Anthony Hopkins has never been one to blend in with the rest of Hollywood. At 87 years old, the Academy Award-winning actor is still making headlines — not for a role, but for his philosophy on life.

In a recent interview promoting his new memoir, We Did OK, Kid, Hopkins shared his simple but powerful message: stop feeling sorry for yourself and move forward.

“I never felt like a victim, and I’ve got that attitude today. Get on with it. Stop complaining,” Hopkins said.

It’s a statement that stands out in a time when victimhood often gets rewarded and people are quick to blame circumstances for their problems. Hopkins’ words come from a lifetime of hard lessons — a career that took him from a small town in Wales to the heights of Hollywood.

He’s known for unforgettable roles in The Silence of the Lambs, The Remains of the Day, and dozens of others. But behind the camera, Hopkins has battled his own challenges. He’s been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health and says that perspective changed everything for him.

Appearing on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Hopkins spoke about why solitude never bothered him and why being alone has given him peace rather than loneliness.

“No, I didn’t feel alone, I just felt uniquely myself. I didn’t need anyone. I never wanted to be part of anything,” Hopkins said.

He explained that his sense of independence was part of understanding who he really was.

“I don’t know what it is. I just feel like everyone else. I’m confused, as we all are. We’re all sitting here thinking we got answers. We got labels for everything. Dyslexia, whatever. I don’t know. Just human,” he said.

Shepard responded by saying he found comfort in knowing Hopkins wasn’t lonely, just content.

“I’m comforted by the fact that you weren’t feeling lonely and isolated, you were fine,” Shepard said.

Hopkins replied, “Yeah exactly. I never felt like a victim. And I’ve got that attitude today. Get on with it. Stop complaining.”

The repetition of that message — stop complaining — seemed to capture his view of life. It’s not about pretending pain doesn’t exist; it’s about refusing to let it define you. Hopkins’ resilience comes from decades of personal discipline and reflection, something he says anyone can learn.

His memoir traces his journey through failure, success, and personal renewal. It’s less about fame and more about how to live with purpose, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

Hopkins’ advice stands apart from the noise of Hollywood. While many celebrities preach politics or social causes, he’s focusing on something deeper — self-responsibility. To him, people have grown too comfortable making excuses instead of acting.

He summed up his approach to life with another lesson he said he’s passed down to his family:

“But I do believe that if you say, ‘Wake up and live. Act as if it is impossible to fail,’ we actually tap into a power that’s in ourselves which helps us to do, well, not everything, but some things.”

It’s the kind of message that resonates far beyond film or fame. In a world that celebrates outrage and grievance, Hopkins’ blunt wisdom cuts through the noise. His reminder is simple — life isn’t perfect, but it’s yours to live.

And for millions of Americans who’ve grown tired of excuses and weakness, that message couldn’t come at a better time.