Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins has a storied career, but there’s one role he often refers to as standout: the chilling portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs.” In an exclusive interview, Hopkins reflects on his experience with the iconic part, describing it as “one of the best parts I’ve ever read.”

At 82, Anthony Hopkins’s legacy in film is undisputed, with a range of performances from classical to contemporary cinema. Still, when asked about his most memorable roles, Lecter always comes to mind. “It was all on the page,” he says. “Thomas Harris crafted such a complex character that was both genteel and monstrous at the same time. It was an actor’s dream.”

Hopkins discusses how he approached playing Lecter, saying he steered clear of over-preparing and instead allowed the character to unfold naturally on set. His goal was “to find humanity in the monster” and portray Lecter as not just a villain but a hypnotically charming character with wit and intelligence – someone audiences couldn’t help but be drawn to despite his gruesome nature.

This nuanced approach helped Hopkins create some of the most unforgettable scenes in cinematic history and earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1991 – an accolade well-deserved for only 16 minutes of screen time, still one of the shortest performances to have won this award.

Beyond the personal satisfaction and industry recognition, Hopkins notes that “The Silence of the Lambs” had a broader cultural impact. It introduced psychological complexity into horror and thriller genres, paving the way for similar characters and stories. The fascination with anti-heroes who blur the lines between good and evil owes much to Lecter’s legacy.

As our interview concludes, Anthony Hopkins tips his hat to everyone who contributed to making Hannibal Lecter a silver screen legend: from Thomas Harris, who created him, to Jonathan Demme, who directed “The Silence of the Lambs” with such precision. For Hopkins though, Hannibal remains unmatched – an eerie testament to his craftsmanship as an actor capable of turning written words into an indelible part of film history.

His parting words are both humble and telling: “Actors often search for that one role that will challenge them, change them — Lecter did that for me. It’s been 30 years, yet people still remember those chilling encounters… I suppose it’s a testament to good storytelling.”