Alfred Molina Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Alfred Molina is a British actor. He has acted in TV and film including the role as Doc Ock in Spider-Man 2.

Childhood and Early Life

Alfred Molina was born on May 24, 1953, in London, England. His father Esteban Molina was born in Spain and worked as a waiter and chauffeur.  His mother Giovanna was born in Italy and worked as a housekeeper. He was motivated to becoming an actor as early as nine years old.

Education

Molina attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Career

In 1977, Alfred Molina was accepted by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Molina worked on British television early in his career, but he credits his debut into acting as Satipo in the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark. While his role at the beginning of the film was small, it was iconic to the film and a role he is very proud of.

Molina's southern European heritage contributed to his ability to adapt to multiple roles including his breakout role as a Soviet sailor in Letter to Brezhnev in 1985. He was also Iranian “Moody” Mahmoody in Not Without My Daughter in 1991, a Cuban immigrant in The Perez Family in 1995, a French mayor in Chocolat in 2000, and Mexican painter Diego Rivera in Frida in 2002. In 2006, Molina was Bishop Manuel Aringarosa in The Da Vinci Code. Whether it has been TV or film, Molina's versatility has kept him in numerous roles.

As a voice actor, Alfred Molina has been active in a variety of projects. He was in Robot Chicken, Gravity Falls, Dragons: Race to the Edge, and recently in Summer Camp Island.

Later Life

Molina is still acting in films and currently lives in Los Angeles.

Personal Life and Legacy

Alfred Molina married fellow British actress Jill Gascoine in 1986. He has one daughter from a previous relationship and two stepsons from Gascoine's first marriage.

Philanthropic/Humanitarian

Molina is an advocate for people who have contracted AIDS and helps raise money for research.

Awards and Achievements 

Alfred Molina was nominated for a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy award for his supporting role in Feud. He has also been nominated for Screen Actors Guild Awards and BAFTA Awards for his roles in the films Frida and An Education. Molina was also nominated for a Tony award for his role in his Broadway debut in “Art.”

Summary of Major Works

Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981, Maverick, 1994, Boogie Nights, 1997, “Art” Broadway play, 1998-1999, Chocolat, 2000, Frida, 2002, Spider-Man 2, 2004, The Da Vinci Code, 2006, An Education, 2009