Portrait · Omar David Sandoval Sida / CC BY-SA 4.0

Anthony Hopkins

Actor, director and composer

Born 1937

Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh actor, director and composer born in Margam, Port Talbot, whose career spans theatre, television and international cinema. His father was a baker, and his early life in Wales provided the background to a career that began in repertory theatre. He graduated from RADA’s acting programme in 1963. Laurence Olivier recruited him to the National Theatre, where classical roles helped shape his disciplined approach to performance. The Lion in Winter introduced his commanding screen presence, followed by The Elephant Man, The Bounty and a wide range of character roles. His Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs earned the leading-actor Academy Award in 1992. His range stretches from the restrained butler in The Remains of the Day to Nixon, Thor’s Odin and Pope Benedict in The Two Popes. The Father brought another leading-actor Oscar in 2021 for his portrayal of a man experiencing dementia. His television work includes Emmy-winning performances in The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case and The Bunker, alongside Westworld and voice work in Mythic Quest. He also directed, wrote and composed the score for Slipstream, extending his creative work beyond acting. More recent screen work includes King Herod in Netflix’s biblical drama Mary. Painting is another longstanding interest, encouraged by his wife Stella and pursued alongside his film work. His memoir We Did OK, Kid revisits his Welsh upbringing, professional struggles and later successes. In August 2026, he discussed Life Is a Dream, an album of his compositions recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Gustavo Dudamel. BAFTA recognised his contribution to film with its Fellowship, reflecting a career that continues across several artistic disciplines. Born To Burn Films lists him as Bryant in 2048, a science-fiction project in pre-production.

Verified identityCore facts checked against named sources.

Keep exploring

Connected people

ConnectionBrad PittLegends of the Fall and Meet Joe Black co-star.

ConnectionLaurence OlivierRecruited him to the National Theatre.

ConnectionIan McKellenCo-star in The Dresser.

Official records · wins and honours

Awards & Honours

Selected recognition linked to the awarding organisation or primary record.

2021
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SciencesCompetitive win
Actor in a Leading Role
The Father
Official record
2021
BAFTACompetitive win
Leading Actor
The Father
Official record
2008
BAFTAIndustry honor
Fellowship
Anthony Hopkins
Official record
2006
Golden GlobesIndustry honor
Cecil B. DeMille Award
Anthony Hopkins
Official record
1995
BAFTAIndustry honor
Britannia Honoree
Anthony Hopkins
Official record
1994
BAFTACompetitive win
Leading Actor
The Remains of the Day
Official record
1992
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SciencesCompetitive win
Actor in a Leading Role
The Silence of the Lambs
Official record
1992
BAFTACompetitive win
Leading Actor
The Silence of the Lambs
Official record
1981
Television AcademyCompetitive win
Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Special
The Bunker
Official record
1976
Television AcademyCompetitive win
Lead Actor in a Limited Series
The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case
Official record
1973
BAFTACompetitive win
Television Actor
War and Peace
Official record

Actor in a Leading Role

Leading Actor

Fellowship

Cecil B. DeMille Award

Britannia Honoree

Leading Actor

Actor in a Leading Role

Leading Actor

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Special

Lead Actor in a Limited Series

Television Actor