Friday Night With Jonathan Ross welcomed a Hollywood legend on its recent episode. Sir Anthony Hopkins, known for his iconic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs,” made a special appearance on the show. The acclaimed actor, who currently resides in Los Angeles, shared insights about his life, career, and experiences in the entertainment industry.
During the interview, Hopkins expressed his love for living in Malibu, admitting that he enjoys the beach lifestyle. He also revealed that he rarely uses the “sir” title to gain access to things, especially in America.
The conversation then shifted to a memorable moment in Hopkins’ career when he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II. Reflecting on the event, the actor mentioned how informal and intimate the ceremony was. He also spoke about the uncertainty of the acting business, acknowledging that it can be a precarious profession.
Ross delved into Hopkins’ background, highlighting that the actor did not come from a family of actors or artistic individuals. Hopkins confessed that he was hopeless at school and never considered acting as a career until a scholarship opportunity at Cardiff College of Music and Drama presented itself.
As the interview continued, Hopkins discussed his early successes, including his role in the film “The Lion in Winter” alongside Peter O’Toole and Katherine Hepburn. He attributed these experiences as the launching pad for his career, leading him to pursue acting further.
When asked about the current state of the film industry, Hopkins expressed his admiration for many talented actors and acknowledged the shift towards celebrity culture. He noted that movies are now released at a faster pace, and the business has become much more focused on red carpet events and fashion magazines.
The conversation then turned to Hopkins’ latest project, “Beowulf.” He praised the film for its revolutionary use of 3D technology and stunning special effects. Hopkins also shared his experience working with director Robert Zemeckis and his admiration for the lead actor, Ray Winstone.
Reflecting on his diverse body of work, Ross commended Hopkins for his ability to seamlessly navigate between commercial cinema and art house films. Hopkins revealed that he chooses projects based on his personal interest rather than strictly differentiating between genres.
The interview concluded with discussions about Hopkins’ past roles, including his critically acclaimed performances in the “Silence of the Lambs” trilogy. He revealed that his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter was largely inspired by the cold and calculating HAL 9000 computer in the film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Hopkins also shared anecdotes about how his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter sometimes unnerved people in real life.
Throughout the interview, Hopkins expressed his gratitude for his career and the opportunities he has been given. He mentioned his love for painting and writing music, highlighting that acting no longer consumes his thoughts in the way it did when he was younger.
With his charismatic presence and candid responses, Sir Anthony Hopkins proved once again why he remains one of the most revered actors in the industry. His appearance on “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” was a delightful reminder of his contributions to the world of entertainment.
