Sir Anthony Hopkins is a highly acclaimed Welsh actor known for his impressive work in film, television, and theater. He has garnered numerous awards for his performances, including two Oscars, four BAFTAs, and two Primetime Emmys. His contributions to the arts have earned him prestigious honors like the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the BAFTA Fellowship, and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins was born in December 1937, marking the beginning of a life and career that would see him become a renowned figure in the world of acting.
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins was born in the Margam district of Port Talbot, Wales in December 1937.
"National Velvet," a film that would later have a sequel starring Anthony Hopkins, was released in 1944.
In an effort to instill discipline, Anthony Hopkins's parents enrolled him at Jones' West Monmouth Boys' School in Pontypool in 1949.
Anthony Hopkins graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 1957.
Anthony Hopkins's formal training in the performing arts culminated in 1957 with his graduation from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Anthony Hopkins began his national service in the British Army's Royal Artillery regiment in 1958.
Anthony Hopkins made his first professional appearance on stage in 1960 in a Swansea Little Theatre production of "Have a Cigarette."
Anthony Hopkins completed his national service in the British Army in 1960.
Anthony Hopkins graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London in 1963.
Anthony Hopkins landed his first starring role in a film in 1964 with "Changes," a short film directed by Drewe Henley.
At the age of 26, Hopkins composed the waltz "And the Waltz Goes On," which would later gain recognition in 2011 when it was performed and released by André Rieu.
A pivotal moment in Anthony Hopkins's career arrived in 1965 when he was invited by Laurence Olivier to become part of the prestigious Royal National Theatre, launching him into the world of professional theater.
A pivotal moment in Anthony Hopkins's career occurred in 1965 when he was invited by the legendary Laurence Olivier to join the Royal National Theatre in London.
Anthony Hopkins married actress Petronella Barker in 1966.
Anthony Hopkins made his debut on the small screen in 1967 in a BBC broadcast of "A Flea in Her Ear."
In 1967, during a production of August Strindberg's "The Dance of Death," Anthony Hopkins had the opportunity to step in for Laurence Olivier, who was sidelined by appendicitis.
Anthony Hopkins's portrayal of Richard the Lionheart in the 1968 film "The Lion in Winter" proved to be his breakthrough role, earning him a BAFTA nomination and establishing his presence in the film industry.
Anthony Hopkins's performance as Richard the Lionheart in the 1968 film "The Lion in Winter" marked his breakthrough in the film industry, earning him critical acclaim.
Anthony Hopkins took on the role of the iconic author Charles Dickens in the 1970 BBC television film "The Great Inimitable Mr. Dickens."
In 1971, Anthony Hopkins starred in Étienne Périer's action thriller film "When Eight Bells Toll."
Anthony Hopkins and Petronella Barker divorced in 1972.
Anthony Hopkins's performance as Pierre Bezukhov in the BBC miniseries adaptation of "War and Peace" in 1972 earned him a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor.
Anthony Hopkins's performance in the 1972 BBC miniseries adaptation of "War and Peace" earned him a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor.
Anthony Hopkins married Jennifer Lynton in 1973.
In 1973, Anthony Hopkins starred alongside a distinguished cast, including Claire Bloom and Ralph Richardson, in a film adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House."
Anthony Hopkins made his mark on Broadway in October 1974, starring as the psychiatrist Dysart in the original production of Sir Peter Shaffer's "Equus."
Anthony Hopkins stopped drinking alcohol just after Christmas in 1975 and has remained sober since, crediting a moment of seeking help as a turning point.
In 1975, Anthony Hopkins crossed paths with Richard Burton once more, this time as Burton prepared to take over Hopkins's role in Peter Shaffer's "Equus."
Anthony Hopkins's portrayal in the 1976 television film "The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case" earned him his first Primetime Emmy Award.
Anthony Hopkins starred in Richard Attenborough's World War II film "A Bridge Too Far" in 1977, marking one of his five collaborations with the director.
In 1977, Anthony Hopkins joined an ensemble cast in Richard Attenborough's World War II film "A Bridge Too Far," portraying British Army officer John Frost.
Anthony Hopkins appeared in two notable films in 1978: the sequel to "National Velvet," titled "International Velvet," and Richard Attenborough's psychological horror film "Magic."
In 1979, Anthony Hopkins took on the role of Prospero in a production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.
Anthony Hopkins took on a role in David Lynch's critically acclaimed historical drama "The Elephant Man" in 1980.
In 1980, Anthony Hopkins starred in two contrasting films: the critically acclaimed "The Elephant Man" as Dr. Frederick Treves and the box-office flop "A Change of Seasons" alongside Shirley MacLaine, whom he reportedly found difficult to work with.
In 1981, Anthony Hopkins delivered a powerful performance as Adolf Hitler in the television film "The Bunker," earning him a Primetime Emmy Award. He also portrayed Paul the Apostle in the miniseries "Peter and Paul."
In 1981, Anthony Hopkins won his second Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the television film "The Bunker."
Anthony Hopkins starred as Quasimodo in the 1982 television film adaptation of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," featuring a distinguished cast that included Derek Jacobi and John Gielgud.
In 1983, Anthony Hopkins furthered his stage career by becoming a company member of The Mirror Theater Ltd's Repertory Company.
In 1984, Anthony Hopkins appeared in Harold Pinter's play "Old Times" in New York and starred alongside Mel Gibson in the historical adventure film "The Bounty" as Captain William Bligh.
Anthony Hopkins's performance in David Hare's "Pravda" in 1985 earned him critical acclaim and a Laurence Olivier Award, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent on stage.
In 1985, Anthony Hopkins shared the stage with Colin Firth in "The Lonely Road" and received critical acclaim for his role in "Pravda," winning a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance.
In 1986, Anthony Hopkins took on the titular role in Shakespeare's "King Lear" at the National Theatre, a play he considered his favorite.
In 1986, Hopkins released the single "Distant Star," which reached No. 75 on the UK Singles Chart, reflecting his diverse artistic pursuits beyond acting.
In 1987, Anthony Hopkins starred opposite Anne Bancroft in the heartwarming film "84 Charing Cross Road."
Anthony Hopkins was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree in 1988.
In 1988, Anthony Hopkins starred in "The Tenth Man," adding to his diverse filmography.
In 1989, Anthony Hopkins concluded his stage career with a challenging run in "M. Butterfly" and earned an Emmy nomination for his role as Abel Magwitch in the miniseries "Great Expectations."
In 1989, Anthony Hopkins took to the stage for the last time in a West End production of "M. Butterfly," concluding a significant chapter of his acting career.
In 1990, Hopkins made his directorial debut with the film "Dylan Thomas: Return Journey." He also contributed to the restoration of Stanley Kubrick's "Spartacus," recreating dialogue for a lost scene, showcasing his vocal talent and admiration for Laurence Olivier.
Though the film was released in 1991, "The Silence of the Lambs" marked the beginning of Anthony Hopkins' chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, a role he would reprise in later films.
In 1991, Anthony Hopkins delivered an iconic performance as Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs," winning him the Academy Award for Best Actor and establishing him as a major Hollywood star.
Hopkins's talent for vocal mimicry was evident in the 1991 restoration of "Spartacus," where he recreated the voice of Laurence Olivier for a scene with missing audio.
Anthony Hopkins's chilling performance as Hannibal Lecter in the 1991 thriller "The Silence of the Lambs" earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
1992 saw Anthony Hopkins appear in two notable films: the Merchant Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster's "Howards End" and Francis Ford Coppola's gothic horror film "Bram Stoker's Dracula."
Anthony Hopkins received an honorary fellowship from the University of Wales, Lampeter in 1992.
Anthony Hopkins supported the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust (RAPt), even helping to open their first intensive drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit at Downview (HM Prison) in 1992.
Following his Oscar win, Anthony Hopkins took on supporting roles in films like "Spotswood," "Freejack," and portrayed notable figures such as Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin" and Professor Van Helsing in "Bram Stoker's Dracula."
In 1992, Anthony Hopkins starred in the critically acclaimed Merchant-Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster's "Howards End" alongside Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter, showcasing his versatility in period dramas.
In 1993, Anthony Hopkins received the distinguished honor of knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his remarkable contributions to the dramatic arts.
In 1993, Anthony Hopkins delivered a BAFTA-nominated performance as C.S. Lewis in "Shadowlands" and starred alongside Isabella Rossellini in the drama "The Innocent," based on Ian McEwan's novel.
Anthony Hopkins was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the arts in 1993 at Buckingham Palace.
During the filming of "Shadowlands" in 1993, director Richard Attenborough, who considered Hopkins the greatest actor of his generation, worked to balance the contrasting acting styles of Hopkins and co-star Debra Winger.
Anthony Hopkins reunited with Merchant-Ivory and Emma Thompson for the 1993 film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day," earning widespread critical acclaim for his nuanced performance as Stevens the butler.
Anthony Hopkins received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the 1993 Merchant Ivory drama "The Remains of the Day."
Anthony Hopkins took on a leading role in the 1994 epic romantic drama "Legends of the Fall."
In 1994, Anthony Hopkins co-starred with Bart the Bear in the epic drama "Legends of the Fall," demonstrating his respect for the animal actor and their shared scenes.
Anthony Hopkins wrote and published a book titled "Anthony Hopkins' Snowdonia" in 1995.
Anthony Hopkins's performance as Richard Nixon in Oliver Stone's 1995 biographical drama earned him an Academy Award nomination.
In 1995, Hopkins directed "August," an adaptation of Anton Chekhov's play "Uncle Vanya," set in Wales.
In 1996, Anthony Hopkins was made a freeman of his home town, Port Talbot.
In 1996, Anthony Hopkins shared the screen with Julianne Moore in the film "Surviving Picasso." This prior collaboration played a role in their casting in the film "Hannibal" (2001).
Anthony Hopkins continued his working relationship with Bart the Bear in the 1997 film "The Edge," further showcasing his ability to collaborate with animal actors.
Anthony Hopkins served as the Honorary Patron of The New Heritage Theatre Company in Boise, Idaho, from 1997.
Hopkins impressed Steven Spielberg with his ability to memorize and deliver a seven-page courtroom speech in one take for the 1997 film "Amistad." Spielberg, in awe of Hopkins's talent, insisted on addressing him as "Sir Anthony" throughout the production.
Hopkins lent his voice to the first three episodes of the BBC nature documentary series "Killing for a Living" in 1997.
In 1997, Anthony Hopkins starred in Steven Spielberg's historical drama "Amistad," for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
On a 1998 episode of the British talk show "Parkinson," Hopkins displayed his comedic timing and vocal dexterity by impersonating comedian Tommy Cooper.
In 1998, Anthony Hopkins starred alongside Antonio Banderas in the action-adventure film "The Mask of Zorro."
Anthony Hopkins donated £1 million to the National Trust's efforts to purchase and preserve land within Snowdonia National Park in 1998.
Anthony Hopkins commanded a high salary in 1998, starring in popular films "The Mask of Zorro" and "Meet Joe Black," and agreeing to reprise his role as Hannibal Lecter for a significant fee.
The Anthony Hopkins Centre, a wing at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff, opened in 1999. Hopkins had contributed to the refurbishment of the wing.
While retaining his British citizenship, Anthony Hopkins became a naturalised citizen of the United States in April 2000. He stated that he maintains dual citizenship.
In 2000, Anthony Hopkins lent his voice to narrate Ron Howard's live-action adaptation of the beloved children's story, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
Anthony Hopkins reprised his chilling role as Hannibal Lecter in the 2001 sequel "Hannibal," further solidifying the character's place in cinematic history.
Anthony Hopkins returned to his iconic role as Hannibal Lecter in the 2001 sequel, "Hannibal," directed by Ridley Scott. This time, Julianne Moore joined the cast as Clarice Starling. Hopkins embraced the role, even contributing to the character's appearance by suggesting Lecter's face remain unmarked, adding an element of chilling audacity to the character.
In a 2002 interview, Anthony Hopkins reflected on his early school days, describing himself as a "poor learner" who struggled with feelings of inferiority.
Anthony Hopkins, in 2002, once again brought Hannibal Lecter to life in "Red Dragon." This third installment in the Lecter series, with a cast including Ralph Fiennes and Edward Norton, achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim.
Anthony Hopkins stated that "Red Dragon" (2002) would be his final performance as Hannibal Lecter, marking the end of an era for the acclaimed actor and the chilling character.
Anthony Hopkins returned as Hannibal Lecter for the final time in "Red Dragon" (2002), concluding his portrayal of the iconic villain from Thomas Harris' novels.
Anthony Hopkins and Jennifer Lynton divorced in 2002.
Anthony Hopkins married Stella Arroyave in 2003.
Anthony Hopkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.
Anthony Hopkins was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003, cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.
Anthony Hopkins was named among the 100 Welsh Heroes in a 2004 poll, recognizing his contributions to film and his support for Snowdonia.
Anthony Hopkins has cited his role as Burt Munro in the 2005 film "The World's Fastest Indian" as his favorite. He felt a deep connection with the character, believing their outlooks on life to be quite similar.
Recognizing his profound impact on the world of entertainment, Anthony Hopkins was honored with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005.
Anthony Hopkins received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globe Awards in 2006, presented to him by Gwyneth Paltrow.
Anthony Hopkins received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2006. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
Anthony Hopkins concluded his role as the Honorary Patron of The New Heritage Theatre Company in Boise, Idaho, in 2007.
Despite the success of the Hannibal Lecter franchise, Anthony Hopkins declined to reprise his role or participate in the 2007 prequel "Hannibal Rising," maintaining his decision to retire the character.
Hopkins's experimental drama "Slipstream," which he wrote, directed, and scored, debuted at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.
In 2007, Hopkins announced a temporary hiatus from acting to embark on a world tour, indicating his interest in pursuing other passions.
As a patron of the Tommy Cooper Society, Anthony Hopkins unveiled a commemorative statue of the comedian in Caerphilly in February 2008, even donning Cooper's trademark fez for the occasion.
October 2008 marked the world premiere of Anthony Hopkins's composition "The Masque of Time," performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his lifelong passion for music.
Richard Attenborough presented Anthony Hopkins with the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 2008.
In 2008, Anthony Hopkins was bestowed with the BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award, the highest honor given by the British Film Academy, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to film.
Anthony Hopkins appeared in a television advertisement campaign for Greenpeace in early 2008, raising concerns about whaling practices in Japan.
Anthony Hopkins's exceptional career in film was further recognized in 2008 when he was bestowed with the BAFTA Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement.
Anthony Hopkins began a weight loss program in 2008.
In February of 2010, it was announced that Anthony Hopkins would take on the role of a seasoned priest specializing in exorcisms in the film "The Rite."
By 2010, Anthony Hopkins had lost a significant amount of weight.
"The Rite," featuring Anthony Hopkins as an unorthodox priest battling demonic forces, premiered on January 28, 2011. Hopkins, an agnostic, even infused some of his own spiritual questioning into his character's dialogue.
Peter R. de Vries cast Anthony Hopkins to portray Freddy Heineken, the business magnate, in a film centered around Heineken's real-life kidnapping.
In October 2011, André Rieu released an album featuring a waltz composed by Hopkins in 1964, titled "And the Waltz Goes On." This marked the first time Hopkins heard his composition performed.
Anthony Hopkins stepped into the role of Odin, the powerful ruler of Asgard, in 2011's "Thor," marking his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Anthony Hopkins joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2011, portraying Odin in the superhero film "Thor."
In January 2012, Hopkins released "Composer," an album of his original classical music and film scores performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The album included a piece titled "Margam," a tribute to his Welsh hometown.
In 2012, Hopkins revealed in an interview his enduring love for music, mentioning that he had been composing throughout his life and harbored a desire to attend music college.
Anthony Hopkins and Stella Arroyave celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a blessing at St Davids Cathedral in 2013.
The year 2013 saw Anthony Hopkins reprise his role as Odin in "Thor: The Dark World." That same year, he embraced a different kind of power, playing the main antagonist, Edward Bailey, in the action-comedy "Red 2."
In 2014, Anthony Hopkins took on the role of Methuselah in Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic, "Noah."
Anthony Hopkins considered his role as Sir in the BBC Two production of "The Dresser," which began airing in October 2015, a career highlight. He felt a connection with the character and enjoyed working with the cast, which included Ian McKellen.
Anthony Hopkins starred in the 2015 BBC film adaptation of Ronald Harwood's play "The Dresser."
The film "Kidnapping Freddy Heineken," starring Anthony Hopkins and detailing the harrowing abduction of the beer tycoon, was released in 2015, years after its initial casting announcement in 2011.
In October 2016, Anthony Hopkins took on the role of Robert Ford in HBO's science fiction series, "Westworld," a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Anthony Hopkins joined the cast of the acclaimed HBO science fiction series "Westworld" in 2016.
In a 2016 interview, Hopkins discussed his knack for portraying frightening characters, revealing that he discovered this ability in his youth.
In January 2017, Hopkins revealed that he had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome three years earlier.
In June 2017, Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Odin concluded with "Thor: Ragnarok." This year also included his role as Sir Edmund Burton in "Transformers: The Last Knight."
Anthony Hopkins made his final appearance as Odin in the 2017 Marvel film "Thor: Ragnarok."
Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of King Lear in the 2018 television film adaptation, which aired on May 28th on BBC Two, was critically acclaimed. His performance, alongside Emma Thompson and Florence Pugh, was called "devastating" by Vulture, and earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
In 2018, Anthony Hopkins took on the titular role in a PBS production of Shakespeare's tragedy "King Lear."
Years later, in 2018, Anthony Hopkins spoke about the impact "The Dresser" had on him. Playing the role of Sir, an aging actor, alongside Ian McKellen, brought a sense of belonging and eased a feeling of being an outsider that Hopkins had carried for years.
August 2019 marked the premiere of "The Two Popes" at the Telluride Film Festival. The film, a compelling look at a period of transition within the Catholic Church, featured Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as the future Pope Francis.
On December 20, 2019, "The Two Popes," featuring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce in critically acclaimed performances, began streaming on Netflix, reaching a wider audience.
Anthony Hopkins's performance in the 2019 film "The Two Popes," directed by Fernando Meirelles, earned him another Academy Award nomination.
In January 2020, Anthony Hopkins discussed his evolving views on faith and agnosticism, suggesting a growing belief in something greater than himself.
In December 2020, "The Father," starring Anthony Hopkins as a man battling Alzheimer's disease, premiered. The film, directed by Florian Zeller and adapted from his Tony Award-nominated play, received critical acclaim, with Hopkins's performance garnering significant praise and Oscar buzz.
Anthony Hopkins described his Asperger's as a "great gift."
In 2020, Anthony Hopkins made history by becoming the oldest actor to win the Best Actor Oscar for his poignant portrayal of an aging man struggling with dementia in "The Father."
In 2021, Anthony Hopkins won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "The Father." This win made him the oldest nominee and recipient of this award.
In 2022, Hopkins appeared in James Gray's "Armageddon Time" and Florian Zeller's "The Son." He received praise for his role as a grandfather in "Armageddon Time."
In 2023, Anthony Hopkins took on the roles of Sir Nicholas Winton in the biographical drama "One Life" and Sigmund Freud in "Freud's Last Session", showcasing his versatility as an actor.