Anthony Hopkins' memoir "We Did OK, Kid" offers a candid look at the life of one of cinema's greatest legends. Born into a humble background in Port Talbot, Wales, Hopkins recounts how his father's tough, no-nonsense approach and love for romanticism shaped him from an early age.
Hopkins reveals that he found solace in poetry, which he credits with launching his acting career. He recalls being stunned by his own voice during an English lesson, where he recited John Masefield's poem "The West Wind" sight unseen. This moment marked the beginning of his journey to stardom, which took him from stage performances to international recognition.
However, Hopkins' tough exterior and fiery temper were also well-documented aspects of his personality. He recounts quitting the National Theatre company in a fit of pique, which shocked Laurence Olivier, and going on to secure roles that cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. He also opens up about his struggles with addiction and how he overcame it.
Despite his tough image, Hopkins reveals that he is deeply sensitive and has always been driven by a desire to learn and grow. His love for poetry and literature is evident throughout the book, which concludes with an appendix featuring his favorite poems. This personal touch humanizes the legendary actor and offers readers a glimpse into the mind of someone who has mastered both the art of performance and the discipline of self-reflection.
Throughout "We Did OK, Kid", Hopkins' voice comes across as unflinchingly honest, yet vulnerable at times. He shares stories about his childhood, his relationships, and his struggles with addiction, revealing a man who is still learning and growing, even in his later years. This autobiography is a must-read for fans of the actor and anyone interested in the life of one of cinema's greatest legends.
Hopkins reveals that he found solace in poetry, which he credits with launching his acting career. He recalls being stunned by his own voice during an English lesson, where he recited John Masefield's poem "The West Wind" sight unseen. This moment marked the beginning of his journey to stardom, which took him from stage performances to international recognition.
However, Hopkins' tough exterior and fiery temper were also well-documented aspects of his personality. He recounts quitting the National Theatre company in a fit of pique, which shocked Laurence Olivier, and going on to secure roles that cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. He also opens up about his struggles with addiction and how he overcame it.
Despite his tough image, Hopkins reveals that he is deeply sensitive and has always been driven by a desire to learn and grow. His love for poetry and literature is evident throughout the book, which concludes with an appendix featuring his favorite poems. This personal touch humanizes the legendary actor and offers readers a glimpse into the mind of someone who has mastered both the art of performance and the discipline of self-reflection.
Throughout "We Did OK, Kid", Hopkins' voice comes across as unflinchingly honest, yet vulnerable at times. He shares stories about his childhood, his relationships, and his struggles with addiction, revealing a man who is still learning and growing, even in his later years. This autobiography is a must-read for fans of the actor and anyone interested in the life of one of cinema's greatest legends.
- all this candor about one's past, struggles, and personal growth... it's either a refreshing breath of honesty or a calculated PR stunt 
. Anthony Hopkins' willingness to bare his soul is admirable, but at what cost? Is he using this book as an opportunity to rebrand himself as a 'reformed' actor, rather than genuinely sharing his story with the world?
- is this just another example of how Hollywood elites try to humanize themselves in the public eye? I mean, we've seen plenty of politicians and celebrities do this very same thing... does Hopkins' desire for personal growth ring any bells about our country's priorities?
! He's always been an acting legend on screen, but reading about his personal life is like getting a masterclass in vulnerability 
. I mean, who knew that the tough guy was actually a total romantic at heart? 
The way he talks about finding solace in poetry and how it helped launch his career is so inspiring. And can we talk about how relatable he's being about his struggles with addiction? It's like he's sharing a secret with us, and I appreciate that 
. What I love most about this book is that it humanizes him, you know? We get to see the real person behind the iconic performances. Plus, his love for literature is infectious 
. What struck me most was how raw and honest he is about his struggles with addiction - it's like he's sharing a part of himself that few people get to see 
. And can you believe he was stunned by his own voice during an English lesson?! Like, who hasn't had those moments where they're just reading something and suddenly feel like 'wait, this is me?' 
Anyway, I loved how the book humanizes him - we get a glimpse into his childhood, relationships, and growth as an artist. It's really inspiring to see someone like him, who's been in the spotlight for so long, still learning and growing 
he thinks he's so deep cuz he talks about poetry and stuff, but honestly, his life sounds pretty boring to me 
that dude needs to chill
! I'm low-key obsessed with him already, but this sounds like it's gonna be SO good! I love how he talks about his childhood and family - it's crazy to think that the tough-guy actor came from such a humble background in Wales 
. And can we talk about how poetry changed his life? 