The story of how Anthony Hopkins became an actor
Anthony Hopkins is an undeniable legend in the cinema world. His role as Hannibal in Silence of the Lambs sends shivers down the spines of those who remember the Jonathan Demme-directed horror. One of the finest actors of his generation, Hopkins’ ability to create suspenseful, uneasy scenes is nothing short of masterful.
Renowned for his versatility and intense performances, Hopkins’ career spans decades, celebrated for his numerous accolades, including a historic Academy Award, making him the oldest-ever acting Oscar winner after taking ‘Best Actor’ for his performance in The Father. But the Welshman’s decision to get into acting was prompted more by revenge than anything else.
Many of the greatest actors have been attached to the art form since their earliest moments, finding their way to the stage through school or outside clubs. Hopkins’ intro to acting was a little different to most. It wasn’t something he always dreamed of doing. In fact, he skipped the plays in school and showed no real interest in any extracurriculars.
Despite going on to become a Hollywood icon, the actor had a tricky start with a rough school experience. “I didn’t speak to other kids,” he said in 2019. “I didn’t play sports; I didn’t even go to the school plays.”
Hopkins’ academic struggles made the experience challenging. He wasn’t particularly academic and always preferred to be alone. In classes, he’d be distracted by drawing or doodling, escaping into art. His reclusiveness isolated him from his classmates, making him a target of their bullying.
“I was a poor learner, which left me open to ridicule and gave me an inferiority complex,” Hopkins said. A sad insight into his youth, Hopkins added, “I grew up absolutely convinced I was stupid”.
Focussed on keeping his head down and trying to evade the cruelty of his classmates, it didn’t give Hopkins much time to figure out what he wanted to do. Then, at age 15, he met fellow Welsh actor Richard Burton. Burton inspired him to pursue acting and enrol at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
But Hopkins’ true motivation in his career always came back to his school days. It was his classmates’ treatment of him that made Anthony Hopkins seriously pursue acting. “I was tired of being called stupid,” the actor said. “I thought, ‘One day I’ll show you all.’ And I became this other person. My career took off.”
Determined to prove them wrong and make something of himself, the Welsh actor then went on to become one of Hollywood’s finest, travelling a long way from Port Talbot and his cruel classmates.
