With a career spanning more than 100 film and television roles—and two Academy Awards to his name—the The Silence of the Lambs actor has lived in the United States for over 50 years. Yet despite building his life and legacy across the Atlantic, he has often spoken about a lingering sense of nostalgia for his Welsh roots.
Hopkins has previously admitted that he frequently dreams about his childhood and still longs to return, revealing that thoughts of Wales remain a constant presence in his life. Now, more than two decades after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2000, he has revisited his homeland to work on a deeply personal project.
While filming in the Welsh countryside, the actor shared a video greeting fans from Wales, reciting poetry by Dylan Thomas—the subject of his latest film, A Visit To Grandpa’s. He described the project as both powerful and meaningful, offering him a chance to reconnect with his heritage while celebrating one of Wales’ most iconic literary figures.
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Born and raised in Port Talbot, the same town as Richard Burton, Hopkins grew up far from the glamour of Hollywood, with his father running a local bakery. He has often reflected on his childhood as somewhat lonely, believing that those early experiences helped shape his path toward acting.
After studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he eventually moved to the U.S. in the 1970s to pursue his ambitions, later achieving global fame. Though he embraced life in America—owning homes in places like Malibu and Pacific Palisades—his connection to Wales has never faded.
Over the years, Hopkins has continued to return to his hometown, often quietly visiting familiar places and even surprising locals during casual outings. Despite his worldwide fame, he has said that people back home treat him no differently, something he appreciates for keeping him grounded.
Even after decades of international success, Hopkins’ story remains one of dual identity—balancing a legendary Hollywood career with an enduring emotional tie to the place where it all began, proving that no matter how far life takes him, Wales is still very much a part of who he is.
