Anthony Hopkins has shared that his wife suspects he might be on the autism spectrum, though he dismisses this notion as “nonsense.”
The 87-year-old star from “Silence of the Lambs” discussed in an interview with the Sunday Times on November 2 that Stella Arroyave, his wife of 22 years, believes he could be on the spectrum due to his “obsession with numbers” and “attention to detail.”
Hopkins elaborated, “I have a preference for order and enjoy memorizing things. Stella researched it and told me, ‘You must be Asperger’s.’ I had no idea what she meant. I don’t believe in it.”
According to WebMD, Asperger Syndrome is an outdated term for a developmental disorder that falls under the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with this type of ASD often face challenges in social interactions, may adhere to routines, and focus on specific interests.
When it was mentioned that a late-life diagnosis of neurodivergence can provide significant relief, Hopkins responded, “Well, I suppose I’m skeptical because it’s all nonsense. ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s, blah, blah, blah.”
“Oh God, it’s just called living. It’s about being human, full of complexities and enigmas, and all the messiness that comes with it. It’s the human condition, full of flaws, dirt, and madness. These labels—who really cares? It’s just a trend now,” he added.
“Oh, give me a break,” he concluded with a roll of his eyes.
The “Hannibal” actor then noted that, instead, he might have “some kind of embarrassment” about his job as an actor.
“No, I’ve not done a stroke of work in my life. When I look at my life, the reality is I haven’t had a good, decent job in my entire life. I’ve done nothing except show up, speak the lines and go home,” he said.
“People out there are digging the streets and working in shops and stores. That is real work. I haven’t dug a street out. I’ve done nothing. I look at [myself] and think, ‘I haven’t done a day’s work in my life.’ That’s the reality.”
However, the world might beg to differ, as he is considered one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors.
Throughout his career, Hopkins has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, two Emmy Awards and an Olivier Award. He also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005 and the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement in 2008.
He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993.
Hopkins’ comments come after he opened up about the terrifying incident that led him to admit he was an alcoholic.
In his upcoming memoir, “We Did OK, Kid,” the “Red Dragon” star wrote about the time in 1975 he drove from Arizona to Beverly Hills while blackout drunk.
“I could have killed someone,” he writes. “I could have taken out a whole family.”
That day, Dec. 29, 1975, he lost all “craving to drink” and started going to Alcoholics Anonymous.
“We Did OK, Kid” is out tomorrow.
