Anthony Hopkins Reflects on Estranged Daughter Comments
In his new memoir We Did OK, Kid, Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins expresses regret over remarks made in a 2018 interview about his estranged daughter, Abigail. Hopkins, now 87, addresses his complicated relationship with Abigail, 57, from his first marriage.
Regrettable Statements and Public Misunderstandings
Hopkins acknowledges he spoke about his daughter coldly in the press, especially during a particularly regrettable interview where he said he no longer cared about her life after two decades of no contact.
"It is true that I have spoken about her in the press coldly, saying in one regrettable interview that after 20 years of not hearing from her, I no longer knew where she was or if she’d ever married or had children, and that at that point I did not care."
He also refutes false tabloid claims suggesting he caused her to use drugs or rejected her as a child, emphasizing how these stories misrepresent the reality.
Explaining His Emotional Distance
Hopkins explains that his coldness reflected a inherited family hardness, describing it as "the coldness of my grandfather coming out."
"Though it’s no excuse, I know that was the coldness of my grandfather coming out: Move on! That hardness is my default."
Hopes for Reconciliation
The actor wishes for reconciliation and wants Abigail to understand that he remains open to reconnecting.
"I hope Abigail knows that my door is always open to her and that I want her to be well and happy."
Book Context and Themes
The memoir not only explores family and personal struggles but also touches on Hopkins' sobriety, film career, and reflections on life.
Author's summary: Anthony Hopkins candidly addresses past harsh comments about his estranged daughter, explaining them through his family history and expressing hope for future reconciliation.