Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins was born on December 31, 1937, in Margam, Wales. His father was a baker, and his mother was a homemaker. He struggled in school and was introverted as a child but showed talent in art and music. At 15, he met Richard Burton, whose advice led him to study theater in Cardiff. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he worked at Laurence Olivier's National Theatre. Olivier described him as 'the young man who will be the greatest actor'. In 1968, he began his film career with 'The Lion in Winter'. But the real turning point came in 1991: he played Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Jonathan Demme's 'The Silence of the Lambs'. Despite only 16 minutes of screen time, his character became one of cinema history's most terrifying and sophisticated villains. The character's 'fava beans and a nice Chianti' line and the sound he made with his tongue became legendary. This role earned him the Best Actor Oscar - one of the shortest screen times to win an Oscar. He reprised the character in 'Hannibal' and 'Red Dragon'. Films like 'The Remains of the Day', 'Nixon', 'Amistad', 'Meet Joe Black', and 'The Two Popes' showcased different characters. In 2021, at 83 years old, he won his second Oscar for 'The Father', becoming the oldest Best Actor Oscar winner in history. For this role, he played a father experiencing dementia and deeply moved audiences. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993. He became a US citizen in 2000. He has a passion for painting, and his works are exhibited in galleries. He has also composed music. He revealed in 2003 that he lives with Asperger's syndrome. Married three times, he is currently married to Stella Arroyave. Still active in his 80s, Hopkins is one of cinema history's living legends.