The movies of Sir Anthony Hopkins

The Young Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins, born Philip Anthony Hopkins on new years eve 1937, is one of the most legendary and versatile British actors of all time, his award-winning movie career now into its' fifth decade.

Born in Wales, not far from another famous Welsh actor, Richard Burton, Tony, (as he likes to be referred to as) was brought up living above the family bakery business, his bedroom over shadowed by the dazzling lights of a cinema. Hopkins is dyslexic and favoured art and music to the more academic subjects and so the shy, sensitive child engrossed himself in these pursuits instead of paying attention to studying. Tony left school with one 'O' level in English.

Hopkins' other passion was the cinema and by the late 1950's, Richard Burton was already a Hollywood star and when Burton returned home to Wales on one occasion, Hopkins went to get his autograph. This was a turning point for Hopkins, witnessing how Richard Burton had got himself up and out of this little Welsh village and Hopkins aspired to follow in his footsteps in search of fame and fortune in America.

Hopkins acting career began on the stage and having won a place at RADA, following graduation he was invited to join Olivier's celebrated National Theatre. In 1967 he was understudy for Olivier in 'Dance of Death' until Olivier was taken unwell unexpectedly and Hopkins assumed the lead for himself, giving a very well received performance which was rapidly followed by a series of successful parts.

The first Anthony Hopkins movie for TV was 'A flea in her Ear', in 1967 in which Petronella Barker, whom Hopkins married that year, also had a role. Hopkins' proper movie debut followed in 1968 in the 'Lion in Winter', in which he gave a well-casted performance and was nominated for a Bafta. Katharine Hepburn who starred in 'The Lion in Winter', was an actress whom Hopkins admired greatly and provided continuous inspiration to him. When she died in 2003, Hopkins paid official tribute to her memorable acting achievments.

Having been a loner all his life, he did not take easily to the glare of publicity into which stardom had thrown him and he started drinking a great deal, even though devoted zealously to his work at the same time. Hopkins and his wife had a baby daughter, Abigail but the relationship soon began to weaken and by 1972 they were divorced and Hopkins was separated from his daughter. His drinking and behaviour were getting progressively worse then 1973 saw him walk-out on the National Theatre. His success grew nationwide when in 1973 he played the unforgettable Pierre in the tv epic 'War and Peace', for which he received a Bafta award.

In 1973 Hopkins married Jennifer Lynton, who helped him in his struggle against alcohol abuse and in 1975 Hopkins gave up alcohol for good.

By the mid 1980's Anthony Hopkins had a chain of movies to his recognition and the American dream had come true. Hopkins' adaptability as an actor is vast and his capability to thoroughly immerse himself in the diverse character parts is astounding. Hopkins' is a complete professional wherever his work is concerned, he re-reads scripts hundreds of times if necessary and is not known for tolerating retakes. Numerous Bafta, and Golden Globe nominations were showered upon Hopkins, yet working in America, began to take its' toll, Jenni, his wife could not make out the pull of the States, and as a result Hopkins concentrated on his UK career from the mid 1980's onwards.

Of all Anthony Hopkins movies, he is best known the world over for the part that catapulted his fame to Oscar status in 1991 ' Hannibal the Cannibal in 'Silence of the Lambs'. His American career had once again taken flight, but this time on a grand scale. Hopkins finally had his Oscar and two further Lecter movies followed, 'Hannibal' and 'Red Dragon'. The continuity of character in the three films is consistently brilliant and addictive but Hopkins claims to have hung up his Hannibal mask, who knows ?

In 1993 Anthony Hopkins was bestowed with a knighthood and in 2000 he became a U.S. citizen, soon after the finish of his marriage. His third marriage followed shortly to Stella Arroyave, to whom he remains married today.

The Hollywood career just kept getting better, with 'Howards End', 'Remains of The Day', 'Shadowlands', 'The Edge', 'Amistad' and 'Fracture' being notable Anthony Hopkins movies, some getting Oscar nominations.

Living in California now Hopkins passes his time composing music, painting and playing the piano, a man of many skills, a true movie star and icon, a movie director and composer of film scores, as well as an accomplished pianist and artist. His recognition as an artist has recently seen him exhibit in both London and Edinburgh, with his artwork fetching impressive sums.

There are numerous rumours of various films about to be released soon. To read further about Anthony Hopkins movies, including unique film reviews, news update, movie clips, DVDs and photos visit Anthony Hopkins Movies or read more about Anthony Hopkins