Anthony Hopkins Reflects on Estrangement from Daughter Abigail
In his memoir We Did OK, Kid, Anthony Hopkins opens up about his long-standing estrangement from his daughter, Abigail Hopkins, whom he had with his first wife, Petronella Barker. The acclaimed actor admits the situation "broke my heart."
Family and Personal Struggles
The 87-year-old, two-time Oscar winner describes the difficult relationship within his family during the years surrounding his marriage to Barker, a British actress. They married in 1967 and had one child together, Abigail, now 57.
“Our opposing personalities and my alcoholism doomed the relationship from the start.”
Hopkins reveals that his battles with alcoholism severely affected the marriage. Sober for nearly fifty years now, he admits he was a heavy drinker at that time.
“By the time we realized how awful a match we were, Barker was pregnant. We tried to rally for the sake of the child we were about to have, but it was no use. The marriage was a disaster.”
Conflict in the Marriage
Frequent fights marked their relationship. Among the tensions were his alcoholism and Barker’s resentment toward Hopkins' career success. One notable incident occurred when Hopkins returned from filming in Scotland, and Barker sarcastically addressed him as “Mr. Lord High and Mighty.”
Hopkins’ Open Door
Despite the pain of estrangement, Hopkins emphasizes his willingness to reconnect. His door remains "always open" to Abigail, underscoring hope for reconciliation.
Summary: Anthony Hopkins candidly shares how his troubled marriage and struggles with alcoholism fractured his relationship with daughter Abigail, but he remains hopeful for their reunion.