Anthony Hopkins Talks About the Actress Who Was Obnoxious and Hard To Work With

Anthony Hopkins enjoyed a storied career on stage long before he became a global film icon. He was a prominent figure in British theatre through the 1980s, eventually earning a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award in 1985 for his role in the play Pravda.

This achievement held extra significance for him, as he had been personally encouraged to join the National Theatre by the legendary Laurence Olivier himself during his early years as an actor.

While he is now best known for his later film work, including his unforgettable Oscar-winning performance in The Silence of the Lambs, Hopkins was already appearing in major features by the 1980s.

His early filmography includes standout roles in the 1977 war epic A Bridge Too Far and the 1980 biographical drama The Elephant Man, directed by David Lynch. However, his 1980 comedy-drama A Change of Seasons proved to be a difficult professional experience.

The film was a significant disappointment both critically and commercially, falling well short of its budget. The atmosphere on set was reportedly strained due to a genuine clash between Hopkins and his co-star, Shirley MacLaine.

The tension was so palpable that Hopkins later famously described MacLaine as “the most obnoxious actress I have ever worked with.” Years later, when MacLaine was asked about his harsh assessment during a 2014 interview with the New York Post, she admitted that the feeling was mutual.

She explained that their conflict was complicated by Hopkins’ personal struggles at the time, noting, “I didn’t like him either, but he was on the wagon at that time, and it was hard on him.”

Hopkins was not the only one to find MacLaine difficult to work with, as director Don Siegel, who worked with her on the western Two Mules for Sister Sarah, famously complained that she was “too unfeminine and has too many balls. She’s very, very hard.”

Now 88 years old, Anthony Hopkins remains remarkably active in the entertainment industry. He recently celebrated 50 years of sobriety and continues to take on challenging roles, appearing in the 2025 thriller Locked and the historical series Those About to Die.

Fans can look forward to his performance in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming black comedy Wife & Dog, which is scheduled for release later this year. He is also set to lead the cast of The Housekeeper alongside Helena Bonham Carter.

Shirley MacLaine, now 91, has largely transitioned into a quiet, private life after a legendary career spanning seven decades. While her public appearances are rare, she remains a beloved icon of Hollywood’s golden age.

She last appeared on screen in the 2022 film American Dreamer and has recently been focused on her personal legacy, having moved away from the intense pace of the film industry to enjoy her well-earned retirement.

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