“Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped,” Hopkins shared, miming a drinking gesture. “I realized I was in big, big trouble because I couldn’t remember anything and I was driving a car drunk out of my skull.”
Recalling the life-changing moment that led him to seek help, he said, “On that fatal day, I realized I needed help. So I got it. I phoned up a group of people like me — alcoholic. And that was it. Sober. I’ve had more fun these 49 years than ever.”
In his message, Hopkins encouraged others struggling with alcohol dependency to seek help, emphasizing that they are not alone. “If you are having a problem with the booze, there is help,” he said. “It’s not a terrible deal — it’s a condition if you’re allergic to alcohol. Get some help. There’s plenty of help around.”
The Mary actor acknowledged that sobriety has brought immense joy and opportunities to his life. “It sounds a dull word, but I’ve had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs,” he said, adding, “I’m going to be 87 in two day’s time. So I’m celebrating my long life — unexpectedly long life.”
Hopkins concluded his video with a timely message for the New Year. “If you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step program, whatever you could do. Because it is a killer,” he said, ending with, “With that, Happy New Year!”
The video, captioned “One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session," has garnered over 250,000 likes, with fans and fellow celebrities applauding his candidness and inspiration.
Hopkins also spread holiday cheer earlier in the week with another Instagram video where he played the piano, jokingly captioning it, “’Tis the season to be jolly. Available for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions… FOR FUN AND FOR FREE.”
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
