Anthony Hopkins Reflects on Estrangement from Daughter Abigail
In his memoir We Did OK, Kid, Anthony Hopkins opens up about the painful estrangement from his daughter, Abigail Hopkins, whom he had with his first wife, Petronella Barker. He describes the situation as one that “broke my heart.”
Complicated Family History
The two-time Oscar winner, now 87, details his turbulent relationship with Barker, 83, and how their differences, along with his alcoholism, led to the breakdown of their marriage. They married in 1967 and had Abigail, now 57.
“Our opposing personalities and my alcoholism doomed the relationship from the start.”
Hopkins recounts how their marriage quickly became strained. Despite efforts to stay together for their child, the union was unsuccessful.
“By the time we realized how awful a match we were, Barker was pregnant. We tried to rally for the sake of the child we were about to have, but it was no use. The marriage was a disaster.”
Sources of Conflict
Hopkins shares that frequent fights erupted due to his drinking and Barker’s frustration with his career. On one occasion after returning from filming in Scotland, Barker’s sarcastic greeting highlighted the tension between them.
“She called me ‘Mr. Lord High and Mighty’.”
Hopkins’ Hope for Reconciliation
The actor expresses that despite the estrangement, his door remains “always open” to Abigail, reflecting his hope for eventual reconciliation.
Author’s Summary
Anthony Hopkins candidly exposes the heartbreak caused by his strained relationship with his daughter, while leaving a door open for healing in the future.