Sir Anthony Hopkins CBE, a distinguished Welsh actor and composer, has an estimated net worth of $120 million. Hopkins is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest actors in cinema history, with a career that spans over six decades. He began his journey in the arts on the stage in British theater during the 1960s, working with renowned institutions like the National Theatre and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Transitioning to film and television in the late 1960s, Hopkins first gained recognition for his role in the 1968 drama The Lion in Winter, where he starred alongside Peter O’Toole.
His career breakthrough came with his portrayal of the infamous Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. This role cemented his status in Hollywood and showcased his ability to look into complex characters with psychological depth, making him one of the most respected actors in the world.
Over the years, Hopkins has proven his exceptional versatility in roles across different genres. He has played everything from repressed British butlers in The Remains of the Day to American presidents in Nixon, and even Norse gods in Thor. His career spans a variety of iconic roles that demonstrate his nuanced performances, from Howards End to Legends of the Fall and Amistad. More recently, Hopkins received a second Academy Award for his outstanding performance in The Father (2020), making him the oldest actor to win this prestigious honor.
Early Life
Anthony Hopkins was born Philip Anthony Hopkins on December 31, 1937, in Port Talbot, Glamorgan, Wales. Growing up, he was not particularly interested in academics and instead focused on his artistic abilities, particularly in painting and drawing. His life took a pivotal turn at age 15 when he met Welsh actor Richard Burton, who lived near his childhood home. Inspired by Burton’s success, Hopkins pursued formal acting training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, graduating in 1957. Nearly 20 years later, Hopkins would cross paths with Burton again, when Burton replaced him in the stage production of Equus.
Acting Career
Regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, Anthony Hopkins made his film debut in the 1968 drama The Lion in Winter, where he played the ambitious Richard the Lionheart. His performance in this film marked the beginning of a highly successful career. Hopkins went on to win Emmy Awards for his television work in The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case (1976) and The Bunker (1981), showcasing his talent for both television and film.
However, it was his iconic performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) that truly solidified his place in cinematic history. The chilling portrayal of Lecter earned him an Academy Award, and he would revisit the role in Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002). Following Silence, Hopkins delivered a series of remarkable performances in films like Howards End (1992), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), The Remains of the Day (1993), Legends of the Fall (1994), Nixon (1995), and Amistad (1997).
Hopkins’ ability to seamlessly transition between genres is evident in his diverse filmography, including dramatic roles in Titus (1999) and The Mask of Zorro (1998), as well as his work in the Thor films as Odin. His role in the HBO series Westworld (2016-2018) further solidified his adaptability in both film and television.
Throughout his career, Hopkins became known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail. He was revered by fellow actors and filmmakers for his ability to memorize vast amounts of dialogue, often going over his lines hundreds of times to ensure perfection. His versatility with accents and dialects has also contributed to his acclaim, making him a highly sought-after talent.
In terms of financial success, Hopkins was one of the highest-paid actors during the peak of his career in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He earned $15 million for reprising his role as Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal (2001) and $20 million for Red Dragon (2002). His earnings also included $5 million for a supporting role in Mission: Impossible II (2000) and $15 million for The Wolfman (2010).
Other Work
Anthony Hopkins has often mentioned that his first love was music, and he has explored this passion throughout his career. In 1986, he released a single called Distant Star. Over 20 years later, his composition The Masque of Time premiered with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. In 2012, he released an album titled Composer, which features many of his own classical compositions.
In addition to his work as an actor and musician, Hopkins has also dabbled in directing and writing. He made his directorial debut in 1990 with Dylan Thomas: Return Journey and has directed several other projects since. That same year, he was also tasked with re-recording some of the legendary actor Laurence Olivier’s dialogue for a restoration of Spartacus (1960), a role he secured thanks to the recommendation of Olivier’s widow, Joan Plowright.
Philanthropy
Hopkins has long supported a wide range of charities and causes. His efforts have included serving as President of the National Trust’s Snowdonia Appeal, where he worked to raise funds to preserve Snowdonia National Park in Wales. He has also supported the YMCA and been involved with Greenpeace, even narrating television advertisements for the environmental group since 2008.
Personal Life
Anthony Hopkins has been married three times throughout his life. His first marriage was to actress Petronella Barker, lasting from 1966 to 1972. His second marriage was to Jennifer Lyton, spanning from 1973 to 2002. Since 2003, he has been married to Stella Arroyave. He has one daughter, Abigail Hopkins, from his first marriage, who is also an actor and singer. However, the two have been estranged for years, and in a 2018 interview, Hopkins revealed that he didn’t know if he had grandchildren or not.
In 1993, after achieving worldwide fame for his role as Hannibal Lecter, Hopkins was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the arts. This prestigious honor marked the recognition of his outstanding contributions to cinema and culture.
Real Estate
Anthony Hopkins is a notable real estate investor, with at least $30 million worth of properties in the Los Angeles area alone. His primary residence is a $7 million home located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. In 2019, Hopkins expanded his property portfolio by purchasing several neighboring properties for a total of $13 million. Previously, he owned a large mansion in Malibu, which he bought for $3.8 million in 2001. This property was listed for sale in February 2020 for $11.5 million, and he ultimately sold it for $10.5 million in July 2020.
Sadly, in January 2025, a fire devastated his Pacific Palisades home, leaving it completely destroyed. Despite this tragedy, Hopkins’ legacy as one of Hollywood’s finest actors remains intact, with his work continuing to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.
