Anthony Hopkins Reflects on Estrangement from Daughter Abigail
In his memoir We Did OK, Kid, Anthony Hopkins candidly discusses his long-standing estrangement from his daughter, Abigail Hopkins, born to his first wife, Petronella Barker. The two-time Oscar winner, now 87, reveals the deep emotional pain it caused him, stating that the situation "broke my heart."
Background on the Family and Relationship
Hopkins, who has been sober for nearly fifty years, admits that his heavy drinking played a major role in the downfall of his marriage to Barker, 83, whom he married in 1967. He describes their union as doomed from the start due to their conflicting personalities and his alcoholism.
"Our opposing personalities and my alcoholism doomed the relationship from the start."
By the time they recognized the extent of their incompatibility, Barker was pregnant. Despite efforts to make the marriage work for the child's sake, Hopkins calls it a disaster.
Conflict Details
- The couple frequently fought, with alcohol abuse and career tensions at the center of disputes.
- Barker resented Hopkins’ rising career success.
- On one occasion, Barker sarcastically called Hopkins “Mr. Lord High and Mighty” after he returned from filming in Scotland.
Hopkins' Open Door to Abigail
Despite the years of estrangement, Hopkins emphasizes that his door remains open to his daughter, showing his enduring hope for reconciliation.
"My door is always open to her."
His memoir sheds light on the lasting impact of personal struggles on family ties and his own reflections on those difficult times.
Author's summary: Anthony Hopkins openly shares his painful estrangement from daughter Abigail caused by personal struggles but maintains hope, keeping his reconciliation door open.