Over three decades after the release of the iconic film “The Silence of the Lambs,” its cast members continue to be celebrated for their roles in the gripping thriller that has left a lasting impact on the film industry. Here’s a look at the key actors and what they’ve been up to since the film’s release.
Jodie Foster
Character Played:** Clarice Starling
Born: November 19, 1962, in Los Angeles, California
Best Known For: Taxi Driver (1976), The Accused (1988), Contact (1997), Panic Room (2002), Hotel Artemis (2018), and Nyad (2024).
Personal: Foster has been married to Alexandra Hedison since 2014 and has three children.
Thoughts on the Film: Foster reflected on the deep psychological aspects of her character, Clarice Starling, especially her haunting memories of the lambs. She revealed that her mother questioned why she wanted to play such a “quiet and mousy” character. Foster admitted to being genuinely scared of Hopkins on set, which added to the authenticity of her performance.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Character Played: Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Born: December 31, 1937, in Margam, Wales
Best Known For: The Elephant Man (1980), Nixon (1995), The Mask of Zorro (1998), The Remains of the Day (1993), Thor: The Dark World (2013), and The Father (2020).
Personal: Hopkins has been married to Stella Arroyave since 2003 and has one child from his first marriage.
Thoughts on the Film: Hopkins considers “The Silence of the Lambs” the best script he has ever read. Initially thinking it was a children’s movie based on the title, he soon realized the depth and complexity of the character he was to portray. Fun fact: Hopkins and Foster only shared four scenes together in the film.
Scott Glenn
Character Played: Jack Crawford
Born: January 26, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Best Known For: Urban Cowboy (1980), The Right Stuff (1983), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Training Day (2001), and Daredevil (2015-2018).
Personal: Glenn has been married to Carol Schwartz since 1968, and they have two children.
Thoughts on the Film: Glenn extensively prepared for his role by working with former FBI agent John Douglas, gaining profound insights into the world of criminal profiling. He vividly remembers the harrowing experience of listening to real-life recordings of serial killers as part of his preparation.
Ted Levine
Character Played: Jame Gumb, aka “Buffalo Bill”
Born: May 1957, in Bellaire, Ohio
Best Known For: Heat (1995), Monk (2002-2009), Shutter Island (2010), and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).
Personal: Levine is married to Kim Phillips.
Thoughts on the Film: Levine fondly recalls working with director Jonathan Demme, describing him as an incredibly sweet and enthusiastic person. Some scenes were filmed in Levine’s hometown, adding a personal touch to his involvement in the movie.
Anthony HealdCharacter Played:Dr. Frederick Chilton
Born: August 25, 1944, in New Rochelle, New York
Best Known For: Deep Rising (1998), 8MM (1999), Boston Public (2000-2004), and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).
Personal: Heald has been married to Robin Ray Herskowitz since 1985, and they have two children.
Thoughts on the Film: Heald was captivated by the script after reading it in one sitting and was eager to work with Demme. Initially cast in a different role, Heald’s final portrayal of Chilton became one of his most memorable performances.
Brooke Smith
Character Played: Catherine Martin
Born: May 22, 1967, in New York City
Best Known For: Vanya on 42nd Street (1994), Grey’s Anatomy (2006-2008), Ray Donovan (2013-2015), and Class of ’09 (2023).
Personal: Smith has been married to Steven Lubensky since 1999, and they have two children.
Thoughts on the Film: Smith found the film to be a deeply introspective experience, prompting her to examine her own self-worth and leading her to years of therapy. Her friendship with Levine, formed during the filming, has endured over the years.
Conclusion
“The Silence of the Lambs” remains a cinematic masterpiece, thanks to the stellar performances of its cast. More than 30 years later, the film continues to be a significant part of their legacies, as they reflect on their experiences and the profound impact it had on their careers.
