We Did Ok, Kid cover art

We Did Ok, Kid

A Memoir

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We Did Ok, Kid

By: Anthony Hopkins
Narrated by: Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Branagh
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About this listen

 Academy Award-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins delves into his illustrious film and theatre career, difficult childhood and path to sobriety in his honest, moving and long-awaited memoir.

Born and raised in Port Talbot – a small Welsh steelworks town – amid war and depression, Sir Anthony Hopkins grew up around men who were tough, to say the least, and eschewed all forms of emotional vulnerability in favor of alcoholism and brutality. A struggling student in school, he was deemed by his peers, his parents and other adults as a failure with no future ahead of him. But, on a fateful Saturday night, the disregarded Welsh boy watched the 1948 adaptation of Hamlet, sparking a passion for acting that would lead him on a path that no one could have predicted.

With candour and a voice that is both arresting and vulnerable, Sir Anthony recounts his various career milestones and provides a once-in-a-lifetime look into the brilliance behind some of his most iconic roles. His performance as Iago gets him admitted into the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and places him under the wing of Laurence Olivier. He meets Richard Burton by chance as a young boy in his art teacher’s apartment, and later, backstage before a performance of Equus as an established actor meeting his hero. His iconic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter was informed by the creepy performance of Bela Lugosi in Dracula and the razor-sharp precision of his acting teacher. He pulls raw emotion from the stoicism of his father and grandfather for an unforgettable performance in King Lear.

Sir Anthony also takes a deeply honest look at the low points in his personal life. His addiction cost him his first marriage, his relationship with his only child, and nearly his life – the latter ultimately propelling him toward sobriety, a commitment he has maintained for nearly half a century. He constantly battles against the desire to move through life alone and avoid connection for fear of getting hurt – much like the men in his family – and as the years go by, he deals with questions of mortality, getting ready to discover what his father called The Big Secret.

Featuring a special collection of personal photographs throughout, We Did OK, Kid is a raw and passionate memoir from a complex, iconic man who has inspired audiences with remarkable performances for over sixty years. Best of 2025 Entertainment & Celebrities Memoir Royalty Emotions Adaptation
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if you're a fan of Anthony Hopkins, please read this book, you won't regret it!

Incredible!

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This book took me back to my childhood and the connection to my paternal grandfather. He was the polar opposite of Anthony's grandfather, mine had a heart so pure and filled with love of his family.
However, my maternal grandfather's voice crept into my head and heart, a cold and distant man. A man who broke the trust a child should have of a grandfather. It was a relief to move on from your childhood days and to leave my nightmares in the past.
I enjoyed hearing the stories of your life, the people who came into your life. How wonderful you found sobriety and began to enjoy your amazing life and celebrate your achievements.
You did so much more than OK kid.
Thank you Mr Hopkins from this (old) Welsh girl. 🫶👏👏

The Welsh Stoic Ways

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Enjoyed the bio and poems. Absolutely beautiful ❣️ I will be listening to this one over again ❣️

Thoroughly enjoyed Anthony narrating.

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The best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. Such an enjoyable listening experience. I would listen to it again. Highly recommended.

Beautifully written and beautifully read

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Firstly, the narration by Kenneth Brannagh is probably the best I've ever heard. Accurately captured Anthony Hopkins and every celeb mentioned. The book is honest, straightforward and so easy to listen to. This is a book I think I will keep coming back to for company. Also, it's great to hear Anthony Hopkins spend time talking about his most famous films. Finally, a memoir where you don't end up hating the author by the end.

EXTRAORDINARY. PURE PERFECTION

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