Anthony Hopkins

December 31, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, simply known as Anthony Hopkins, born on December 31, 1937, was drawn to music and the arts from a very young age. Hopkins suffered from dyslexia, which led him to struggle and lose interest in school when he was younger. Even though school was not his favorite, he was keen to learn about the arts and enjoyed painting and music while growing up. Hopkins had a troubled childhood and in 1949, his parents sent him to West Monmouth Boys School, where they hoped he would learn some discipline. Through all the trials and tribulations of his youth, he met Richard Burton, who led him to think about getting into the world of acting. After Hopkins met with Burton, Hopkins enrolled in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and graduated in 1957. He is one of the most notable actors of his time and is recognizable for the several roles he has played throughout his life. Today, as we celebrate his birthday, we look back on all Hopkin’s accomplishments!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins

Birth date:

December 31, 1937

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Capricorn

Height:

5' 9"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$160 million

Background

Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins, popularly known as Anthony Hopkins, was born on December 31, 1937, in Wales. He is the son of the late Richard Hopkins and his wife Muriel Anne. Hopkins struggled in school when he was younger because he had dyslexia, which is a learning disability. This condition made him uninterested in school. However, Hopkins found his passion in music and art. When considering what he wanted to do with his life, he met Welsh actor Richard Burton, which made Hopkins consider acting as a career choice. He enrolled in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and graduated in 1957.

As with many actors, his career began in theater, and in 1960, he was cast in the production of “Have a Cigarette” — produced by the Palace Theater, Swansea. After this role, he spent a few years struggling with work. However, the young star caught the attention of British actor Sir Laurence Olivier, who took him under his wing as an understudy at the Royal National Theater. Hopkins worked his way up and became quite popular in the theater, but he soon got bored and decided that he needed to change the direction his career was going. This direction was to on-screen acting and his debut role was in B.B.C.’s “A Flea in Her Ear,” which was released in 1967. His first major role in a movie came when he was cast in “The Lion in Winter” which was released the following year in 1968. He continued to be cast in different movies and he grew as an actor.

As Hopkins’ popularity grew and he became a well-known actor, he was put forward to play more roles. One of the biggest films of his career was his portrayal of the killer character in the blockbuster hit “The Silence of the Lambs” which was released in 1991. This movie is still regarded as a brilliant film today, and it earned Hopkins an Academy Award. Today, Hopkins is one of the greatest actors to ever grace our screens, and we could not be more grateful that he has shared his talents with the world over his life.

Career timeline

1960

His Professional Acting Career

Hopkins begins his acting career by getting cast in the production of “Have a Cigarette” — produced by the Palace Theater, Swansea.

1967

His Debut On-Screen Role

Hopkins debuts in his on-screen role in B.B.C.'s “A Flea in Her Ear.”

1968

His First Major Movie Role

Hopkins is cast in “The Lion in Winter” — earning him his first significant movie role.

1991

His Biggest Role

Hopkins plays the role of a cold-blooded murderer in “The Silence of the Lambs.”

Why We Love Anthony Hopkins

He gives back to the community
Hopkins created a fragrance brand to raise money for No Kid Hungry. This shows that no matter how famous or how much money he has, he does not let his popularity get in the way of giving back to the community. This gesture is one we will remember and use as an inspiration to do good in the world.
His artistic endeavors have spanned over decades
Hopkins has actually been knighted by Queen Elizabeth, honoring his lifetime of dedication to the arts. His passion for art is a motivation for upcoming artists.
He supports many charities
Just a few of the charities he supports include the Cancer Project, Free Arts for Abused Children, and the LEAP Foundation. Hopkins uses every chance he gets to stand up for the rights of people and help those in need.

5 Surprising Facts

He has dyslexia
Hopkin’s dyslexia caused him to struggle in school.
He turned down a role
Hopkins turned down the role of Alfred Pennyworth in 2005 “Batman Begins.”
Hopkins loved playing the piano
He enjoyed music and arts from a very young age, and his favorite thing to do was play the piano.
His father was a baker
Hopkins’ father was a baker in his hometown.
Hopkins was inspired by Richard Burton
The Welsh actor inspired Hopkins to take up acting as a career.

Anthony Hopkins FAQs

Is Anthony Hopkins married?

Yes, Hopkins is married to Stella Arroyave, and they have been together since 2003.

Does Anthony Hopkins have children?

Yes, he has one daughter, and her name is Abigail.

What was Anthony Hopkins’ biggest role?

Hopkins’ biggest role and the one he is most well known for is his role as the killer in “The Silence of the Lambs.” This bone-chilling movie is still popular today.