By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Anthony Hopkins's memoir, "We Did OK, Kid," is a perplexing endeavor that oscillates between candid introspection and frustrating superficiality. While the book offers glimpses into the actor's tumultuous journey from a Welsh baker's son to an Academy Award-winning icon, it often falls short of delivering the depth and insight one might expect from such a storied career.

Hopkins's early life in Port Talbot is depicted with a certain rawness, highlighting his struggles with academic underachievement and familial expectations. His candid admission of being a "failure with no future" resonates, especially when juxtaposed with his serendipitous encounter with Laurence Olivier's "Hamlet," which ignited his passion for acting. However, these formative experiences are recounted in a manner that feels more like a checklist than a profound exploration.

The narrative takes a more engaging turn when delving into Hopkins's battles with alcoholism. His unflinching recounting of a 1970s DUI in California, which served as a catalyst for his sobriety, is both harrowing and enlightening. Yet, even here, the memoir skims the surface, leaving readers yearning for a deeper understanding of the internal struggles that accompanied his addiction and recovery.

When addressing his illustrious acting career, Hopkins provides some intriguing insights, particularly regarding his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs." He attributes his chilling performance to inspirations as varied as Bela Lugosi's "Dracula" and the calculated demeanor of Joseph Stalin. Such revelations are tantalizing but are frustratingly sparse. Notably, significant collaborations with directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg are conspicuously absent, leaving a gaping void in the narrative.

Critics have echoed similar sentiments. The Independent laments the memoir's lack of depth, stating that while it offers moments of poignancy, it ultimately "falls short of capturing the depth his career deserves." ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/anthony-hopkins-memoir-review-king-lear-nixon-b2857977.html?utm_source=openai)) Publishers Weekly acknowledges the book's elegance but notes that Hopkins's reminiscences can feel "embroidered," relying heavily on decades-old conversations that may lack authenticity. ([publishersweekly.com](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781668075500?utm_source=openai))

In conclusion, "We Did OK, Kid" is a memoir that tantalizes with potential but ultimately disappoints in execution. While Hopkins's life is undeniably fascinating, this account feels more like a cursory overview than a deep dive into the psyche of one of cinema's most enigmatic figures. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Hopkins's journey, this memoir may leave much to be desired.

Recommendation: Read with caution.

written on: 11/13/2025