In The News 18 Aug 2005
Sir Anthony Hopkins has been voted the greatest British actor of all time, in a poll by wine label Mouton Cadet.
The actor, who was immortalised in the role of cannibal Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, beat off stiff competition from the all-time greats, including seven other actors who have been knighted.
The Remains of the Day thespian pushed Lord Laurence Olivier, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Hamlet in 1949. He also founded the National Theatre, and received unparalleled acclaim for his work on the stage.
In third was Sir Sean Connery, who provided arguably the best portrayal of secret agent James Bond in the seven movies he made in the franchise, while Sir Alec Guinness scooped fourth spot.
Rounding off the top five was Sir Michael Caine, famous for his roles in Alfie, Get Carter and The Italian Job.
The only actors who made it into the top ten who were not 'sirs' were hellraiser Richard Burton at number six and the smooth lynchpin of many a screwball comedy, Cary Grant in eighth place.
Sir David Jason, who will forever be known for his character of the rogue trader Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, was at number seven, while Sirs John Mills and Ian McKellen rounded off the list at nine and ten respectively.
In a similar list for the greatest British actresses of all time, Dame Judi Dench came top, with Julie Walters was in second place. The list also featured Vanessa Redgrave, Dame Julie Andrews and Dame Helen Mirren.