ANTHONY HOPKINS - HOPKINS 'TOO INTELLIGENT' FOR SIR

Oscar winner SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS can't understand why celebrities with Knighthoods insist on being called 'Sir' - because it sounds too pompous.

The RED DRAGON star, who was made Commander Of The British Empire (CBE) in 1987 and knighted in 1993, promises he will never be like his contemporary SIR BEN KINGSLEY, who demands the title at all times.

He says, "It's a great honour and I'm very appreciative, but once you start insisting on that, oh dear. Give me a break, it's only an actor. That's insanity.

"Especially in America, where they're 'Oh, Sir Hopkins!'

"I'm sure MICHAEL CAINE doesn't take it seriously, or MICHAEL GAMBON.

"I mean, what possesses an intelligent guy like that to do that?"