Sir Anthony Hopkins has celebrated 45 years of sobriety and shared a message of hope for those who may be struggling.
The actor posted a short video to his social media channels yesterday (29 December) to mark the special occasion.
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In the clip, the Silence of The Lambs actor opens up about giving up the drink in 1975, saying he 'chose to live'.
The 82-year-old said: "Hello, everyone. Good morning. Well, New Year is coming, it's been a tough year full of grief and sadness for many, many, many people.
"But 45 years ago today, I had a wake up call. I was heading for disaster, I was drinking myself to death - I'm not preaching, but I got a message, a little thought that said, 'Do you want to live or die?' and I said I wanted to live.
"And suddenly the relief came and my life has been amazing. And sometimes I have my off days and little bits of doubt and all that, but all in all I say: hang in there.
"Today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday. You young people, just keep in there, keep fighting. Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid. And that's sustained me through my life.
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"Happy New Year. This is going to be the best year."
This isn't the first time the Welsh actor has opened up about his struggles with alcohol.
Speaking to about 500 students at the University Of California back in 2018, he said he used to be a very tough person to work with due to his drinking habits.
He said: "Because that's what you do in theatre, you drink. But I was very difficult to work with, as well, because I was usually hungover."
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Adding: "I believe that we are capable of so much.
"From my own life, I still cannot believe that my life is what it is because I should have died in Wales, drunk or something like that."
Earlier this year, Sir Elton John marked 30 years since he gave up booze.
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The music legend gave up drink and drugs three decades ago and said he would be dead if he hadn't taken the first step of asking for help.
Posting on social media, the 73-year-old thanked all of those who had helped him to reach this 'magical day'.
He said: "Reflecting on the most magical day having celebrated my 30th Sobriety Birthday. So many lovely cards, flowers and chips from my sons, David, friends in the Program, staff at the office and in our homes.
"I'm truly a blessed man. If I hadn't finally taken the big step of asking for help 30 years ago, I'd be dead. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the people who have inspired and supported me along the way."
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