Alfred Molina Breaks Down His Career, from 'Boogie Nights' to 'Spider-Man' | Vanity Fair

Alfred Molina walks us through his legendary career, discussing his roles in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' 'Boogie Nights,' 'Chocolat,' 'Frida,' 'Spider-Man 2,' 'Love Is Strange,' 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' 'Uncle Vanya' and more.
Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Mar Alfonso
Editor: Louis Lalire
Talent: Alfred Molina
Producer: Madison Coffey
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Associate Producer: Lyla Neely
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Talent Booker: Mica Medoff
Camera Operator: Chris Eustache
Gaffer: Vincent Cota
Audio Engineer: Rachel Suffian
Production Assistant: Ashley Vidal
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Additional Editor: JC Scruggs
Assistant Editor: Lyla Neely
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[@imranbukhari6850]

Never thought I'd tear up watching a vanity fair career timeline video... The ending when he talks about his father is worthy of a film in itself 😢

[@TeamEthicsDK]

I was literally thinking that thing about his dad saving all the clippings was straight out of a film.

[@pyrotechnologist1]

I almost ended the video early, but that ending hit so hard. Just a truly real moment of reflection

[@EVHORIA4EVER]

for real! this is a very fist emotional vanity fair video of a career breakdown. i wanna give alfredo a hug.

[@jasonmaclean719]

Felt the very same. If he ever did a project where he played his father with the material, it'd be an emotional roller coaster. Probably never be made because of how personal it'd be. But we could always hope.

[@jasonmaclean719]

​@@EVHORIA4EVERit was hard enough hearing him talk about his late wife.

[@dianamagritte]

"I did disappoint my dad (...) If he had lived a little longer, perhaps he would have realized I hadn't wasted my time" But he had an entire suitcase full of clippings and messages talking about his success. He did not think you wasted your time. A person who feels that way does not even think of saving a clipping in the first place.

[@Katie.Mckinney]

Exactly!

[@britbanana8412]

His dad was proud❤

[@gamerdude4465]

His father was silently proud.

[@AlejandroSilva-mr7yy]

Life is not a movie, and that will never justify the hole his father dug in his heart with his silence

[@dianamagritte]

@@AlejandroSilva-mr7yy dude chill

[@EmileVinesh]

The ending where he talks about his father is beautiful. Alfred isn't afraid to be open to the public and shares a very emotional, human and relatable story. I like to believe that he did not disappoint his father. Not at all. Alfred made it in his life, just not via the route that his father expected or envisioned for him.

[@LucyLioness100]

His and Bill Nighy’s retrospectives are probably my favorite of these

[@brucejackson6451]

This is BY FAR the best of the many of these "career retrospectives" I've seen. I could listen to Alfred Molina tell stories until my own life was at an end. I pray he writes an autobiography, then records an unedited audio version. That's my 4 pounds of chocolate.

[@OWPhD]

Agreed.

[@mitchliam974]

Fr👏

[@somethingofascientistmyself]

That’s because of the British accent. Trust me

[@johnjames4834]

you ate 4 lbs of choc?

[@TeamEthicsDK]

Thanks Vanity Fair for keeping that last part in. Could’ve very easily been cut cause it didn’t really fit in.

[@dianap.484]

Echoing this sentiment and just want to add to it that Alfred Molina and his publicist must also be thanked for allowing that bit to be kept. I am sure this has to go through a vetting process before being published. Once again goes to show what a remarkable and generous artist he is.

[@folarinosibodu]

I also loved that they didn't edit out the quiet moments of him pondering.

[@tylord.]

It’s relatable though

[@charlessmith9753]

It fit perfectly wym

[@treenamacdonald1325]

This might be my favourite of these simply because of how vulnerable and real Alfred Molina was.

[@daltonbradford2014]

Spiders have brought him success his entire career. 🕸🕷🐙

[@nahor88]

Would never have heard of him were it not for Spiderman 2. When I heard his last name was "Molina", I assumed he was either Mexican or Spanish. Surprised to learn he's actually BRITISH.

[@seveneyes77]

@@nahor88yeah his father was Spanish

[@Alex_Gordon]

@@nahor88 and mother Italian

[@mAcroFaze]

Alfred Molina really is just one of those guys who comes across as such a pure and humble person, someone who doesn't seem at all tainted by Hollywood and all the toxicity that can come with it. The fact his father kept a suitcase filled of clippings of his career, I don't think for a second he was ever truly disappointed. Conflicted as a father who thinks they know best for their son, maybe! But not disappointed.

[@imfireproof]

I said the same thing! I don’t think he would have kept all those keepsakes if he wasn’t proud of his son!

[@BooBop1987]

He is a very underrated Actor!

[@quilacoya]

I wasn't expecting such an emotional, sweet interview. The way he talked about Salma, the tenderness with which he expressed his moment with the three Spider-Men, how he faced the end of his days with his dad... it was impressive. A movie in itself. A sweet, vulnerable, and talented actor.

[@BrianMarcelo]

That ending makes the entire video. His dad was absolutely proud of him, in his own way.

[@beccab8015]

Alfred Molina seems like the sweetest most gentle person IRL.

[@dereklopez9060]

Alfred Molina was born to play Doc Ock, He's irreplaceable.

[@BooBop1987]

Truly the one of the best parts about the movie!

[@debsy101games]

The (Acting) power of the sun in the palm of his hand

[@johnjames4834]

@@debsy101games and hes not even wearing gloves

[@andriygriffin4782]

So commendable that last part. Actors on these press interviews usually wish to keep it light and jovial. Alfred allowing himself to be vulnerable and reveal something so personal is not to be overlooked. What a blessing he's always been to acting and the world at large.

[@secla_SC]

Alfred, the fact that your dad kept those clippings, those letters and articles and quietly kept tabs on what you were doing proves he was proud of you, maybe he was just too proud to admit he was wrong to doubt you.

[@jasonmaclean719]

Anyone who looks up to their parent(s) knows EXACTLY what he talked about. You can't fake his emotion. Nothing crushed me more in life than disappointing my father. It's almost impossible to let go of no matter how long ago it happens.

[@gigilamoore2656]

Bless you. 🙂

[@felipemaldonado22]

At the end of the day, you live your life not your father's life so do whatever you wanna do and stop thinking about other dreams

[@javitoporretas]

Ah Rosie, I love this boy!

[@jasonmaclean719]

Never overlook the poetry👍

[@crashpal]

Brilliant but lazy

[@jasonmaclean719]

@@crashpal it's such a profound line. So many have potential yet do nothing with it.

[@zaynes5094]

@@jasonmaclean719 True. Otto and Osbourne both are basically objects to Peter's own experience and gift/curse in powers.

[@dskyeproducer]

Wow. Don’t know if you’ll ever see this, Mr. Molina, but: Thank you for being so open, and I hope you know that you haven’t wasted your time. Thank you for decades of memorable and powerful performances.

[@mojuri4]

That bit about his father was powerful. If we can package those moments and turn that into a series, I’d watch that weekly, VF

[@RichO1701e]

If you're not welling up after watching the last part, I don't know what's wrong with you. One of the best Vanity Fair interviews I've ever watched, superb, just superb. Loved hear him talk about Frida and Salma Hayek's loyalty.

[@Crazy_Diamond_75]

I wasn't even misting, I was just crying.

[@ShaheerS2]

Salma Hayek is a gem and Molina's words for her are incredibly sweet.

[@jaredconnor]

Alfred Molina is once in a lifetime TBH. He's incredibly understated in his demeanor, but he has a defined presence in all his roles. No false bravado or pretense.

[@HenryThong]

That ending scene was the most human moment. I cried 😭 What a distinguished gentleman and incredible actor

[@Kleptide]

Thank you to VF for allowing Alfred the opportunity to speak uninterrupted at the end, quite refreshing. Alfred, thank you for sharing that story near the end about your father. I'd like to think he looks upon you now with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Thanks for sharing, cheers.

[@victoriavvc]

I remember crying when the trailer with Molina returning as Doc Oc came out. I didn't even realize how much I loved him in Spiderman 2 until that moment. I think Doc Oc is my fav spidey villain, but I also think Molina is the reason for that.

[@alexlazzerly3677]

What an epic career. And he looks amazing for 70.

[@stevenhernandeznon-profitf968]

70?!?? No way

[@zacharycohn822]

woah yes he does

[@monmothma3358]

He's 70?! I never would have thought

[@fukun5773]

70?? He could pass as 55!

[@markm-qf2fn]

​@@fukun577350 gray beard 😮😮😮 Looks Santa

[@warmachineroxlol]

This is my favourite career breakdown. He's so passionate, open, and honest. Beautiful

[@bad2dabohn1992]

I did NOT want to go to bed crying 😭. Alfred is an amazing actor and due to that last 5 minutes 1 of the most pure, genuine souls ever on Earth.

[@YeTism]

I did not expect him to sound like that. Seems like every great actor is British

[@therealmistahjay]

The majority of British actors are classically trained and legitimately go to school for acting. The same can’t be said for many American actors.

[@wisco9er536]

Also easier for Brits to do an American accent than for Americans to do British accents. They have more range

[@ChampionOfHammerfell]

@@wisco9er536im not disagreeing, but anyone can make an American accent. It can be a bad accent and still be considered an American accent because the US has 50+ different accents. Doing a British accent would be more impressive

[@craigwolfe249]

​@@ChampionOfHammerfell there is no British accent though? Even in London has a variety of accents, let alone Cardiff and Swansea are different even though both in South Wales, same as Glasgow and Edinburgh

[@VolkovVelikan]

As said before British actors go to school, and all of them start doing stage performances, theatre, musicals and what not. Then some do TV and then transition into the big screen. So there’s a process that lets the actors learn and build up their talent

[@GingerNinjaPlus]

I laughed at him joking about H.W. being angry at him, then just about shed a tear at the end. Easily the best retrospective ive seen

[@TrentonWilliams34250603]

Wow, this has to be top 5 best " career retrospectives" They way he talks about how he started, the movies, and the passion he has. Then ended with his father. The dude almost had me crying.. Awesome.

[@Dulanjali08]

By far, the best interview I have seen of Alfred Molina, warm-hearted, passionate and clearly very respectful towards women ❤

[@Filmtvinterview]

That was the best 'career break down' so far - could listen to him talk for hours. The story at the end moved me to tears - thanks so much to Vanity/Alfred for keeping that in. Father/son relationships are complicated - very touching

[@Jabberwok28]

Alfred Molina tends to make every film better in which he appears. But I think he should be recognized for his amazing voicework for Pixar/Disney, and for the epic awkwardness of his segment with Steve Coogan in Coffee & Cigarettes.

[@fuzzyhair321]

Bringing him back for a redemption was thr chefs kiss moment. Talking about his father, well im crying for you now.

[@th3_kragen214]

What a beautiful ending, 😢 his father was proud of him, he just never knew it. Keeping notes and clippings of his son’s success is what proud parents do

[@pamcake958]

Thank you for keeping the end of this interview when he talks about his father. It helped so many people who experienced a similar relationship with a parent. My heart broke for him. Parents have so much power over their children, more than they even know is possible 😢

[@t-dawg6545]

This is by far the best vanity fair interview I’ve ever seen, Mr Fred - you are truly loved my friend

[@dannybonett8349]

These conversations really humanize and bring these great actors to a more relatable level. Thank you Alfred for so many great and powerful roles.

[@RainbowKaraokeJunk-vt9pu]

He’s to believe he was only in 8 minutes of Indiana jones and still that role is great. I’m glad he stuck around for the better half of the decade he’s a very talented guy. Sam Raimi definitely hit the jackpot when he cast him as Otto Octavius he’s born for that role.

[@joeterra.t]

It did portray Latin-Americans as ignorant people. There's a scene where Indy tells him, in a dog-like and finger-wagging way, to "stay here". Don't get me wrong, Alfred is a great actor but let's not pretend that role wasn't filled with awful stereotypes developed by Steven.

[@mellowscorpio]

Oh wow.. that ending really hit me. The way that he’s so open about his grief, and that feeling of your parents not really seeing you, or your love for something.. and I love the way he talks about Salma and his disdain for Weinstein, keeps it 💯 And I’m looking forward to watching Love is Strange

[@rohanindra6401]

Spiderman 2 is one of my favourites ever. The Maguire trilogy along with LOTR, Star Wars, Transformers made my childhood.

[@stacymarlene4148]

Such an underrated actor ❤ not only marvelous in any role he plays, but super humble and kind

[@lanoire3]

Doc Oc just made me burst into tears. Thank you, Alfred. I hope you still have more to offer!

[@BooBop1987]

Truly the best parts about the movie!

[@packapunchwhips]

Alfred’s story of how his father kept the newspaper clippings and fan letters reminds me a lot of how Willy Wonka’s dad in the Burton film kept the stories and photos of Willy, despite their estrangement.

[@HearTheTrain]

I was NOT expecting that emotional gut punch at the end! How generous of him

[@bluefaygox23]

I think what makes Alfred such a phenomenal live action adaptation is that he is already very well articulated, intelligent, and passionate. Otto Octavious has those same qualities; and that’s what makes him one of Spider-Man’s most formidable villains. Molina and Dafoe played Doc Ock and the Green Goblin so well I highly doubt they will ever need to be recast. As great as the two are let their performances be iconic for all time.

[@itsEMAN1]

This is probably the best Vanity timeline so far not only the ending about this father and how touching and describing on each film he did and his life outside the movies wall during making of them. i dont know why but i felt that i can understand what he went through like if i went through too

[@dandalo]

I guess this interview will be a landmark for this channel. It's not always that get moments like this when dealing with people with so many agents.

[@maxferguson4363]

You did not disappoint your dad in the slightest, his pride was in that suitcase of clippings and knowing, silently, that you had done it

[@RainbowKaraokeJunk-vt9pu]

I didn’t expect that last part about his father. I know you might know this Alfred, but you definitely did not disappoint your father. You have made a great career for yourself you took the leap and ended up being one of the best actors in the business and that you could be. I believe parents just worry about where their kids will end up if this job doesn’t end up being successful and certainly in your time being an actor probably wasn’t an easy feat to accomplish. As you know that industry can swallow you up and spit you out and it can be a hectic ride. I’m just glad you’ve found success and hopefully your dad in the afterlife is happy that you made it and that you did everything you could to achieve your dream.

[@RainbowKaraokeJunk-vt9pu]

Please stay well, Mr Molina and I will continue to watch your incredible performances for as long as I live on this glorious marble of a world.

[@andareon]

Three Pines is simply perfect. No notes. One of the most impactful "detective" show out there to me.

[@byMikes]

I've said it to anyone who is willing to listen - Alfred is one of the very best ever to do it. Immensely talented actor.

[@deliciouscavemoss]

Finally, a way to justify the picture collection of Alfred Molina in my phone

[@Sibealove]

I was a bit sad when it skipped An Education, because I really love that movie, but everything else was brilliant. Molina has a natural way of speaking that's very down to earth and captivating. Seems like a really nice, sweet guy. And then the ending... Yeah, that just crushed me to pieces. Glad it was kept in the video.

[@camdelahuerta700]

An actor in the purest form, one of my favourites. Always different in every role.

[@azhanflare493]

Glad that he played doc ock, his acting was spotless.

[@samael22]

I never ever expected to get emotional watching one of these videos. But the ending really got to me.

[@gregwx]

I had similar relationship with my father, got me in tears and I never cried.

[@francoisbessing]

As someone who no longer speaks to his father (he cut me off) I choked up as he recounted his experience with his dad.

[@AREA-jp8vb]

The ending story was beautiful. Perhaps his father never talked about it because he was ashamed that he didn’t live a life doing something he was passion about like his son.

[@otro34]

The last part had me in tears. I'll look for some of his movies I've not seen. Such an amazing actor.

[@PaulLBerriman]

This was one of the most interesting and emotional career breakdowns ever. The way he opened up at the end was extremely emotional and touching!

[@CYB3R2K]

The power of my career... In the palm of my hand

[@The_Dinosaur_Heretic]

Alfred Molina and Nick Offerman share the same sentiment about love, regardless of gender. I think that’s lovely

[@blairbrown4812]

They would make a great team that we will never see.

[@jesusmartincorral3436]

You hadn't wasted your Time at all. For me your performance means everything; when I was a kid, seeing you as Doc Ock made me understand the character development within AND also the plot's main point in a different way, I could learn why it's important to find the cause or motivation of every action! Thanks for all your effort AND sacrifice on this, I'm sure your dad was proud of the path you choose in the past and also now!

[@fiiv3s]

That ending was wonderful. Thank you VF for including it

[@samuelenomanna8403]

Thank you for keeping that last part in! That was a special moment to share with him. Thank you Mr. Molina!

[@superkoff1]

Doc Ock got me sobbing by the end 😭. This was beautiful. Thanks for capturing this, Vanity Fair.

[@jlb2739]

Wow. I was not expecting this first thing on a Monday morning. Fell in love with Alfred when he played Sergei in Letter to Brezhnev. He is only in it for the first part of the film and doesn’t speak a word of English. Doesn’t matter. His charisma leaps off the screen. Was incredibly lucky to see him do “that” monologue in the Los Angeles run of ART. When he remembers that his father never understood him but secretly was really proud of him, I burst into tears. Thank you for spotlighting this amazing performer.

[@Martin-q3t1y]

I know he's had an incredible career with outstanding performances... but it's so funny to me how his short scene in Boogie Nights is the most unforgettable thing he's ever done, in my mind.

[@TeamEthicsDK]

Okay. 👍

[@watch1981]

Rahad Jackson is the best kind of unhinged

[@kessel12]

That scene is truly amazing.

[@sherinjohn001]

Molina made me cry again 😞❤

[@johnmackenzie9421]

Thank you Mr. Molina...for being the benchmark....you’ve graciously given over forty years of inspiration and guidance and wisdom to me...without ever meeting....thank you!!!

[@frankieflora]

What a beautiful interview. You are lovely Mr. Molina

[@SnakeEaterGaming]

dam. That last part really hit me in the gut. I have my own issues with my dad and now I am a father myself to a 6 month baby girl. I will tell her she is brilliant everyday of her life.

[@Marauders5]

Alfred Molina is such a down to earth dude. Would love to meet him someday.

[@randomking52849one]

"I did disappoint my dad. Yeah." And the music in the background 💔💔💔 Like a Studio Ghibli moment.

[@callmedrac4352]

The first time I saw Alfredo Molina was in Sorcerers Apprentice, a childhood favourite. I just think the most captivating thing is that depth of his words and the tone of his voice. Octavius really brought this sort of renaissance for him - here I am, watching these movies I'd never be interested in otherwise just to hear his voice.

[@ddxgad]

Mister Alfred Molina, thank you for being you.

[@paramitch]

I have always adored Molina as an actor. He's such a chameleon, and so adept at becoming so many different people onscreen. This was a beautiful, passionate, intelligent, and very moving look back at his career, and I am so glad he is being appreciated in this way. He comes across like a really lovely and appreciative human being.

[@TheLazyLabrador]

Never cried watching a breakdown before, that’s a first.

[@caseydanielllle]

i know it wasn’t a movie but his performance as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway was AMAZING

[@natuff27]

By far one of my favorite actors specially Frida

[@senguptasayn]

The anecdote about his dad was so beautiful.

[@jeremyroberts4760]

Wow, that was so powerful. So real. How many actors of his stature would be brave enough to share that? So impressed and grateful to have watched this.

[@HKA-Rendition]

Alfred Molina's voice and how he talks, is so calming! You can tell he has a huge heart and is such a nice guy.

[@TheRealGuinno]

Alfred Molina = THE GOAT

[@flaminggmonkeyss]

21:59 I don't understand why parents don't just support their kids no matter what they do, and stop trying to look at them as a mini you. Its not about you, you should know that by the time you're a parent. so much heartache and wasted time and broken relationships would be solved if parents could just realize how brilliant their kids are they way they are, I love that sentiment Alfred mentions at the end ❤

[@SicKno-i5r]

I don't understand why people like you can't seem to grasp that parents are simply trying to look out for their kid's future. Alfred Molina happened to break into acting and into Hollywood, but that's a rarity and alot of luck is involved. And Alfred Molina never had the looks of Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise. It's called "tough love" It worked out for Alfred Molina, but there are plenty of people also had the dream to "act" in movies who never got anywhere. It's a "pipe dream" for many.

[@1SpicyMeataball]

​@@SicKno-i5r This needs more likes than the "support your kids no matter what." comment. Because frankly, kids make some *dumb* decisions.

[@jelvu]

Such a great story-teller, what a lovely voice!!!

[@BobHerzog1962]

"No one dies in this universe. " The most universal truth in one simple sentence.

[@SamanthaMunitz]

A very human soul, Alfred Molina has been one of the most inspiring performers I have seen.

[@Pardix]

21:24 overwhelmed by his emotional moment

[@jaken0613]

Thanks for keeping the last part in. Always say that you are proud of your kids no matter what it is. You never know how much it means and what a difference it can make in their life

[@otroweonllamadoseba]

23:30 you know, maybe he was mad at first but i'm sure he was really proud of his son after all.

[@hannehanskov7560]

Sweet sweet Alfred. I know he is a big name but i dont think he is anywhere near as famous as he deserves,i have watched all of these movies,i have watched most of them again with my son,he is 13 now,and i cant believe for a second any parent could be dissapointed with having alfred molina as a son,even without the acting. He just seem so decent and warm ,that even when he plays a villain it makes me happy to see his name in a movie im about to see.

[@GuanoLad]

That was very touching. I see Three Pines was on the timeline. I really enjoyed that, I was so disappointed it wasn't getting a second season.

[@VictorRFrancisco]

Oh, the ending... stronger than any movie! You are great, Alfred!

[@kin4386]

I really appreciate that Vanity Fair kept the ending part in. It's not easy talking about things like that. I'm certain his father would've been proud of him.

[@greenfrog9702]

This made me love Alfred even more, such a down to earth sharp minded guy

[@SunnyBear]

This was easily the best one you have made, VF! Thank you so much for including the last bit about his father and how that impacted his role as a dad. It was so beautiful!

[@beneelgul]

He’s such an amazing actor! The end of the video 🥺

[@yiannisfaitakis]

What a strong, lovely, brave human being you are to honestly and openly express yourself completely, Alfred Molina. Nothing but class.