Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins of "The Silence of the Lambs" has been voted the best British actor of all time beating out legends like Sir Laurence Olivier.

According to contactmusic.com, the poll was conducted by London's Old Vic Theatre to single out the best screen and theatre actors. Sir Sean Connery came in third while Dame Judi Dench topped the list of best British actress.

The top five actors are: 1. Sir Anthony Hopkins, 2. Sir Laurence Olivier, 3. Sir Sean Connery, 4. Sir Alec Guiness, 5. Sir Michael Caine.

The top five actresses are: 1. Dame Judi Dench, 2. Julie Walters, 3. Dame Elizabeth Taylor, 4. Dame Maggie Smith, 5. Julie Andrews.