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Sir Anthony Hopkins

Sir Anthony Hopkins
Born: 31 DEC 1937
Place of Birth: Port Talbot
School: Dyffryn School and Cowbridge Grammar School
 

Famous For: Film actor who achieved superstardom in the late 1980s

"I do wish we could chat longer, but I'm having an old friend for dinner." (As Hannibal Lector)

Biography: Arguably the biggest movie star Wales has produced since Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins achieved superstardom relatively late in his career.

  • BBC News story about Sir Anthony Hopkins 70th birthday party in Margam Park Orangery.
  • It was announced at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008 that he will play King Lear on the big screen in a multi-million-pound production of Shakespeare's play.

    Born in Port Talbot to Muriel and Richard Hopkins, Sir Anthony's interest in acting was first aroused when Richard Burton paid a visit to his hometown. On getting the star's signature he decided it was time to follow in his footsteps and take to the stage.

    Accepted on a scholarship to RADA in 1961, he went on to star in several notable theatre productions in the 'sixties. His first taste of acting came earlier, with a small non-speaking role in the 1956 BBC production of 'The Corn is Green'.

    He credits the BBC production of 'War and Peace' with drawing attention to him in the US, and it was in America that he found the success that made him a superstar. Years of character parts in numerous films kept him a familiar face, and he won acclaim for roles in films such as 'The Lion in Winter' and 'The Elephant Man'.

    He also picked up the baton from his acting hero Burton by taking the role he made famous - the Narrator in Dylan Thomas' play for voices, Under Milk Wood, and making it his own for George Martin's 1980s recording of the story. He starred alongside a host of other Welsh famous names on the album such as Bonnie Tyler, Jonathan Pryce and Harry Secombe - plus a supporting cast of Carmarthenshire schoolchildren.

    Hopkins' most famous role was, of course, the cannibal serial killer Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs', directed by Jonathan Demme. His career was given fresh impetus by its enormous success and his Oscar triumph for Best Actor.

    He also attracted critical acclaim for his work in films such as 'Remains of The Day', 'Nixon' and "Shadowlands", and for directing the film 'August'.

    He was knighted in 1993 and hit the headlines for a different reason in 2000, when he controversially became an American citizen.

    This didn't affect his power at the cinema however - his return to Doctor Lecter in 'Hannibal', while not having the same impact as its predecessor, was another box-office winner. He followed the sequel with a prequel - 'Red Dragon', set before 'Silence' in which he plays Hannibal as a younger man.

    Anthony Hopkins was ranked Britain's biggest movie earner with an annual haul of £21.5 million in the Sunday Times 2002 top 500 British earners.

    On March 1 2003 Hopkins married antiques dealer Stella Arroyave in a private ceremony in California. This is his third marriage, having divorced his second wife Jennifer Lynton in May 2002 after 29 years of marriage. His marriage to his first wife Petronella Barker, with whom he has a daughter, lasted three years.

    In January 2006 Sir Anthony received a Hollywood Golden Globe Award for 'lifetime achievement' - in his acceptance speech he said he had had a career "most of us can only dream of".
    He was presented with the award by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, with whom he had recently appeared in the film 'Proof'. It wasn't his first brush with the globes - since 1978 he has been nominated for an award six times.

  • Click here to read more about the Award on BBC News Online.


  • What's your verdict on Sir Anthony? Read other's views below and add your comments!

    Moment of Glory: Winning the Best Actor Oscar for playing 'flesh eater' Hannibal Lecter.

    Off the Record: Prior to his Oscar success Anthony starred in several films which flopped at the box office, such as 'Desperate Hours', 'The Dawning', and the critically acclaimed 'The Bounty', alongside Mel Gibson & actor-turned Laugharne hotelier Neil Morrisey

    Comment on this story

    John Barnard, Ludlow
    I was a boarder at Cowbridge G S 1950 to 57 and for several years was in a dormitory bed adjacent to Hoppy (as he was known). We were a close-knit community of bright kids and he was 'parachuted' in. I suspect we were not at all sympathetic as he struggled to fit in, hence the dislike he states for the school (see G Evans, Canada) but he has achieved more than the rest of us put together!
    Tue Jul 22 16:04:15 2008

    Neil Bonzo, Tenby
    This guy is a US citizen. Why is he referred to as 'Sir'?
    Wed May 7 08:24:05 2008

    Gareth Evans of London

    For John Cunningham, the film you want is 84 Charing Cross Road.

    To Gareth in Victoria: I was at Cowbridge 1955-1961 so I did not meet him at that time. But I did meet him when he recorded Under Milk Wood as I was in the backing choir.


    Wed Feb 27 10:10:17 2008

    Wendy Cook from Caerphilly
    Had the pleasure of meeting Sir Anthony unveil the Tommy Cooper memorial in my hometown of Caerphilly...Such an amazing gentleman. Fantastic Welsh actor, still has the Welsh "twang". Love every film he`s made - makes me so proud to be Welsh!
    Tue Feb 26 10:45:07 2008

    Jess Armstrong of Scotland
    Can anyone tell me [is]...Anthony Hopkins...planning on doing a world tour as a concert pianist? I do hope it is true and hope that he will play at the Glasgow Concert Hall very soon! I have been a fan since I saw him in the tv adaption of (War and Peace) in the 70`s.
    Tue Feb 19 09:51:26 2008

    Sophia, Hertfordshire
    In reply to John Cunningham's query: John, the film is called '84 Charing Cross Road'. Anthony Hopkins is the greatest actor there has ever been. 'Fracture' is amazing.
    Fri Jan 4 16:53:09 2008

    John Cunningham
    I love his work but i have been looking for a film he was in as a book seller in London war time 1940. I think it was "The Letter " he was asked to find a book for a lady in America. And over the war time he sent books to her and after the war she came over. I love that movie. Can any one help?
    Thu Jan 3 10:54:45 2008

    Rhysa Davis
    Everyone else has all ready said it, Mr. Hopkins is the best. Personally, I could listen to him read the telephone directory. My favourite film is "The Remains of Day". However, in any movie he is in, he gives a fabulous performance.
    Wed Jan 2 10:30:55 2008

    Gareth Evans, Victoria, Canada
    Great actor - constantly boasting that I was in school with him - but cannot understand why he disliked Cowbridge Grammar School so much. I thought it a wonderful place!
    Wed Jan 2 10:29:14 2008

    Ani Yeshe, Buenos Aires
    He is the ideal...actor and he becomes the characters he plays...best actor, none better than him, 'Legend of the Fall', 'The Elephant Man, 'Nixon', 'Hannibal'.
    Mon Dec 31 11:19:30 2007

    Nina Jones Greece
    There are two actors whose voices turn me to jelly, Anthony Hopkins and Sean Connery!! And YES he is a great actor too!
    Fri Jun 1 16:12:52 2007

    Holly Smith, England
    I have been told that I am too young to truly understand the deep meaning within the Hannibal series work. It would be hard also as all these people seem to be such big fans to show how much I love Anthony Hopkins' work. It would be a great dream-come-true to meet him and find out the the true man behind Hannibal Lector. Never has a man been able to be so chilling and creepy in the minds of the people watching. Elegant.
    Mon May 14 12:12:34 2007

    Pearce Jayne-Wales
    I love all Hannibal films, every time I hear his voice, I catch my breath. I think I'm in Love.
    Fri Jan 26 09:29:33 2007

    Keeli Corbett
    I think he's fit.
    Fri Sep 15 10:07:42 2006

    Samantha Jinks, Cranham
    I am completely bewildered by Anthony's acting and would one day like to meet him for real. I think he has a wonderful sense of humour and cant wait to see his next film out. My favourite film he did was Hannibal Lectre as only he could've pulled that charecter off. Luv ya tony!
    Thu Jul 20 08:59:36 2006

    M. Hellinger
    Since the demise of Marlon Brando, Mr. Hopkins for me is the most outstanding and fascinating actor of English language. I hope that, unlike Marlon Brando, he will continue letting us enjoy his genius forever!
    Fri Jun 16 15:49:20 2006

    Ljerka Baliæ, Zagreb, Croatia
    Hi, I love Anthony Hopkins very much, and especially his film Zorro. This film is the best of his films to me. I wish him everything best in his life and many great roles in the future. It will be great if he come in Croatia some day. Wed May ,2006-05-03
    Wed May 3 15:28:00 2006

    Gemma McDonald-Barnsley
    he is the best actor ever and he is fit
    Tue Mar 14 15:20:49 2006

    medooo>>>A.U.C
    antony hopkins you are the best keep it like that we love tou so much
    Sun Feb 19 06:21:10 2006

    Op India
    I like Remains of the Day coz its the most near to my heart. Hopkins played role of man who only gives importance to his work not anything else,in other words honest to his work.
    Wed Feb 8 11:50:27 2006

    Graham Vincent from Brussels
    There's no doubt that I was first deeply impressed by AH as an actor from his role in the TV mini-series QBVII. Every role since then has only confirmed how great he truly is.
    Thu Jan 19 06:44:35 2006

    Adam from Poland
    Anthony Hopkins-"The Legend"."
    Wed Jan 18 16:44:39 2006

    Jackie Martin Staffordshire
    Film= 'Remains of the day'... Scene= Last farewell at the bus stop,with Emma Thompson... Mr Hopkins expression, gets me every time. Smashing man.
    Wed Dec 14 01:02:27 2005

    Margaret B. San Antonio,Texas
    I like to watch him, he is mesmerizing, you don't want to watch anyone else. The first time I saw him was Shadowlands, great presence, it remains my favorite movie, plus The Edge and all the Hannibal movies. Just terrific. You are great Tony.
    Fri Dec 2 01:50:54 2005

    Luticia, USA
    Anthony is amazing! Genius! I have seen all his Hannibal films at least 100 times! The brilliance! I had nightmares but I don't care! Brilliant man!
    Sun Sep 18 06:12:06 2005

    Paul of Milford Haven
    Obviously, he is a great actor but why would anyone want to give up their Welsh roots and 'become an American' ??
    Tue Aug 30 02:45:35 2005

    Clara from Buenos Aires
    I loved him in many films. He acted superbly in Shadowlands, The Human Stain, Meet Joe Black, Zorro, The Remain of the Day and Titus.
    Sat Aug 6 16:34:41 2005

    Deecee from USA
    I love all of Anthony Hopkins' films. I particularly liked Meet Joe Black and of course the Hannibal movies. I just like to hear him speak and to watch his face as he does.
    Tue Aug 2 05:25:13 2005

    Stacy - Denver, Colorado USA
    Anthony Hopkins is one of the greatest actors of all time. Remains of the Day, The Bounty, Silence of the Lambs, are just some of his great works!
    Mon May 9 15:42:00 2005

    Dee, Swansea
    Got to be Lector for me. Anthony Hopkins made the role his. He was able to be chilling, refined, and deadly, all at the same time. Wow!
    Wed Mar 23 15:18:35 2005

    David Ghabrian Syria
    He is my favourite actor, I think his best movies are Shadowlands,The Edge, and I wish I could be just like him one day, to achieve something big.
    Tue Feb 22 00:47:06 2005

    Kyw from China
    Meet Joe Black and Remains of the Day are the movies I like most,great actor, great man.
    Mon Feb 7 17:16:24 2005

    Fred Steadman-Jones
    Tony did not attend Dyffryn School,as a friend in his youth and as one who did attend the 'Sec'(the name of the school in our time)I know this to be a fact.
    Sun Jan 2 17:53:36 2005

    Meet Joe Black
    I like all of Anthony Hopkins films, he is an inspiration. He delivers his lines perfectly and he is amazing to watch, he has so much screen prescence. He was excellent to watch in Meet Joe Black.
    Wed Dec 22 14:26:35 2004

    Kerry Nicholas from Lancaster
    I love the Hannibal Lecter films, especially Hannibal it was the best of the 3. Tony Hopkins you are the best, keep the great films coming.
    Tue Aug 31 13:08:53 2004

    Rita from Finland
    I love the way he moves, he talks, he plays piano, he smiles and he acts. The best movie maybe it´s Bounty, or Edge...I feel I must hug him.
    Wed Jul 28 14:47:23 2004

    Lordain Volley: Swansea
    Just listen to the guy's voice, it's like music from an angels heart. Forget the strained vowels of posh English people. Hopkins' voice is remarkable.
    Wed Jun 30 11:13:01 2004

    TLV from USA
    Personally, I really liked The Bounty, acting was great, story was greaat and believable, men were tan, and Anthony looked fine.
    Fri May 21 02:41:38 2004



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