Meet the Cast of The Silence of the Lambs

Released on February 14, 1991
Drama Thriller Crime Adaptation Co-workers Flashbacks Psychological Thriller Cat and Mouse

The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling and suspenseful psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie, directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris, follows the story of Clarice M. Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy. Clarice is a determined and ambitious young agent, who is eager to prove herself in a male-dominated field. When Jack Crawford, the head of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit, takes notice of her potential, he assigns her a challenging and sensitive task.

Crawford wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Lecter is a notorious and dangerous criminal, who is known for his intelligence and cunning. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into a case that the FBI has been unable to solve, and that Clarice, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out. Clarice is hesitant at first, but she eventually agrees to take on the assignment, knowing that it could be a turning point in her career.

As Clarice prepares for the interview, she is warned about Lecter's manipulative and dangerous nature. She is told that he is a master of mind games, who enjoys toying with his victims and playing with their minds. Despite these warnings, Clarice is determined to maintain her composure and keep her wits about her. When she finally comes face to face with Lecter, she is met with a chilling and unnerving gaze. However, Clarice is able to hold her own and even manages to gain some valuable information from the psychiatrist. The interview is just the beginning of a dangerous and twisted game of cat and mouse between Clarice and Lecter, as they both try to outsmart each other in a deadly dance of manipulation and deception.

The Silence of the Lambs is part of the The Hannibal Lecter Collection.

Full Cast of The Silence of the Lambs

Jodie Foster

as Clarice Starling

Jodie Foster delivers a captivating performance as Clarice M. Starling in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. As a young FBI trainee, she brings a unique blend of intelligence, determination, and vulnerability to the role. Her character's interactions with the chilling Hannibal Lecter are particularly noteworthy, as she holds her own against the formidable Anthony Hopkins. Foster's portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, a testament to her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her character.

Anthony Hopkins

as Dr. Hannibal Lecter

Anthony Hopkins's portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs' is nothing short of iconic. His chilling performance as the brilliant yet deeply disturbed cannibalistic psychiatrist is a masterclass in acting. Hopkins imbues Lecter with a terrifying intelligence and an unsettling charm, making him one of the most captivating and memorable villains in cinema history. His performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and it's easy to see why. Hopkins's Lecter is a character that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Scott Glenn

as Jack Crawford

Scott Glenn's portrayal of Jack Crawford in 'The Silence of the Lambs' is a masterclass in understated acting. His character, the head of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit, is a man of few words, but Glenn manages to convey a wealth of emotion and depth with his subtle expressions and measured delivery. He brings a sense of gravitas and authority to the role, making Crawford a formidable presence even when he's not the center of attention. Glenn's performance is a testament to his skill as an actor, as he manages to hold his own against powerhouse performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

Ted Levine

as Jame Gumb

Ted Levine's portrayal of Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb in 'The Silence of the Lambs' is nothing short of chilling. His performance is a masterclass in character acting, as he fully embodies the twisted, complex nature of the character. Levine's ability to switch between the character's various personas - from the seemingly harmless 'Jame' to the terrifying 'Buffalo Bill' - is a testament to his skill as an actor. His performance is a key factor in making 'The Silence of the Lambs' a classic of the horror/thriller genre.

Anthony Heald

as Dr. Frederick Chilton

Anthony Heald delivers a chilling performance as Dr. Frederick Chilton in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. He portrays the character with a smug, self-serving demeanor, making him instantly unlikable. However, it's his interactions with Hannibal Lecter that truly showcase Heald's talent. He manages to convey a sense of fear and unease, while also maintaining a façade of professionalism. His performance adds a layer of tension and unease to the film, making it a memorable addition to the cast.

Brooke Smith

as Catherine Martin

Brooke Smith's performance as Catherine Martin in 'The Silence of the Lambs' is a standout. As the kidnapped senator's daughter, Smith brings a raw vulnerability and desperation to the role. Her scenes with Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter are particularly chilling, as she conveys both terror and a strange sense of understanding. Smith's performance is a testament to her talent, as she manages to make an impact despite her limited screen time.