 and were married for 29 years until their marriage ended in 2002. After the end of his second marriage, Hopkins stated that he wasn’t good with relationships and couldn’t be locked up with anyone for a long time.

Hopkins found love again for the third time, despite his claims that he wasn’t great at relationships. In 2003, he married his current wife, Arroyave, and remains married to her to this day.

Besides his tumultuous history with his love life, Hopkins also has a not-so-pleasant history with his daughter Abigail. According to the Scottish Daily Mail, the father and daughter have had no communication for over two decades. The estrangement between the father and daughter is so severe that he doesn’t know anything about her, including where she lives and whether or not she has children. 

The Academy Award-winning actor is proof that you can find love at any age. Hopkins found love at 65 and has been thriving since then. Now, in his 80s, life is so much different for the celebrated actor than in his younger years. He is free from his addictions and takes pleasure in the simpler things of life.

Hopkins is active on social media, sharing aspects of his life with his admirers. He also uses his platform to share inspiring messages, using his sobriety journey as a key point for self-love. In an Instagram video shared by the actor on Dec. 29, 2022, Hopkins spoke in depth about his 47-year sobriety journey, mental health, addiction, and bullying.

"Don't listen to them. Don't let yourself be put down. Depression is part of being alive, sometimes (as is) anxiety. Life is tough," Hopkins said.

He went on to encourage his audience to seek help in whatever areas of their lives they felt were necessary.

“Wishing everyone a healthy 2023,” the caption read.

Hopkin’s 2022 end-of-the-year inspirational video wasn’t the first. On Dec. 29, 2020, he shared a video celebrating 45 years of sobriety on X. In the clip, he encouraged people facing difficulties, wished his audience a happy new year, and proclaimed that the coming year would be their best one yet.

Apart from his occasional inspirational videos, Hopkins shares content related to his paintings, leisure, and philanthropy. In a 2021 Valentine's Day post on Facebook, he shared a clip of his “No Kid Hungry” painting collection while playing a piano in the background. 

In another video posted on June 11, 2023, on Facebook, the life-loving Hopkins was seen breaking into a dance as he walked beside an individual in Siena, Italy. 

What do you think of Anthony Hopkins living life to the fullest in his 80s? Do you admire him? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family members, and fellow Anthony Hopkins fans.