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Last updated on the 29 May 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born 31 December, 1937, Port Talbot, Glamorgan, Wales.
Anthony Hopkins is a distinguished Welsh actor known for his profound contributions to film and theatre. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993 for his services to drama, Hopkins’ career spans over six decades, marked by versatility and critical acclaim.
Anthony Hopkins was born to Annie Muriel (née Yeates) and Richard Arthur Hopkins, a baker. His early life in Wales was influenced by his father’s working-class values, which he credits with keeping him grounded throughout his career. Despite facing academic challenges, Hopkins found solace in the arts, a passion that would shape his future.
After completing his education at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 1957, Hopkins attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His talent caught the attention of Sir Laurence Olivier, who invited him to join the Royal National Theatre in 1965, a pivotal moment that launched his stage career.
Anthony Hopkins’ film debut came with “The Lion in Winter” (1968), but it was his chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) that won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He continued to deliver compelling performances in films like “The Remains of the Day” (1993), “Nixon” (1995) and “Amistad” (1997), earning multiple Oscar nominations. His portrayal of an aging father grappling with dementia in “The Father” (2020) not only showcased his enduring talent but also made him the oldest Best Actor Oscar winner.
On television, Hopkins has been equally impactful, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for “The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case” (1976) and “The Bunker” (1981). His versatility extends to recent works like the BBC film “The Dresser” (2015) and the HBO series “Westworld” (2016–2018).
Anthony Hopkins has experienced a dynamic personal life, with marriages to Petronella Barker (1966-1972), Jennifer Lynton (1973-2002) and Stella Arroyave (since 2003). He is also a father and despite the ups and downs of his personal relationships, he has often spoken about the importance of family and the grounding effect it has had on his life.
Anthony Hopkins’ biography is a testament to a life dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence. His journey from a small town in Wales to the pinnacle of acting royalty is a narrative of perseverance, transformation and the enduring power of talent. With numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards, Hopkins remains a towering figure in the world of acting, celebrated for his profound impact on stage and screen.
WINNER|Television: Actor for War And Peace (1973) | Film: Actor in a Leading Role for The Silence Of The Lambs (1992) |Film: Actor in a Leading Role for The Remains Of The Day (1994) |Film: Leading Actor for The Father (2021)
WINNER|Best Actor for The Silence of the Lambs (1992)|Best Actor for The Father (2021)
Suggested viewing
Howards End (1992)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4
“Howards End” is a film adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel. It follows the lives of the intellectual Schlegel sisters, their encounters with the wealthy Wilcox family, and their involvement with Leonard Bast, a lower-class clerk. The film explores themes of social class, love and the clash between tradition and progress.
Top cast: Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Joseph Bennett, Prunella Scales, Adrian Ross Magenty, Jo Kendall.
The Father (2020)
Bftv 8.5Â / IMDb 8.2
“The Father” follows an elderly man named Anthony as he grapples with dementia, causing his reality to blur and relationships to strain. Through a fragmented narrative, the film explores the heartbreaking disintegration of Anthony’s mind and the toll it takes on his family.
Top cast: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, Ayesha Dharker, Roman Zeller, Evie Wray.
Shadowlands (1993)
Bftv 8.5Â / IMDb 7.4
“Shadowlands” delves into the complex relationship between renowned British writer C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman. Their connection challenges Lewis’s beliefs and brings him face-to-face with grief when Joy becomes terminally ill, ultimately reshaping his understanding of love, faith and the human experience.
Top cast: Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger, Edward Hardwicke, John Wood, Michael Denison, Peter Firth, Matthew Delamere, Julian Fellowes, Julian Firth.
The Remains of the Day (1993)
Bftv 8.5Â / IMDb 7.8
“The Remains of the Day” chronicles the life of Stevens, a devoted butler in post-World War II England. As he embarks on a road trip, memories and regrets resurface, causing him to question the choices he made and the sacrifices he endured in the pursuit of dignity and loyalty.
Top cast: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, James Fox, Hugh Grant, Christopher Reeve, Peter Vaughan, Ben Chaplin, Paula Jacobs, Patrick Godfrey.
Similar to
War And Peace (1973)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2
“War and Peace” traverses the lives of several Russian aristocrats during the Napoleonic era. Amidst the chaos of war, the narrative weaves together themes of ambition, romance and personal growth, exploring the profound impact of historical events on individuals and the enduring power of human connections.
Top cast: Anthony Hopkins, Morag Hood, Alan Dobie, Angela Down, Rupert Davies, Faith Brook, Joanna David, Sylvester Morand.
Alternative version
One Life (2023)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
The biographical drama “One Life” tells the story of a young stockbroker, Nicholas Winton, who witnesses the plight of Jewish refugees in Czechoslovakia on the brink of World War II. Driven by compassion, he hatches a daring plan to smuggle hundreds of children to safety before Nazi occupation makes escape impossible. The film follows his efforts both in the past, filled with suspense and moral dilemmas, and in the present, where the weight of his actions continues to resonate.
Top cast: Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, Lena Olin, Alex Sharp, Romola Garai, Tim Steed, Matilda Thorpe, Daniel Brown, Jirà Simek.
Related to
   
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
Anthony Hopkins Gallery
