Sir Anthony has lost his home in the LA wildfires (Image: Getty)
Sir Anthony Hopkins, the -winning actor, has extended a powerful note of solidarity to those reeling from the catastrophic wildfires tearing through Los Angeles.
The accomplished 87 year old star from Wales witnessed his Pacific Palisades abode fall victim to the inferno of the most significant blaze in the LA region, obliterating thousands of structures.
On Friday, he reached out to his impressive 5.4 million followers, stating: “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.”
In California, legions of firefighters are waging war against the wind-fuelled conflagrations that have claimed ten lives, ravaged communities, and instigated mass evacuations.
The relentless fires have thrown ‘s glitzy awards season into disarray, prompting the postponement of glittering events like the Critics Choice Awards and the Academy Award nominations as crews do their utmost to contain the flames.
Thursday’s reports confirmed the disheartening news that Anthony has been added to the expanding roster of entertainment royalty who have seen their homes swallowed by the flames.
In 2021, the star had splurged $6 million for a resplendent four-bed, five-bath residence in the Pacific Palisades, which has now been reduced to ashes. A heartrending visual narrative is told through photographs exhibiting the scorched remnants of the once stately colonial dwelling, with nothing beyond a singed fence left to recount the story of its former glory, reports .
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Anthony is another celebrity who lost his house in the LA fires (Image: Getty)
The Oscar-winning actor’s acquisition of a new house marked a fresh chapter, following the sale of his long-standing Malibu beachfront property for a hefty $10.5 million a sum that’s over twice what he shelled out in 2001.
Tragically, it’s not the first time Anthony has faced the threat of fire to his home. In November 2018, his residence narrowly escaped the Woolsey fire that ravaged his neighbour’s property.
Going even further back, in 2000, he lost his London abode to flames while safely in Los Angeles.
As wildfires rage on, Anthony joins many who confront the sorrowful reality of losing their homes in one of Los Angeles’ most severely affected regions.
His misfortune coincides with a personal milestone; nearly five decades of sobriety celebrated on social media Sunday, where he shared the pivotal moment in 1975 that propelled him to quit drinking, announcing, “Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped.”
The esteemed Welsh thespian admitted that despite ‘having such fun’, he came to the stark realisation that he was ‘in big, big trouble’, having no recollection of events and ‘driving a car drunk out of [his] skull’.
Anthony Hopkins, famed for his chilling portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, has opened up about how a brush with death prompted him to confront his alcohol addiction. “Then, on that fatal day, I realised I needed help – so I got it,” the acclaimed actor shared.
“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.”
With an impressive following of over 5.3 million, Hopkins took the opportunity to encourage his fans to seek assistance if they struggle with alcohol. “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 advised.
“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.”