WHEN INTERVIEWING AN OLDER ACTOR, there is often an odd feeling of trepidation mingled with the awe. You wonder if he’s still himself, with the person matching the persona, or if time has irrevocably changed him and made him different from how you remember him in his most iconic moments. There was no such issue with 82-year-old Anthony Hopkins. The Oscar-winning actor is still at it the old-fashioned way, memorising his lines and bringing his piercing gaze and trademark intensity to his roles, seemingly unaffected by age. Has any octogenarian actor delivered such earthshattering performances as he did in 2018’s King Lear? (Alas, Richard Harris perished at 72, and Ian Mckellen is only 79.) Probably not, but don’t count on Tony, as he insists on being called, to explain how he does it. He doesn’t know and is as surprised as anyone that his career is still going this strong.
You grew up in Wales. What do you remember of your childhood?
Wales is just a small country in the British Isles. The place where I was born was a bit cut off from the world, and I had a different accent then. I wasn’t very quick or sharp, and I didn’t shine academically. My wife once interviewed a schoolteacher of mine, who said that I wouldn’t have any chances of survival because I was so quiet. By a series of connections and accidents, I became an actor – I didn’t know what else to do – and suddenly, within a few years, I took off. It’s quite extraordinary.
Do you think success comes down to luck?
This story is from the June/July 2020 edition of August Man Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June/July 2020 edition of August Man Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
POLITICS IS NOT TEAM SPORTS
Sometimes, the worst thing we can do is to pick a side.
GOT GAME
The manual-winding PR516 chronograph and a collaboration with NBA star Damian Lillard for the PRX show that Tissot is giving high horology a run for its money
Futurist Elegance
With its new BR 03 Cyber in matte black ceramic, Bell & Ross creates another stealth fighter for your wrist.
WHITE IS THE NEW BLACK
Bask in the full glory of the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, featuring a glossy white dial.
ALL I EVER WANTED, ALL I EVER NEEDED
Hublot pays tribute to Depeche Mode's Memento Mori with a new Spirit of Big Bang
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER WITH BECKHAM AND TUDOR
Tudor welcomes David Beckham to Kuala Lumpur, sharing his \"Born to Dare\" spirit with watch enthusiasts and fans.
PERPETUAL COMMITMENT
Rolex presents the 2023 Laureates of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise
ENDURING LEGACY OF CYCLE & CARRIAGE
A loyal customer's 40-year journey with a brand that has more than 120 years of excellence behind it
FESTIVE FEASTS
Enjoy the remaining days of Ramadan and usher in Hari Raya with these hearty selections
MORE FOR LESS
THE UNSUNG VITAMIN MANY OVERLOOKED