Iconic Horrors:
* Hannibal Lecter: This is perhaps his most iconic role, from the 1991 film "The Silence of the Lambs." Hopkins' chilling performance as the brilliant but cannibalistic psychiatrist earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He reprised the role in "Hannibal" (2001) and "Red Dragon" (2002).
* Van Helsing: In "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992), Hopkins played the iconic vampire hunter, a role that was both menacing and heroic.
Other Notable Horror Performances:
* Dr. Frederick Treves in "The Elephant Man" (1980): While not strictly a "horror" film, this performance is filled with unsettling moments as Treves deals with the societal ostracism faced by John Merrick.
* The Devil in "The Rite" (2011): While the film itself wasn't a critical success, Hopkins' portrayal of the Devil was incredibly impactful.
* Dr. Arthur Denker in "Instinct" (1999): This film is about a psychologist who becomes obsessed with a patient and loses his own grip on reality. Hopkins' performance was very unsettling.
Beyond the Horror:
It's important to note that Hopkins isn't just known for his horror roles. He has a vast repertoire of critically acclaimed roles, including:
* **Richard Nixon in "Nixon" (1995)
* **Odin in the "Thor" films
* **Alfred Hitchcock in "Hitchcock" (2012)
* **His role as the father in "The Remains of the Day" (1993)
His range and talent are truly remarkable, allowing him to portray both the most disturbing and the most heartwarming characters.