Anthony Hopkins has sent a touching New Year's message after celebrating 48 years of sobriety.
The 85-year-old Silence Of The Lambs actor shared an inspiring message on Instagram captioned: "Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2024. One day at a time, today I am 48 years sober. Life is in session."
He enthusiastically kicked off the clip by saying: "Hello there, Happy New Year to you all! All of you revelers, and drinkers all having fun. Wonderful!
"Happy New Year, have a great time," the Academy-Award-winning star continued, before adding with a laugh: "If you get a hangover, remember me."
Check out Hopkins' post below:The Hannibal star went on to explain that 48 years ago he decided to seek help for his alcoholism, and this "changed" his life for the better.
"I don't envy you having fun out there," Hopkins stated and then encouraged people who are struggling with addiction to seek support. "But if you need help, [take it] a day at a time. Life is in session. Go for it."
The video was uploaded just days before he celebrates his 86th birthday on December 31, and amassed over 156K likes. The comment section was flooded with fans and famous faces expressing their appreciation for the veteran actor.
The Goonies actor Josh Brolin penned: "You are THE MAN!!! Love ya. and Happy 48th!", while The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan wrote: "Happiest of new years to you and Stella! Big love from the Morgan's. Xxxx"
One fan heartfully shared: "You’re the coolest, Tony!! Congrats on another year of sobriety, you inspire so many. Wishing you a very happy birthday and much prosperity and good health in the new year. Enjoy yourself as you always do!"
A second user said: "Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many. Almost two years alcohol-free here. Your story and words have helped immensely," while a third added: "Congratulations on being 48 Years sober! I don’t drink alcohol, so I am right there with you on being sober.
"Despite what some people think, one doesn't need to have alcohol to have fun. You are the coolest, and such a fun person! Sending you love, hugs, and blessings for a very happy 2024!" they concluded.
The prolific actor has won numerous awards throughout his long-running career, including two Oscars. The first was in 1991 for playing cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, and the second was in 2021 for The Father, making him the oldest-ever Oscar winner at 83.
Hopkins has been outspoken about his sobriety and has a tradition of sending out well wishes at New Year, and optimistic statements for those struggling with alcoholism.
In an interview with The New York Times in 2020, the Red Dragon actor recalled the moment that led to his decision to become sober in 1975, sharing that he had woken up in a hotel room in Arizona, but could not remember how he had gotten there.
"I thought, 'Well, I've got to stop this because I'm either going to kill somebody or myself,'" he told the publication. "My life, from that moment on, took on new meaning."
Hopkins also revealed to Sunday Times Magazine in 2021 that Alcoholics Anonymous had saved him after he experienced an incident where he almost "drank himself to death".
"When I asked for help and I realized I wasn't alone, that there were thousands of people like me, all my fears began to dissolve," he said. "The boozing is over and done with but I'm not a goody-goody.
"In the old days, I would be hanging out at bars, getting smashed and blacking out. Now I'm happy being on my own," he added.
