Who Was Anthony Hopkins
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, a two-time Academy Award-winning Welsh actor, opened up about his troubled first marriage in his memoir We Did Ok, Kid, released on November 4, 2025. Known for his roles in films such as The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, Hopkins shares personal insights on his life and career.
Marriage and Personal Struggles
Hopkins married British actress Petronella Barker in September 1967. In his memoir, he reflected on their marriage as "the worst two years of my life," attributing its failure to their opposing personalities and his alcoholism. By the time he realized their incompatibility, Barker was already pregnant with their first child.
About Petronella Barker
Petronella Barker, daughter of actress Pearl Hackney and comedian Eric Barker, had a notable career in film and television. She appeared in productions such as Othello, A Flea in Her Ear, The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Nightingale. Barker married Hopkins at age 24, but their marriage ended in divorce by 1972.
"What followed were the worst two years of my life."
Hopkins' memoir also discusses his challenging childhood and battle with alcoholism alongside his professional achievements.
Author's Summary: Anthony Hopkins candidly recounts his difficult first marriage and personal challenges, revealing the impact of his struggles on his early life and career.