Alfred Molina is one of Britain’s most renowned and diverse characters actors of the stage, small screen and cinema. Molina’s starred in everything from big blockbusters like “Spider-Man 2” to the biopic “Frida.”Also, he has done voiceover work for 23 characters in film, television and video games.
Before he got the acting bug he was the son of immigrant working class parents from Italy and Spain. To support his pursuit of acting he lived off of welfare checks, had odd jobs and busked as a stand-up comedian until he was accepted into the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1977.
Molina’s fluency of English, Spanish and Italian and his southern European heritage has allowed him to play a wide range of characters of over a dozen ethnicities. He’s played an uptight French mayor in “Chocolat” and a traitorous Peruvian tour guide in his film debut, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
“My parents were immigrants to England, and I grew up in a working-class neighborhood in London that was full of other immigrant families from all over Europe, the West Indies, [and] Africa. When I went to school, all the kids were first-generation born in England,” said Molina.
Although he has played a villain in many roles, outside his costume Molina is a staunch advocate of immigration rights, AIDS research and Alzheimer’s care. His wife of almost 30 years suffers from Alzheimer. He currently has a film in post-production (Remember Isobel) that will benefit Alzheimer research.
“She doesn’t always recognize me. She did when I visited yesterday. You see flashes of the old person. That’s the heartbreaking part. You see those moments. You long for them. But they come less and less,” said Molina.
Fun Facts
He is good friends with John Lithgow who plays his husband in the film “Love is Strange”
He is a big jazz enthusiast
His wife is 26 years his senior
He became a U. S. citizen in 2004 after “Spider-Man 2” was released and believes his examiner went easy on him.
He is a patron of the performing arts group Theatretrain
He is the only actor to have three Lego figures designed after him
Molina as Chief Inspector Gamache in Three Pines, an Amazon Prime Series Premering Dec. 2022
“Everything’s connected, one way or the other” in the first trailer for Three Pines. Adapted from Louise Penny’s New York Times best-selling Chief Inspector Gamache series, the eight-episode, one-hour drama series is set in the small Québécois town of Three Pines.
Spider-Man star and Emmy nominee Alfred Molina portrays Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates cases that happen beneath the idyllic surface of the Quebec village, finding long-buried secrets — and facing a few of his own ghosts. Amazon Prime Video has released the first Three Pines trailer, which you can watch below.
“The empathetic and astute Chief Inspector Gamache is tasked with solving a number of mysterious and perplexing murders in the strange but beguiling village of Three Pines,
“Despite the cold welcome, Gamache can’t help but find himself strangely drawn to this unusual place and its eccentric residents, including the owners of the Bistro, Gabri (Pierre Simpson) and Olivier (Frédéric-Antoine Guimond), along with other locals.
The deeper Gamache delves into the secret lives of these people who have found sanctuary from the outside world in Three Pines, the more it affects him.”
Little Known Facts about Alfred:
Multinational Roots: Alfred Molina was born on May 24, 1953, in Paddington, London, to a Spanish mother and an Italian-Spanish father. This diverse cultural background has influenced his life and career.
Early Theatrical Success: Molina began his acting career on the stage and gained recognition for his performance in the original production of “Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance” in 1978 at the Royal Court Theatre.
Versatile Actor: While he’s often associated with intense and dramatic roles, Molina has showcased his versatility by taking on a wide range of characters, from villains to comedic roles, in both film and television.
Art Enthusiast: In addition to his acting prowess, Molina is an art enthusiast. He has a personal interest in art and has been involved in supporting art-related causes over the years.
Voice Acting Talent: Molina has lent his distinctive voice to various animated projects, including the character of Professor Knight in the animated series “Monsters University” and the villainous Ares in the “Wonder Woman” animated film.
Doctor Octopus in “Spider-Man 2”: Molina is perhaps best known for his role as Doctor Octopus/Dr. Otto Octavius in the blockbuster film “Spider-Man 2” (2004), which is considered one of the standout performances in superhero cinema.
Educational Background: Before pursuing acting full-time, Molina studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. His training laid the foundation for a successful career in both classical and contemporary acting.
West End and Broadway Success: Molina has not only achieved success on the West End but also on Broadway. He received a Tony Award nomination for his role in the play “Red” in 2010.
Teaching Acting: Molina has shared his knowledge and passion for acting by occasionally taking on teaching roles. He has conducted acting workshops and masterclasses for aspiring actors.
Humanitarian Efforts: Molina has been involved in various charitable activities and has supported causes related to human rights, education, and healthcare.
Film and Television Range: Molina’s filmography is extensive, covering a variety of genres. From historical dramas like “Frida” (2002) to family-friendly adventures like “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” (2010), he has demonstrated his ability to tackle diverse roles.
Alfred Molina in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”: In the opening sequence of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981), Molina made an early appearance as Satipo, the ill-fated guide who accompanies Indiana Jones in the jungle.
Recognition for “Frida”: Molina received critical acclaim for his role as Diego Rivera in the film “Frida,” earning nominations for several awards, including a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Memorable TV Roles: In addition to his success in film, Molina has made impactful contributions to television. He starred as Robert Aldrich in the first season of the FX series “Feud: Bette and Joan” (2017), earning praise for his portrayal of the famous director.
Comic Book Connection: Apart from playing Doctor Octopus in “Spider-Man 2,” Molina’s connection to the comic book world goes beyond acting. He has expressed his interest in comic books and their influence on storytelling and culture.
Audio Books Narration: Molina’s rich and expressive voice has led to opportunities in narrating audio books. His narration adds an engaging dimension to the literary works he lends his voice to.
Family Ties: Alfred Molina has been married to actress Jill Gascoine, known for her role in the British TV series “The Gentle Touch.” Their marriage, which lasted until Jill’s passing in 2020, was notable for its longevity in the entertainment industry.
Hidden Talents: In addition to acting, Molina is known for his culinary skills. He has occasionally showcased his cooking talents on television and has expressed a passion for experimenting with different cuisines.
Influence on Newer Generations: Molina’s performances have inspired a new generation of actors. His dedication to his craft and the authenticity he brings to his roles have earned him respect among peers and aspiring performers.
Philosophy on Acting: Molina has shared insights into his approach to acting, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the character and finding the humanity in every role. His philosophy reflects a deep understanding and appreciation for the art of storytelling through performance.
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