Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, CBE, is a Welsh actor of film, stage, and television. After graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 1957, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and was then spotted by Laurence Olivier who invited him to join the Royal National Theatre. In 1968, he got his break in film in The Lion in Winter, playing King Richard the Lionheart...
NationalityWelsh
ProfessionMovie Actor
Date of Birth31 December 1937
CityMargam, Wales
When I was a younger actor, I was very immersed in it, very "method" and all that. Now, I don't give a hoot.
I've always been hopeless at everything when I was a kid. That's why I became an actor - 'cause I couldn't do anything else.
I like to work. I don't like to disrupt my equilibrium. I don't like to change my head. I'd rather be a third-rate actor. It's a job, and I'm dedicated in my way. I enjoy it. I'm serious about it. But if it doesn't come off, I'm not going to die.
I became an actor because I didn't know what else to do. Academically, I wasn't good.
We're all different. Some people are musicians, some people are actors, some people are agents and some people are accountants... We're all different.
I have no illusions about my position in this world as an actor or anything like that. I'm very realistic. Reality is a very liberating thing.
I don't have any [favourite role]. I'm just a working actor.
I know how to be strong. I know how to be ruthless. It's part of my nature. I wouldn't be an actor if I wasn't.
If I spent all my time criticising myself, I wouldn't be able to function. There are actors who theorise till the cows come home. I haven't the patience for them. It's maybe shallow, but that's why I'll never be part of the acting set.
Actors I admire? Ed Harris, or course, I think he's terrific; because I know he always had to fight being what he looked like a lot, but I think he's a terrific actor.
I think the first British actor who really worked well in cinema was Albert Finney. He was a back-street Marlon Brando. He brought a great wittiness and power to the screen. The best actor we've had.
I know that some actors and directors like to have intensity on set. I don't, particularly. Certainly, if they want that, that's fine, but I can't work like that.
The knighthood was a tremendous honour, I don't dismiss it. But I feel embarrassed by the flowery, theatrical stuff that goes with being an actor.
Oh yes. I'm an actor, so I just learn my lines, and show up and do it. I gave it a little bit of thought.