Who Was Anthony Hopkins
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, a two-time Academy Award-winning Welsh actor, shared insights into his difficult first marriage in his memoir We Did Ok, Kid, released on November 4, 2025. Known for his role in The Silence of the Lambs, Hopkins reflects on his career, personal life, and battles with alcoholism.
Marriage to Petronella Barker
Hopkins married British actress Petronella Barker in September 1967. He described their union as "the worst two years of my life," attributing the failure primarily to their "opposing personalities" and his struggle with alcohol. By the time Hopkins realized they were not a good match, Petronella was already pregnant with their first child.
About Petronella Barker
Petronella Barker, daughter of actress Pearl Hackney and comedian Eric Barker, had a successful acting career herself. She appeared in films and TV shows such as Othello, A Flea in Her Ear, The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Nightingale. She married Hopkins at the age of 24. The couple eventually separated in 1972 after a troubled marriage.
"What followed were the worst two years of my life."
Anthony Hopkins considers himself one of the extraordinary actors in film and theater history.
Summary: Anthony Hopkins’ memoir reveals his challenging first marriage marked by conflicting personalities and alcoholism, alongside reflections on his distinguished career and personal struggles.