Alfred Molina

2.1. Birth and family background

Alfred Molina was born Alfredo Molina on 24 May 1953, in the Paddington district of London, England. His parents were both immigrants who had settled in London. His father, Esteban Molina, was a Spanish immigrant from Murcia, who worked as a waiter and driver. He had also served during World War II, parachuting into France with the Special Operations Executive before D-Day. Molina's mother, Giovanna (née Bonelli), was an Italian immigrant who worked as a hotel cleaner and cook. Molina grew up in a working-class district in Notting Hill, a neighborhood known for its diverse immigrant communities.

2.2. Education and decision to act

Molina's decision to pursue acting was sparked at a young age. At nine years old, after seeing the film *Spartacus*, he was inspired to become an actor. He went on to attend the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he honed his craft. Additionally, he successfully auditioned for and became a member of the National Youth Theatre, further solidifying his early commitment to the stage. Despite his clear passion, Molina later revealed in May 2024 that his father was disappointed in his choice to pursue an acting career, preferring he take a higher-paying job. At the age of 21, at the urging of his first agent, he officially changed his first name from Alfredo to Alfred.

3.1. Early career (1978-1989)

Molina began his professional acting career in British television and theatre. His early television appearances included co-starring with Leonard Rossiter in the sitcom *The Losers* in 1978. He made his film debut with a minor yet memorable role as Satipo, Indiana Jones' ill-fated and treacherous guide, in Steven Spielberg's adventure film *Raiders of the Lost Ark* (1981). Molina has expressed immense gratitude for this role, stating in a 2013 interview that he owes his stage and film career to the *Indiana Jones* series, calling the job a "gift from God" that "saved his bacon." His line, "Throw me the idol, I'll throw you the whip!", remains widely recognized by fans.

His breakthrough came with the film *Letter to Brezhnev* (1985). This was followed by a starring role in *Prick Up Your Ears* (1987), where he portrayed Kenneth Halliwell, the lover and eventual murderer of playwright Joe Orton. During this period, he was initially cast as Arnold Rimmer in the TV sitcom *Red Dwarf* but was later replaced by Chris Barrie.

3.2. Film

3.3. Television

3.4. Theatre

3.5. Radio and audiobooks

3.6. Video games