The Oscar-winning actor opens up about the dark side of his early years and why he walked away from his first marriage to protect those he loved.

A Painful Admission from the Hollywood Legend

October 29, 2025: Sir Anthony Hopkins, one of the most celebrated actors of all time, has opened up about a difficult chapter in his past — revealing that he left his first wife, actress Petronella Barker, because he feared he might “turn violent.” The emotional confession sheds light on the internal struggles that plagued the star before he found peace through sobriety and self-awareness.

Haunted by His Past

In a rare interview, Hopkins reflected on his early years marked by alcohol abuse and emotional turmoil. “I was drinking heavily and didn’t like the person I was becoming,” he admitted. “There was anger in me — a lot of confusion — and I didn’t want to hurt anyone, least of all her.” The actor described walking away from the marriage as one of the hardest yet most necessary decisions of his life.

Finding Redemption Through Sobriety

Hopkins has long been open about his journey to sobriety, crediting it for saving his life and career. Since quitting drinking in the mid-1970s, he’s gone on to achieve legendary status, with roles in The Silence of the Lambs, The Father, and Hitchcock. “Sobriety gave me clarity,” he shared. “It allowed me to be present, to understand myself, and to forgive the man I was.”

A Candid Look at Healing and Growth

Today, at 87, Hopkins speaks about his past not with shame, but with wisdom and reflection. He hopes that his story will inspire others facing similar struggles. “We all carry darkness,” he said. “But acknowledging it — that’s the beginning of freedom.”