Anthony Hopkins Shares Message to Estranged Daughter Abigail in Memoir
Sir Anthony Hopkins addressed his estranged daughter, Abigail, in his recently published memoir, We Did OK, Kid, released on November 4, 2025. At 87, Hopkins expressed a heartfelt message to his daughter:
“I hope my daughter knows that my door is always open to her. I want her to be well and happy.”
He reflected on their early years together, describing the vivid memory of Abigail as a baby:
“Until the day I die, I will never forget the sight of her in that crib, laughing up at me when I walked in the room the first year of her life, sleeping soundly the night I left. I will always be sorry for hurting her when I left the family, even as I believe to this day that I had no choice.”
Background on Family and Marriage
Hopkins shares Abigail with his first wife, Petronella Barker, whom he married in 1966 and divorced in 1972. In his memoir, he discusses their difficult marriage, which was partly affected by his struggle with alcohol addiction. This ultimately led to his decision to leave the family.
Attempts at Reconciliation
During his journey to sobriety, Hopkins sought to repair his relationship with both Barker and Abigail. In 1997, he traveled to London to meet with them when Abigail was nine years old. He recounted the strained encounter:
“We put up a good front, but obviously so much damage had been done. They didn’t want me there. Throughout the meal, they kept catching each other’s eye and making faces.”
Despite past difficulties, Hopkins also recalls occasions when Abigail stayed with him during her teenage years, suggesting some ongoing connection.
Author’s Summary
This memoir reveals Hopkins’ deep remorse and hope for future reconciliation, highlighting the complex nature of family bonds strained by personal struggles.