“I Did Disappoint My Dad,”: Alfred Molina Reflects On Father’s Disapproval Of Acting Career

Alfred Molina recently opened up about his complex relationship with his late father, Esteban Molina, in a interview with Vanity Fair.

Recalling his early days, Alfred revealed how his decision to pursue acting disappointed his father, who had hoped for a different path for his son. Despite excelling as a waiter, the actor renowned for his roles in blockbuster hits like Spider-Man: No Way Home, chose to follow his passion for acting, even if it meant a significant pay cut.

“When I was very young, my dad got me a job as a waiter in the restaurant where he was working. If I say so myself, I was a good waiter to the point where the management offered me the chance to do a two-week management training course,” Alfred shared, adding, “I turned it down because I got an acting job. My father says, ‘This acting job, how much are they paying you?’ I said, ‘I’m getting union wage, so 15 pounds a week.’”

Alfred remembered his father’s disbelief when he learned of his son’s career choice. “Wait a minute. “You’re making £30 or £35 here. Then you go to making £15?” he recounted his father’s words to him after informing him of the earning expectations as an actor.

Despite their differences, he remained steadfast in his decision, driven by his love for the craft.

“He stared at me like he didn’t recognize me. The only thing I could say to him was, ‘This is what I love, Dad.’ He never quite got it. I did disappoint my dad. Yeah. If my dad had lived a little longer, he’d hopefully would have realized I hadn’t wasted my time,” the actor recalled.

Reflecting on his father’s passing, Alfred expressed surprise at discovering a suitcase filled with clippings and memorabilia related to his career. Despite this, their relationship remained distant, leaving Alfred with a sense of regret for not reconciling before his father’s death.

Despite the challenges he faced with his own father, Alfred emphasized his unwavering support for his own children, highlighting the importance of encouragement and belief in their talents.

“I’ve always tried with my kids. All you can do is tell them how brilliant you are. That’s all you need to do,” he shared.

Throughout his illustrious career, Alfred has starred in numerous acclaimed films, including, The Da Vinci Code, Chocolat and Frida, solidifying his place in Hollywood. Notably, he portrayed the iconic villain Doctor Octopus in the Spider-Man franchise.

His next project, Harold and the Purple Crayon is set to hit theaters on August 2.