Anthony Hopkins turns 85: Actor attributes his happiness to wife of 18 years Stella Arroyave
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: Anthony Hopkins' private life is like a scene from a fantasy. 'The Silence of Lamps' actor gave love a chance at 60, which led to meeting his now-wife Stella Arroyave, who he has been with him for 20 years. His love story took on a whole new turn when he finally found a meaningful relationship after two failed marriages.
He worked hard to make his Hollywood ambitions a reality winning several honors and accolades along the way. Anthony will turn 85 on December 31, 2022. There is no doubt that the actor is living his dream even at the age of 85. Anthony attributed his happiness to his wife of 18 years, Arroyave, who he said is always happy and optimistic.
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Arroyave and Anthony's meet-cute
Anthony and Arroyave met in an antique shop in Los Angeles. Hopkins walked into Arroyave's antique shop one day looking for furniture to adorn his house. Arroyave was working as an antique dealer at the time. The actor was captivated by her charm and easygoing personality, therefore, they quickly clicked. Arroyave came along during a period when the actor was depressed and shut down, and he said it was the best thing that ever happened to him. Anthony had serious trust issues, but he opened up to her and they began dating shortly afterward for two years. In 2003, the lovebirds got married in a star-studded ceremony at Anthony's Malibu clifftop mansion.
The lesson Anthony learned from Arroyave was not to take life too seriously and not to be attached to outcomes in order to avoid disappointment. He said, "I learned from her to just take life as it comes," as per The List. Anthony was still married to Jennifer Lynton when he met Arroyave in 2001. Hopkins explained on BBC News that they had drifted apart years earlier and were leading separate lives. When Anthony and Lynton's divorce was finalized in 2002, it was after 29 years of marriage.
A brief insight into Hopkins' life
Anthony was born on December 31, 1937, and is an actor, producer, and director. He was raised in the Margam neighborhood of Port Talbot by his parents, Richard Hopkins and Annie Muriel Hopkins. The celebrity then enrolled in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where he eventually earned his degree in 1957. After serving in the British Army for two years, he transferred to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, according to HelloMagazine.
Personal Life
Anthony has been married three times throughout his life. He first got married to the actress Petronella Barker in 1966. They were married for six years and had a daughter named Abigail Hopkins during that time. In 1972, their divorce was finally formalized. Anthony divorced his first wife and then started seeing Lynton. The couple exchanged vows in 1973 and were married for 29 years, seven of which were spent apart.
Anthony and Lynton eventually broke up in 2002. The actor had open affairs with other women while they were dating, including Joyce Ingalls and Francine Kay, according to the New York Post. The actor then married Arroyave, who was 18 years younger than him after meeting and falling in love with her. The two had been in a loving relationship for a while despite their age difference.
Who Is Stella Arroyave?
Arroyave, the third spouse of Anthony, began her career as an antique dealer in Los Angeles. Arroyave has adopted Anthony's professional path and has appeared in movies like 'Slipstream' and 'The Human Stain' after accepting Anthony into her life, according to IMDb.
In addition to performing, Arroyave has dabbled in filmmaking, and as a result, it bestowed some of her best works. The actress was born in 1956 in Popayan, Columbia. Before moving to Los Angeles to open her antique business, she completed her official schooling in the state.
Anthony's Only Daughter
The Hollywood mogul has a daughter who he shares with his first wife Petronella Barker. When the couple divorced in 1972, Abigail was still a toddler so she grew up with her mother. The two drifted more apart over time, finally breaking up. Abigail followed in her parent's footsteps and pursued acting. She worked as an acting instructor while pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter.
In the 1990s, the separated father and daughter made a quick but fleeting reunion. Anthony no longer cares about his daughter's location, how she was doing, or her achievements. He once said that he was unaware of if he has grandchildren from Abigail and added that he didn't care, according to People.
Anthony's Career
In 1960, Anthony made his on-stage debut in theatrical shows, which marked the beginning of his career as an actor. Two years after beginning his career at the Royal National Theatre, he made his cinematic debut in 'A Flea in Her Ear'. His acting career quickly took off and he soon found himself starring in both popular films and television series.
He has since starred in 'A Bridge Too Far', 'Magic', 'A Change Of Seasons', 'The Silence Of The Lambs', 'Red Dragon', 'The Rite', 'The Two Popes', 'Transformers: The Last Knight', and 'King Lear', among others. Significantly, the legend portrayed Odin in the 'Thor', a Marvel superhero movie. In the sequels Thor: The Dark World' and 'Thor: Ragnarok', he played the same character again, as per IMDb.
What more could Anthony ask for when everything finally came into place? He enjoys a happy life, a devoted spouse, and a successful career. Maybe a chance to reconcile with his estranged daughter. Well, that's what the time will tell.