Sir Anthony Hopkins Just Released His First Single At The Age Of 88

When it comes to acting, Sir Anthony Hopkins is a veritable living legend, thanks to his roles in everything from The Silence Of The Lambs, War And Peace and Howards End to Westworld, The Father and Marvel’s Thor films.

However, for his latest venture, the two-time Oscar winner is trying something very different.

On Friday, the 88-year-old released his debut single, after signing a recording contract with Decca Records earlier this year.

Next month, Sir Anthony will release his first album, Life Is A Dream, an album of his own compositions that he’s put together over the last six decades, inspired by events from his life.

He admits: “Music was my first desire, my first wish, I’ve been composing music all my life. 

“Some of these pieces have lived with me for decades and I still find myself returning to them. My whole life is a dream. Signing with Decca is the honour of a lifetime.”

Life Is A Dream also features the Philharmonia Orchestra and other classical musicians, and was recorded at London’s Alexandra Palace earlier this year.

Conductor Gustavo Dudamel enthused: “Anthony approaches music with the heart of a storyteller and the instincts of a poet, creating sound worlds that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

“It has been a privilege to collaborate with him on this recording alongside my friends Gregorio Nieto, Sergio Tiempo, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, and to help bring to life the musical voice of an artist whose creativity knows no boundaries.”

Lead single Bracken Road was inspired by Sir Anthony’s childhood growing up in Wales in the 1940s.

Back in 2024, Sir Anthony told People magazine of the prospect of retirement: “To be realistic, I know that if I have a few more years of work in me, I can do it. So work keeps me alive.

“I love working. I love being an actor. I love activity. I love the process of preparing a role. That keeps my brain neurologically active. I love that.”