Sir Anthony Hopkins spotted at Vernon’s Village Green Mall

VERNON – An Oscar-winning actor is out and about in the North Okanagan.

Sir Anthony Hopkins, who stars in the movie Go With Me, currently shooting in the region, spent some time at the Village Green Mall in Vernon Monday. Clad in a newsboy cap and sunglasses, Hopkins kept a low profile while shopping with his wife.

Tina Cloutier was working at The Crystal Man in the mall when she noticed a customer who looked like Hopkins. It wasn’t until he took off his glasses and smiled that she knew it was him.

“My god, he’s so sweet. You should’ve seen the sparkle in his eyes,” Cloutier says. “I smiled back but didn’t say anything.”

She says Hopkins was very down-to-earth and genuine for a celebrity. The couple purchased a few leather-bound journals and some crystals before heading on their way.

“It was a very exciting experience and I was pleasantly surprised by how grounded they were. There was no ego there,” Cloutier says. “We will see who stops next in Vernon.”

The movie, which co-stars Ray Liotta and Julia Stiles, has sent a thrill throughout the North Okanagan. Enderby Mayor Howie Cyr says it’s the talk of the town.

“There’s an increasing buzz in our community, that’s for sure,” Cyr says.

What makes it even more exciting for locals like Cyr is Enderby native Rick Dugdale and his company Enderby Entertainment is producing the film. Dugdale went to A.L. Fortune Secondary and now lives and works in L.A.

“I’m really proud of him that he got this movie and brought it to our town,” Cyr says.

The film will bring dollars into the community through spending at restaurants, hotels and local businesses, but Cyr anticipates a long-lasting impact as well.

“It will garner our community some exposure internationally,” he says.

Cyr is reaching out to the production crew to see if any actors might be willing to participate in a charity event.

Filming is scheduled for the next two months primarily in Enderby and Lumby. Film crews were spotted in Spallumcheen Wednesday morning shooting a scene at an old farmhouse.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.