Sir Anthony Hopkins: A Father-Daughter Estrangement Lasting Two Decades

Renowned actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, known for his latest role as King Lear, portrays a man with a famously tumultuous relationship with his daughters.

Unfortunately, this parallel extends to his real-life relationship with his only child, Abigail, as the 80-year-old actor has not spoken to her in over two decades.

The estrangement between father and daughter is so severe that Sir Anthony is unsure if he is a grandfather.

When asked about his daughter, who goes by the name Abigail Harrison, he admitted to feeling indifferent towards their split.

He revealed, “People break up.

Families split and, you know, ‘get on with your life.'

People make choices.

I don't care one way or the other.

It is cold.

Because life is cold.”

Abigail, now 48 years old, was primarily raised by her mother, Petronella Barker, after Sir Anthony's divorce from Barker when their daughter was just four years old.

Although they briefly reconnected in the 1990s, during which time she appeared in two of his films, Shadowlands and The Remains Of The Day, their relationship quickly deteriorated once again.

Presently, Sir Anthony does not even know where his daughter resides.

Drawing parallels to Shakespeare's tragedy, King Lear, Sir Anthony expressed that “children don't like their fathers,” emphasizing that love is not a prerequisite for family unity.

He also criticized Hollywood, labeling it as “insidious” and toxic due to the entitlement and hypocrisy prevalent in the industry.

The actor avowedly detests the “luvvie” culture and the insincere cheek-kissing that accompanies it.

Residing in Malibu, California, with his third wife, Colombian antiques dealer Stella Arroyave, Sir Anthony shared that she has helped him slow down.

She worries about his workaholic tendencies, but he plans to continue working until his physical abilities wane significantly.

Reflecting on his relationship with his wife, he affectionately stated, “She's very good for me.

My wife worries because I work too hard.

I will go on working because what else would I do?

I'll retire when my teeth and my hair fall out.”

Sir Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of King Lear in the upcoming BBC adaptation can be viewed on Monday at 9:30 pm on BBC2.