Sir Anthony Hopkins is an award-winning actor, composer and pianist who has enjoyed a long and illustrious career.
He was born Philip Anthony Hopkins in Wales, but his grandfather called him George and his Dad called him Charlie – and his stage name is Anthony. How’s that for a confusing start to life!? He loved painting and playing the piano as a child, but hated school.
“I was lousy in school. I was antisocial and didn’t bother with other kids… I didn’t know what I was doing there. That’s why I became an actor.”
His creativity sprang from his dyslexia.
When he was 15, he met Welsh actor Richard Burton, who inspired him to enter the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and fell in love with acting.
His big Hollywood break came with The Silence of the Lambs, playing the role of Hannibal Lecter, and took off after that.
In recent years, he has composed orchestral pieces as well, often influenced by his travels around the world.