Anthony Hopkins revealed in an interview that his wife believes he is autistic, but according to the actor, some diagnoses are “absurd.”
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Amid the promotion of his memoir, Anthony Hopkins told The Sunday Times that his wife believes he is autistic, but he considers some diagnoses to be “nonsense.”
The 87-year-old actor spoke openly about several topics, including family and mental health, and revealed that Stella Arroyave, his wife of more than 20 years, once suggested he might have a neurodevelopmental disorder.
“I’m obsessed with numbers. I’m obsessed with details. I like everything in order. And I like to memorize,” Hopkins told the British publication. “Stella did some research and said, ‘You must have Asperger’s syndrome,’” said the actor, referring to the condition that falls under the broader category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“I had no idea what she was talking about,” Hopkins said about his wife’s informal diagnosis. “I don’t believe in it.”
When asked if it wouldn’t be a relief to receive a diagnosis, even later in life, the actor candidly explained his point of view.
“Well, I think I’m skeptical because all of this is absurd,” he said. “It’s all nonsense. ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s, blah, blah, blah. My God, it’s called living.”
For Hopkins, these are not conditions but simply people being people, each with their own way of being and living: “It’s simply being human, full of complexities, mysteries, and things that make us who we are,” he said.
“Full of imperfections, mess, and madness — that’s the human condition. All these labels. I mean, who cares? But now it’s fashionable,” Hopkins concluded.
Hopkins has participated in several interviews to promote his upcoming book, “We Did OK, Kid,” which will be released soon. In his memoir, Hopkins speaks candidly about sensitive topics from his private life, such as his estrangement from his only daughter and his struggle with alcoholism.
Images: Film4/Allstar reproduction. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
