Sir Anthony Hopkins is celebrating reaching 47 years of sobriety and has made a video encouraging others on the same path to "keep fighting."
Hopkins, 84, is a familiar face both on screen and stage, and his performances have left audiences in awe for decades as well as winning him two Academy Awards.
The first came in 1992 for his iconic performance as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence Of The Lambs and the second came nearly 20 years later in 2021 for his role in The Father.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Hopkins began in British theater in 1960 before he got his big break in The Lion In Winter starring opposite Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn.
The legendary actor admitted in his youth he was a bit of a "hellraiser" as he would often turn up for work either drunk or hungover, but in 1975 he committed to a life of sobriety and has remained on track ever since.
Now 47 years sober, Hopkins has taken to Instagram to release a message celebrating his achievement as well as giving words of encouragement to those on the same course.
"I just want to wish you a happy new year, and also to say I'm celebrating 47 years today of sobriety," the iconic actor told his followers.
"I am a recovering alcoholic, and to you out there, know that there are people struggling... Be kind to yourself, be proud of your life," Hopkins continued. "It was a kind of mental, a physical condition called alcoholism... an addiction."
Hopkins explained that one day he realized there was something "wrong" with him and he had to take matters into his own hands and change the course of his life.
He referred to it as a "desperate situation" and one in which he believed he probably didn't have "long to live" as he battled his addiction.
Hopkins urged his followers to be kind to one another and "stay out of the circle of toxicity" in this "day and age of cancel and hatred."
Stars in the comments such as Hugh Jackman and Alec Baldwin supported Hopkins, alongside Naomi Campbell who said: "You are [a] shining beacon of light, you inspire me on my journey in recovery."
If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please reach out for help and contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) or go to https://findtreatment.gov/