Alfred Molina changed his stage name from Alfredo to Alfred so more film roles would be available to him.
The 63-year-old actor was born in London to an Italian mother Giovanna and a Spanish father Esteban and first shot to fame on the big screen in 1981 Indiana Jones movie ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ as the daredevil archaeologist’s assistant Satipo.
Over the years he has notched up to 169 acting credits and he believes his decision to drop the ‘o’ from his birth moniker stopped him from being stereotyped by casting agents.
Molina was told by his agents to alter his name otherwise he would be "playing Spanish waiters" for his entire career and he believes he right to listen to them.
In an interview with the Metro newspaper, he said: "My first name is actually Alfredo. My very first agents, back in the 1970s said, ‘You will have to drop the ‘o’ darling, or you will be playing Spanish waiters all your life.’ That’s why I dropped the ‘o’ – much to my mother’s sadness. It really p***ed her off when she realised that everyone called me Fred. I have often thought about going back to Alfredo but, at 63, I don’t think it’s going to happen."
Molina is still working hard at his craft and can next be seen in Ira Sachs’ drama ‘Little Men’.
The ‘Spider-Man 2’ star keeps working because he has no hobby and would be bored if he stopped making movies.
He explained: "Part of it is work ethic and the desire to stay active. But mainly, I can’t think of anything else to do! I don’t have a hobby. I have known some actors who are passionate yachtsmen or keep horses, others who are almost professional golfers and plan their working life around golf, but I’d rather work than anything else."
‘Little Men’ also stars Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle and Talia Balsam.
Alfred Molina dropped ‘o’ for more roles
