The Welsh actor, now 87 years old, is best known for his legendary role as Hannibal Lecter in the 1991 horror classic 'Silence Of The Lambs'.
Hopkins shared a message to his Instagram account on Monday, he recalled his decision to get help when he nearly died after driving in a "drunken blackout."
He said: "Congratulations on reaching another year to all of you. My only problem was I had too good a time because 50 years ago today I was nearly killed. I drove my car in a drunken blackout. I realised at that point that I was having too much fun. It was called alcoholism. So anyone out there who’s got a little problem with having too much, check it out, because life is much better."
"I got help and 50 years ago today was the end. Without being a killjoy I just wish you all choose life instead of the opposite. I’m also going to be 88 in two days’ time, so maybe I did something right. Anyway Happy New Year and a happy, happy life," he continued.
View this post on Instagram
