Sir Anthony Hopkins was nearly cast in Only Fools and Horses, the actor John Challis has claimed.
The screen star, 83, missed out on the role in the comedy sitcom because he was busy filming Silence of the Lambs instead, John, 78, has said.
John – who played Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in the show – said Sir Anthony would have starred as one of the evil Driscoll brothers if he hadn’t been filming for his role as Hannibal Lecter in the iconic 1991 film.
Role: Sir Anthony Hopkins was nearly cast in Only Fools and Horses but was busy filming Silence Of The Lambs, the actor John Challis has revealed (Sir Anthony pictured as Hannibal Lecter)
John told The Mirror: ‘He is a big fan of the show and was really interested in doing it. He would have been fantastic.
‘I can imagine those disarming blue eyes staring at Boycie or Del Boy. It would have been truly terrifying.’
Sir Anthony won the 1991 Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Hannibal Lecter and last month celebrated another Oscars win for his role in The Father.
Work: The screen star, 83, missed out on the role in the comedy sitcom because he was busy filming Silence of the Lambs instead, John, 78, (pictured) has claimed
Asked if he might have regretted not appearing in the show, John joked: ‘He’s probably thinking ‘if only I did that, I’d have been an even bigger success’, while clutching his Oscar.’
It comes after last week Sir Anthony appeared over the moon as he celebrated his Oscars win for his role in The Father with friend Salma Hayek in Wales.
The star couldn’t contain his delight as he boogied in an extravagant home, before the Mexican-American actress, 54, joined him in a funny video shared to her Instagram account on Tuesday.
The director landed his second Best Actor In A Leading Role gong for his performance as a man with dementia in his latest drama film – although he was a no-show at Sunday’s LA-based event and reportedly visited Greggs before his victory.
Success: Sir Anthony won the 1991 Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Hannibal Lecter
The film stars swayed to a track by the late Leonard Cohen before sharing a sweet hug.
Salma, who has been keeping busy filming scenes as jailed clairvoyant Pina Auriemma for House Of Gucci in Rome, wrote in an accompanying caption: ‘Celebrating with the king @anthonyhopkins.
‘His 2nd Oscar for his extraordinary performance in The Father Celebrando con el Rey #anthonyhopkins su segundo #oscar por su extraordinaria actuación en El Padre #leonardcohen.’ (sic)
It is unclear why she has travelled to the UK, but she and the Welsh thespian appear to have a close friendship – with the brunette supporting him as he received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2003.
Star: John (pictured in Only Fools and Horses) told The Mirror: ‘He is a big fan of the show and was really interested in doing it. He would have been fantastic’
Sir Anthony plays aging Anthony, whose daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) attempts to help him with his progressing memory loss.
The producer skipped this year’s show, held in Union Station, and didn’t give his acceptance speech until waking up on Monday near Port Talbot.
A source told The Sun he ordered a £1.60 steak bake from Greggs during a tour of Wales last Friday.
A shop assistant from the Llantwit Major branch told the publication: ‘He was outside the shop putting his face mask on before coming in, he looked straight at me and smiled. It’s not every day you get to serve an Oscar winner.’
Actors: John – who played Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in the show – said Sir Anthony would have starred one of evil Driscoll brothers if he hadn’t been filming for his role as Hannibal Lecter (pictured) in the iconic 1991 film
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Sir Anthony for further comment.
In his speech, he paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who many expected to win the gong for his performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Speaking in a short clip surrounded by sprawling Welsh countryside, Sir Anthony – who became the oldest winner in history – said: ‘Good morning, here I am in my homeland of Wales and at 83-years-of-age I did not expect to get this award.
High spirits: It comes after last week Sir Anthony appeared over the moon as he celebrated his Oscars win for his role in The Father with friend Salma Hayek in Wales
‘I really didn’t. I am grateful to the Academy and thank you. I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman who was taken from us far too early, and again, thank you all very much.
‘I really did not expect this, so I feel very privileged and honoured. Thank you.’
The TV and film star missed the Hollywood ceremony weeks after also dodging the BAFTA Awards, deciding to paint in his hotel room instead.
Sir Anthony only learned he had won Best Actor at Britain’s top film awards because of yelling and banging through the walls.
Strong portrayal: The director landed his second Best Actor In A Leading Role gong for his performance as a man with dementia in his latest drama film with Olivia Colman (pictured)