Anthony Hopkins Calls Mental Health Labels ‘Nonsense’

At 87, Anthony Hopkins continues to speak candidly about life, fame, and the complexity of being human. In a recent interview with Fox News, the Oscar-winning actor dismissed modern mental health labels, calling them “nonsense” while reflecting on his decades-long journey toward sobriety and peace. He revealed that his struggles with drinking and self-doubt may have stemmed from his father, who was also a heavy drinker. “As my father’s son,” Hopkins shared, “it crossed my mind that there was something not right with my own mind.”

It was fellow British acting legend Laurence Olivier who first encouraged Anthony Hopkins to seek therapy. Though he tried, the process didn’t suit him. “He kept saying, ‘Let’s go back,’ and I’d just go, ‘I don’t want to do this,’” Hopkins recalled. When he later discovered the therapist had been married three times, he decided to stop. “Oh,” he said at the time, “all is well with you.” That dry humor has long been part of his charm—a mix of honesty, wit, and self-awareness that has carried him through both triumph and turmoil.

Anthony Hopkins’ View On Mental Health Labels

18 November 2019 – Hollywood, California – Anthony Hopkins. AFI FEST 2019 Presented By Audi “The Two Popes” premiere held at TCL Chinese Theatre. Photo Credit: FS/AdMedia

During the conversation, Anthony Hopkins revealed that his wife, Stella Arroyave, believes he may be autistic. “I’m obsessed with numbers. I’m obsessed with detail,” he admitted. “Stella looked it up and said, ‘You must be Asperger’s.’ I didn’t know what the hell she was talking about.” However, the actor said he doesn’t believe in such labels. “Well, I guess I’m cynical because it’s all nonsense,” he said. “ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s—blah, blah, blah. It’s called living. It’s just being human.”

Anthony Hopkins celebrates 45 years of sobriety — Anthony Hopkins/Everett Collection

Hopkins explained that he views personality differences as part of the “human condition,” not disorders to be categorized. “All these labels,” he continued, “who cares? Now it’s fashion.” Despite his skepticism, his remarks reveal a man deeply curious about the mind—one who has learned to embrace imperfection. His humor and honesty show how Anthony Hopkins continues to challenge conventional thinking even late in life.

A Journey From Addiction To Clarity

Anthony Hopkins Opens Up About Playing Hannibal Lecter In 'The Silence Of the Lambs' 30+ Years Later — THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, Anthony Hopkins, 1991, (c) Orion/courtesy Everett Collection

Ahead of his 50th sobriety anniversary, Anthony Hopkins opened up about the turning point that changed his life. He recalled driving drunk through California one night with “no clue” where he was going when he suddenly realized he could have killed someone. “It was a moment when I realized that I could have killed a family,” he said. That night, he reached out for help and entered a 12-step program.

From that point on, Hopkins committed himself to sobriety and spiritual awareness. He described hearing a “deep, powerful thought” that told him his struggles had meaning. “Now you can start living,” it said. Today, he credits his continued growth to that moment of clarity—the same quiet strength that helped him overcome addiction and face life with acceptance. For Hopkins, living without labels or fear has become its own kind of peace.