British actor Anthony Hopkins is commemorating a milestone on Instagram: fifty years ago, he quit drinking alcohol. The 87-year-old actor calls his decision life-changing and urges followers to consciously “choose life.”

In a video, Hopkins explains that exactly half a century ago, he came to his senses after a near-accident. “My problem was that I was having too much fun, because fifty years ago today, I almost got killed by drunk driving my car.

But at that moment, I realized I was having too much fun. That was called alcoholism,” he says.

The actor emphasizes that this experience was a turning point. He decided to seek help and change his life. According to the actor, this choice has dramatically improved his life.

“So for anyone who has a slight problem with drinking too much: look at it, because life is much better,” says Hopkins. “Choose life instead of the opposite.”

Hopkins, who celebrates his 88th birthday on December 31st, wishes his followers a happy new year in the same message. He achieved international fame with roles in films such as The Silence of the Lambs and The Father, for which he won Oscars.

He also appeared in films such as The Remains of the Day, The Elephant Man, A Bridge Too Far, and Hannibal.