Who Was Anthony Hopkins
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, a two-time Academy Award-winning Welsh actor, is renowned for his remarkable contributions to film and theatre. His recent memoir, We Did Ok, Kid, published on November 4, 2025, unveils personal details about his life, including his first marriage, his career, his challenging youth, and his battle with alcoholism.
Marriage to Petronella Barker
Hopkins married British actress Petronella Barker in September 1967. Barker, the daughter of actress Pearl Hackney and comedian Eric Barker, appeared in productions such as Othello, A Flea in Her Ear, The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Nightingale. She was 24 years old when they wed.
“What followed were the worst two years of my life.”
In his memoir, Hopkins attributes the failure of their marriage to conflicting personalities and his struggle with alcohol. By the time he understood that they were incompatible, Petronella was already expecting their first child. The couple eventually separated in 1972.
Summary
Hopkins' memoir offers a candid look at the personal cost of his fame, revealing the emotional turmoil behind his early marriage and lifelong quest for balance between art and personal life.
Author’s Summary: Anthony Hopkins’ new memoir exposes his turbulent first marriage, his inner struggles, and the human side of a man revered for his extraordinary career.