The 4 Roles That Defined Anthony Hopkins' Career So Far

Anthony Hopkins began his acting career in theater studying under the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier, according to Biography.com. He transitioned to film in 1967 with the television movie, "A Flea in Her Ear." The following year he portrayed Richard I on the big screen in "The Lion in Winter," thus launching his long and successful film career. Through the years certain Anthony Hopkins roles have served to define the actor's award-winning career.

Here are four key roles that have shaped Anthony Hopkins's career:

1. Richard I, "The Lion in Winter" (1968)

Hopkins portrayal of Richard I in "The Lion in Winter" is widely regarded the role that gave Hopkins his big break. This role, Hopkins' major motion picture debut, cast the actor with the likes of Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole in a film that was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

2. Dr. Frederick Treves, "The Elephant Man" (1980)

This role of Dr. Treves proved pivotal for Hopkins. The actor's performance as the kind and helpful physician "displayed his emotional versatility as an actor."

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It was this role, according to Biography.com, that led director Jonathan Demme to pursue Hopkins for the part of Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs."

3. Dr. Hannibal Lecter, "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991)

By far the most important of Hopkins' roles is that of Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991). Hopkins' Lecter — equal parts refined psychiatrist and vicious cannibal — earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor and established him as a superstar.

Prior to landing the part of Dr. Lecter, Anthony Hopkins had hit a career low, as Destination Hollywood remarks that the actor "had all but given up on Hollywood and was content to be back in the theater in London."

Hopkins portrayed Hannibal Lecter two more times in the sequels "Hannibal" and "Red Dragon."

4. James Stevens, "The Remains of the Day" (1993)

In 1993 Anthony Hopkins played the part of Stevens, a reserved butler that prizes duty above all else, in "The Remains of the Day." Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for this performance, Hopkins "reaffirmed his status as one of the few actors capable of making the jump between the megaplex and the arthouse," according to Crave Online.

These four Anthony Hopkins roles have defined the actor's long and illustrious career by showcasing his talent and abilities, thus providing opportunities and direction as well as securing his reputation as a topnotch actor.

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