Sir Anthony Hopkins has admitted he is haunted by his failure as a father to his only child, Abigail, from whom he has been estranged for nearly 25 years. The 87-year-old Oscar-winning actor recently published a memoir reflecting on their relationship, stating that 'my door is always open' for reconciliation. However, the Daily Mail can reveal that Abigail has been through a devastating health ordeal without any support from her father.
Abigail, 57, was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer. She underwent radiotherapy, low anterior resection surgery, and a 12-week course of chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, she did not see her father once, as he was 8,000 miles away in California. She documented her cancer journey on Instagram, sharing intimate selfies from hospital. In June 2022, after 18 months, she went into remission.
Writing on her personal website, Abigail thanked her medical team, the NHS, and her loved ones for their support, saying, 'I owe my life to them.' Sir Anthony was notably absent from that list. Before her diagnosis, Abigail had worked as an actress and acting coach, with small roles in films such as Shadowlands and Remains of the Day, which her father helped her secure.
Since beating cancer, Abigail has found new focus. She moved to St Leonards, Sussex, and earned an MA in Film Making with distinction. She produced a short documentary about her cancer experience, Under This Sky, which won Best Documentary at the London Indie Film Festival. She also wrote songs for a charity album. Sir Anthony, worth an estimated £100 million, has not commented on his daughter's health battle.
