From Bully to Oscar: Anthony Hopkins' Journey Fueled by Anger and Grit

Sir Anthony Hopkins is one of the most respected actors in the world, known for his powerful performances in movies like 'The Silence of the Lambs,' 'The Remains of the Day,' and 'The Father. ' He has won two Oscars and played many different roles, from a terrifying villain to a caring father. But his journey to success was not easy. Growing up in Wales, Sir Anthony was bullied at school and called names because of his appearance. Teachers thought he was not smart, and even his parents doubted his abilities. Despite this, he found comfort in reading, playing the piano, and learning about astronomy. He loved stories by Dickens and Shakespeare and enjoyed making art.

Sir Anthony says that the anger and frustration he felt as a child pushed him to work harder. He remembers reading a ten-volume encyclopedia when he was just six years old and becoming fascinated by the world. His first big break came when actor Peter O'Toole suggested he audition for 'The Lion in Winter. ' He was amazed to work with Katharine Hepburn, who told him to 'just speak the lines' and not to overact. This advice helped him develop his unique acting style, which focuses on being still and simple rather than showing off. He believes that understanding human emotions is key to great acting.

Throughout his career, Sir Anthony has played characters with deep emotional and psychological complexity. When he played Hannibal Lecter, he made the character frightening by being calm and watching others closely. He even copied a scary sound from an old Dracula movie. Sir Anthony struggled with alcoholism in his early years, which affected his relationships and behavior. One night, after a dangerous incident, he realized he needed help and joined Alcoholics Anonymous. He discovered that many people feel like outsiders, just as he did.

Now, at 87, Sir Anthony reflects on his life with some regrets, especially about his relationship with his daughter Abigail. He hopes she knows he is always there for her. He credits his wife Stella for helping him overcome anxiety and find happiness. Despite losing his pianos in a fire, he still enjoys playing music and meeting fans. Sir Anthony believes that life is short and that people should not fight over ideas. He encourages everyone to be kind and open-minded. His autobiography, 'We Did OK, Kid,' shares his story and will be published soon.