Anthony Hopkins Reveals His Top Female Co-Stars: “The Best I’ve Ever Worked With”

Anthony Hopkins recently opened up about the co-stars he has enjoyed working with the most during his long and legendary career. In an interview with Total Film, the Oscar-winning actor shared his admiration for two actresses in particular: Gwyneth Paltrow and Jodie Foster.

“Working with Gwyneth Paltrow in Proof, I’ve always wanted to work with her; she and Jodie Foster are the best actresses I’ve ever worked with,” Hopkins said. “We had a good director, John Madden, who’s very precise, knows what he wants.”

Hopkins’ praise for Paltrow might come as a surprise to some. Although she has won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Primetime Emmy, Paltrow has not always been considered a generational talent in Hollywood. Over the last two decades, she has kept a relatively low profile, focusing on family life and lifestyle ventures.

Her role in Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme marks only her fifth non-Marvel film since 2008, and it was her first major screen appearance in ten years. Despite this, Hopkins was clearly impressed by her professionalism and presence on set during Proof.

As for Jodie Foster, her reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest is well established. Foster has won two Oscars and has been inspiring actors since the 1970s. She famously worked with Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs, where their intense on-screen chemistry helped make the film a classic psychological thriller. Hopkins’ comment about Foster reinforces just how much he respects her talent and experience.

Even for an actor of Hopkins’ caliber, the experience of working with someone can make a lasting impression. He emphasized that it’s not just about awards or career accolades, but about how an actor connects on set and contributes to the creative process. In the case of Proof, he found working with Paltrow to be a rewarding experience, while his longstanding admiration for Foster remained unwavering.

Hopkins’ reflections show a mix of respect, fond memories, and appreciation for his co-stars. It’s a reminder that even legendary actors value collaboration and the energy of working with talented performers. For Hopkins, the right co-stars can make all the difference, turning a good film into a truly memorable one, both on screen and behind the scenes.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!