Hopkins highest-paid performer in Britain

In the late 1990s, Anthony Hopkins emerged as Britain's highest-paid performer, a title that underscored his significant impact on the film industry. His performances in major films such as _The Mask of Zorro_ and _Meet Joe Black_ contributed to his financial success and solidified his status as a leading actor. The role of Hannibal Lecter, which he had previously portrayed in _The Silence of the Lambs_, was pivotal in his career. His decision to reprise this iconic character for a substantial fee of £15 million highlighted not only his marketability but also the enduring popularity of the character in popular culture. This financial milestone reflected the broader trends in the film industry, where star power increasingly dictated box office success and actor salaries began to soar to unprecedented levels. Hopkins' achievements during this period set a benchmark for future actors and illustrated the evolving landscape of Hollywood, where established actors could command significant fees for their work.