Sir Anthony Hopkins
Actor From Port Talbot, Wales
A master of the theatrical crafts Sir Anthony Hopkins now lives in America, at the heart of the film industry.
Stage and screen, featured in films such as: 'The Bounty', 'Silence of the Lambs', 'Zoro', 'Remains of the day' and many many more.
Unassuming, quiet, gifted and shrewd are all terms we associated with Hopkins, a true world class player. Surprisingly, he was born in margam, a stone's throw away from Richard Burton and not too far from Catherine Zeta-Jones or Rob Brydon.
Must be something about that part of Wales that brings the 'actor' out. Strangly, one can say Port Talbot is somewhat dramatic, on the grapevine Ridly Scot saw the steelworks at night and it inspired him for the futureistic Los Angeles of Blade Runner.
Sir anthony left wales heading for london to study music and drama at the end of the 1950's. His first break happened when joining the national theatre mid 1960's apparently having been spotted by laurence olivier.
Over the years he's worked with other actors with a strong Welsh connection including Timothy Dalton at the end of the 1960's through to Catherine Zeta-Jones in the mask of Zorro. His infuence on movies like Remains of the Day, Howards End, Bligh in the Bounty and even Meet Joe Black is obvious.
Although known mainly for blockbusters like the Hannibal series and he also directs movies and tutors young actors in California.
When asked "How do you feel about critics?" Anthony replied "I just smile" and delivered that Hannibal grin, you have to remember ‘He’s only acting!’ These would be excellent movies anyway but with the Hopkins’ magic they become something else.
Sir Anthony’s Hannibal Lector is part of modern culture. It/he has become (arguably) the new bogie man. Go on, terrify yourself with this set of the THREE Hannibal movies! Horror doesn’t get much better (or worse) than this!
Anthony Hopkins (biography)
The Remains of the Day
Howards End
The Mask of Zorro
A self-assured Anthony Hopkins is Don Diego de la Vega, a Mexican freedom fighter captured and imprisoned just as Spain concedes California to Santa Ana. Too old to save the local peasants on his own, he trains bandito Antonio Banderas to take his place. Much swashbuckling ensues as Banderas woos Catherine Zeta-Jones, becomes a better human being, and saves the disenfranchised rabble. --Rochelle O'Gorman, amazon.com
Connection: born in Port Talbot, Wales
COMMENT BY: ChristineSmith
Anthony Hopkins is both a fine actor and a fine man. He is an individual in a world where conformity rules.
His courage to be who he is and do what makes him happy makes him an excellent example of what an individual is...one who follows their heart.
Having seen (and own) over forty-five of his films, read and viewed many interviews and the biography and listened to his beautiful music compositions (August).
I have deep respect and appreciation for the man, not only for his artistic talents but for the values he holds.
His appreciation for the wilderness (as evidenced by his work for Snowdonia) is yet another beautiful aspect of the man's heart. I am inspired in my own life from his example and feel grateful through the example he sets by living his life as he chooses and through the interviews in which he sometimes shares aspects of his beliefs,
I have learned much. He is truly a fine actor, intelligent and intuitive and a truly fine individual.
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ALSO:
- Michael Sheen, actor Port Talbot in Wales
- Richard Burton from Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot, Wales
- Ivor Emmanuel, actor with a connection to Wales (Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot)
- Bernard Fox | Actor from Port Talbot, Wales
- Keneth Connor, actor with a connection to Wales (Port Talbot)
- Ronald Lewis, actor with a connection to Wales (Port Talbot)