Anthony Hopkins on Autism Spectrum Claims
Anthony Hopkins recently shared that his wife, Stella Arroyave, suspects he might be on the autism spectrum. He, however, dismisses the idea as “nonsense.”
The 87-year-old actor revealed in an interview with the Sunday Times on November 2 that Stella, his wife for 22 years, observed his “obsession with numbers” and attention to detail as signs of a possible condition. She mentioned, “I like to do things in order. And I like to memorize things. Stella looked it up and said, ‘You must have Asperger’s.’ I was baffled and couldn’t believe what she was saying,” he stated.
While discussing the notion of receiving a late-life diagnosis, Hopkins expressed skepticism, saying, “I think it’s ironic because it’s all nonsense. All these labels—ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s, whatever.” He continued, “Oh, God, I say live it. It’s just being human, full of tangled webs and mysteries. We’re full of warts, dirt, and madness—that’s the human condition. Who cares about these labels? They’ve just become fashionable.” He ended his thoughts with a roll of the eyes, clearly unimpressed by the concept.
Hopkins also touched on his career, stating he sometimes feels “a sort of embarrassment” about being an actor. “To be honest, I’ve never had a real job,” he reflected. “I just show up, say my lines, and go home. The real work is done by those digging roads or working in shops. I’m just an observer. It feels like I haven’t worked a day in my life.”
Despite his feelings, many view him as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished actors, having garnered numerous accolades, such as two Academy Awards, four BAFTAs, two Emmy Awards, and an Olivier Award. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993.
These comments emerged after he shared a troubling experience that led him to confront his alcoholism. In his new memoir, “We Did OK, Kid,” he recounts a reckless drive from Arizona to Beverly Hills in 1975 while intoxicated. “I could have killed someone; we could have harmed a family,” he wrote. It was that day, December 29, 1975, that he lost all desire for alcohol and sought help from Alcoholics Anonymous. The memoir is set to release tomorrow.
