"Self-betrayal magnified to suit the optics of the theatre -- this is the whole art of acting"
[G. B. Shaw]Self Betrayal = a willingness to tap into that which is private within oneself, that which is fragile, that which is ugly, that which is pure, that which is good or bad in oneself and lend it to the character; and a willingness to put no limits on the scope of ones imagination.Hopkins excels at this in a way that few other actors I have seen do. And he seems to do it effortlessly! What's more he seems to be a man without pretensions, a man of great humility and one willing to take the time to greet an eager fan with warmth and generosity.
He was born Philip Anthony Hopkins on December 31st 1937 in Margam, Wales. He graduated from the College of Music and Drama in 1957 and in 1965 he joined the National Theatre in London, by special invitation of Sir Laurence Olivier. In 1967 he made his first film for tv, "A Flea in Her Ear" and the rest is, as they say, history!He is a piano virtuoso, an accomplished painter and a Knight (that title was bestowed upon him in 1993). In 2000 he officially became a US citizen and in 2003 wedded an antiques dealer, Stella. Among his many nominations and awards, he is the 2008 recipient of the BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award.
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BAFTA Awards 2008 - Lord R. Attenborough honours Sir Anthony
Anthony Hopkins signing autographs & meeting fans at the unveiling of Tommy Cooper's Statue in Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan, UK
Cecil B. Demille Award 2006 recipient Anthony Hopkins
