Sir Anthony Hopkins, the Oscar-winning actor, has shared a heartfelt message of support for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The 87 year old Welsh actor's home in Pacific Palisades was destroyed in the fire, which is the largest in the LA area and has decimated thousands of buildings. On Friday, he posted to his 5.4 million followers: "As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, it's important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give." Thousands of firefighters are battling the wind-driven fires in California, which have claimed 10 lives, devastated communities, and forced thousands to flee their homes.
The fires have disrupted Hollywood's awards season, with events such as the Critics Choice Awards and the Oscar nominations being rescheduled as firefighters fight the blaze. It was revealed on Thursday that Anthony tragically joined the growing list of Hollywood elites who have lost their homes to the ongoing fires.
The actor had bought a stunning four-bedroom, five-bathroom home in the Pacific Palisades area for $6million in 2021, only to see it consumed by the flames. Photos show the burnt remains of the classic colonial home, with little more than a charred fence standing as the only reminder of what was once a beautiful property.
The house purchase was a fresh start for the Oscar-winning actor, who had just sold his previous home. The long-time Malibu oceanfront place was sold for $10.5 million – more than double what he paid for it back in 2001.
Sadly, this isn't the first time Anthony's home has been threatened by devastating flames. In November 2018, his home narrowly avoided the Woolsey fire, which destroyed his neighbour's property. Even further back, in 2000, Hopkins lost his London home to a fire, but luckily, he was safe in Los Angeles at the time.
As the fires continue to blaze, he and many others are left dealing with the heartbreaking loss of their homes in one of the hardest-hit areas of Los Angeles. Anthony's tragic loss comes just after he celebrated nearly five decades of sobriety on social media Sunday, sharing with his fans a story of what led him to turn his life around.
The two-time Oscar-winner revealed on Instagram that an incident in 1975 convinced him to stop drinking, stating, "Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped."
The iconic Welsh actor confessed he 'was having such fun' until he 'realised' he was 'in big, big trouble' as he 'couldn't remember anything' and 'was driving a car drunk out of [his] skull'.
Anthony, known for his role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in multiple films, said the near-tragedy led him to seek help for his alcohol addiction. "Then, on that fatal day, I realised I needed help - so I got it," said the Nixon actor. "I phoned up a group of people like me - alcoholic. And that was it - sober. Anyway, I've had more fun these 49 years than ever."
The star, who boasts over 5.3 million followers, reminded his fans that help is available for those who need it. "If you do have a problem - having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine - but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help," he said. "It's not a terrible deal - it's a condition if you're allergic to alcohol, get some help, there's plenty of help around. One thing I didn't realise, that I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me - anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I've had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I'm going to be 87 in two days now. So I'm celebrating my long life - unexpectedly long life."
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