Alfred Molina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Molina
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Molina in 2021
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Alfredo Molina
24 May 1953 Paddington, London, England
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| Alma mater | Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Full list |
Alfred Molina (born Alfredo Molina on May 24, 1953) is a famous British and American actor. He is well-known for playing a wide variety of characters on stage and in movies for over 50 years. You might know him best as the supervillain Doctor Octopus in the Spider-Man movies.
Molina has won many awards for his acting. He has been nominated for three Tony Awards for his work in Broadway plays. He has also been nominated for two British Academy Film Awards for his movie roles.
His most famous movie roles include playing Diego Rivera in Frida (2002) and Jack Mellor in An Education (2009). He is also known for his role as Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2 (2004) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). He has also voiced characters in popular animated movies like Rango (2011), Monsters University (2013), and Frozen II (2019).
Contents
Early Life and Acting Dreams
Alfredo Molina was born in London, England. His father was from Spain and his mother was from Italy. They were both immigrants who worked hard to support their family. Molina grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Notting Hill.
He decided he wanted to be an actor when he was nine years old after watching the movie Spartacus. He later studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. When he was 21, his agent suggested he change his name from Alfredo to Alfred.
Acting Career
First Steps into Movies
Molina's first movie role was in the famous adventure film Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). He played Satipo, Indiana Jones's guide in the opening scene. Even though it was a small part, it was very memorable.
Molina is proud of this role and thanks director Steven Spielberg for the opportunity. He said the job "saved my bacon." People often shout his famous line from the movie at him: "Throw me the idol, I'll throw you the whip!"
Becoming a Star
In the 1990s, Molina appeared in many British TV shows and movies. He acted in films like the drama Enchanted April (1992) and the western comedy Maverick (1994). He also appeared in the science fiction horror movie Species (1995).
Molina also became a star on the Broadway stage. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1998 for the play Art. In 2004, he starred as Tevye in the musical Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway and received another Tony nomination.
Doctor Octopus and Other Big Roles
In 2004, Molina became famous around the world for playing the villain Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2. The movie was a huge success, and many people loved his performance as the scientist with four powerful mechanical arms.
He also played important roles in other big movies. He was the artist Diego Rivera in Frida (2002) and Bishop Aringarosa in The Da Vinci Code (2006). He also provided the voice for characters in animated movies like Wonder Woman (2009).
Recent Work and Return as Doctor Octopus
Molina has continued to act in many interesting projects. He has three Lego Minifigures made to look like his characters: Doctor Octopus, Satipo from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Sheik Amar from Prince of Persia.
In 2021, he surprised fans by returning as Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Using special effects, he was made to look just as he did in the 2004 movie. From 2022 to 2023, he starred as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in the TV series Three Pines. In 2024, he returned to Broadway in a play called Uncle Vanya.
Personal Life
Molina has a daughter named Rachel. He was married to actress Jill Gascoine from 1986 until she passed away in 2020. In 2021, he married Jennifer Lee, who is one of the directors of the Frozen movies.
Molina became a U.S. citizen in 2004 and lives in California. He can speak French, Italian, and Spanish. He is also an advocate for people with AIDS and helps raise money for research.
Selected Filmography
Molina has appeared in over 100 movies and TV shows. Here are some of his most well-known roles.
Movies
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) as Satipo
- Maverick (1994) as Angel
- Species (1995) as Dr. Stephen Arden
- Boogie Nights (1997) as Rahad Jackson
- Chocolat (2000) as Comte De Reynaud
- Frida (2002) as Diego Rivera
- Spider-Man 2 (2004) as Dr. Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus
- The Da Vinci Code (2006) as Bishop Manuel Aringarosa
- An Education (2009) as Jack Mellor
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) as Sheik Amar
- Rango (2011) as Roadkill (voice)
- Monsters University (2013) as Professor Derek Knight (voice)
- Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) as Double Dan (voice)
- Frozen II (2019) as King Agnarr (voice)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) as Dr. Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus
Television
- Miami Vice (1987) as Esther's Attorney
- Ladies Man (1999–2001) as Jimmy Stiles
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2005) as Gabriel Duvall
- Monk (2007) as Peter Magneri
- Law & Order: LA (2010–2011) as Det. Ricardo Morales
- Gravity Falls (2012; 2015–2016) as Multi-Bear (voice)
- Rick and Morty (2014) as Lucius Needful (voice)
- Feud: Bette and Joan (2017) as Robert Aldrich
- Harley Quinn (2020) as Mr. Freeze (voice)
- Maya and the Three (2021) as Lord Mictlan (voice)
- Three Pines (2022) as Inspector Armand Gamache
See also
In Spanish: Alfred Molina para niños
