Sir Anthony Hopkins thinks having a powerful memory is "essential to survival" The 83-year-old actor - who played a dementia patient in 'The Father' - believes his memory is the single most "important tool" in his life 30 June 2021 Anthony explained: "Once you lose your memory, it must be a living hell to have no anchors left. It's the most powerful and important tool, essential to survival." The acclaimed actor admitted that his starring role in the Florian Zeller-directed drama movie made him look more closely at his own life. Anthony also thinks that age has made him more reflective. He told Sorted magazine: "I think as you get older, you do go around examining life more.