Anthony Hopkins Called Working With This Director His Toughest Collaboration: “Twisted Little Sadist”

by

Anthony Hopkins and theatre director John Dexter, a two-time Tony Award winner, didn’t always get along. While Dexter was highly regarded in the theatre community, his strict and critical approach often conflicted with Hopkins’ temperament.

The Welsh actor, known for his temper and pride, quickly grew to dislike Dexter’s strict methods.

Anthony Hopkins and John Dexter first collaborated on the Broadway play Equus in 1974. Despite some friction, Hopkins continued to work with Dexter, appearing in The Misanthrope the following year and the original production of M. Butterfly in 1988. Though it might seem unusual that Hopkins repeatedly chose to work with Dexter, the reason was simple: Dexter consistently challenged him to deliver his best performance.

In his memoir, We Did OK, Kid, Anthony Hopkins wrote about director John Dexter, stating, “I was certain I didn’t get into acting to be tormented by a cruel, unpleasant person like Dexter.” Despite disliking Dexter’s harsh methods, Hopkins acknowledged that they ultimately helped him deliver stronger performances, which is why he continued to work with him, even traveling to New York to do so.

The actor recalled a conversation with Dexter, who questioned why he’d previously left a meeting. Hopkins famously responded with a blunt insult. Dexter retorted that Hopkins needed someone like him – someone willing to be direct – to get the best performance out of him. Dexter also told Hopkins he believed the actor was more talented than he realized, and assured him their personal animosity wouldn’t interfere with the play, Equus.

Hopkins eventually started rehearsing and ultimately won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Although the experience was incredibly challenging, it proved that Dexter’s strict and often severe directing methods genuinely helped Hopkins develop as a performer.

The friction between Dexter and Hopkins stemmed from Dexter’s demanding directing style – he pushed actors incredibly hard and maintained tight control. Hopkins, accustomed to working independently, didn’t like being pressured or challenged so intensely. However, he admitted that Dexter’s methods ultimately brought out some of his best performances.

Read More

2025-12-18 11:14