Anthony Hopkins makes unexpected career change at age 88

They say you're never too old to achieve your dreams, and for Anthony Hopkins, his lifelong ambition apparently extends far beyond being one of Hollywood's greatest actors.

No, the 88-year-old has set his sights on a brand new project, something he described as his 'first desire' in life.

As a reminder, Hopkins' widely celebrated, varied career has spanned over 60 years. From his chilling, Oscar-winning portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, to his gut-wrenching performance in The Father - which also earned him an Academy Award - Hopkins has continually redefined what it means to be a movie lead.

With countless acclaimed roles and a legacy that extends through stage, television and cinema, he remains one of the world's most influential and respected performers.

Hopkins' most recognisable role is Hannibal Lecter in Silence of The Lambs (Orion Pictures)

As we say, however, the Welsh star has since taken on a shiny new career, having recently signed a record deal.

Hopkins' debut single, 'Bracken Road', was released last Friday (3 Jul), reportedly inspired by his upbringing in Margam, South Wales, as well as the 1940s busy streets and quaint countryside where he spent much of his childhood.

The knighted star composed the track back in 1963, when he was working as an aspiring actor at the Liverpool Playhouse.

The single will form part of Hopkins' first-ever album, titled Life Is A Dream, which will hit the shelves next month.

According to the movie veteran's team, the artwork - produced by Decca Classics - is a compilation of pieces Hopkins has composed himself over the last six decades, having played the piano since he was four.

Many of the other tracks hinge on Hopkins' love of his home country, Wales, including another titled 'My Fatherland'.

Hopkins has turned his attention to music (Universal Music Group)

"Music was my first desire, my first wish, I’ve been composing music all my life," he announced. "Some of these pieces have lived with me for decades, and I still find myself returning to them.

"My whole life is a dream. Signing with Decca is the honour of a lifetime."

Hopkins' forthcoming collection has been recorded with the help of Grammy-winning conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and features instrumentals from the Philharmonia Orchestra.

"It has been a true privilege to collaborate with the distinguished Philharmonia Orchestra and the virtuoso soloists, cellist Gregorio Nieto and classical pianist Sergio Tiempo," the star gushed.

"My deepest gratitude and respect go to maestro Gustavo Dudamel, whose artistry is an integral part of this musical journey."

Hopkins is a double Oscar-winning actor (ABC via Getty Images)

Hopkins continued: "With the graceful precision of his baton, he transformed each note with profound and indelible meaning, creating a pictorial landscape that invites the listener to feel and imagine something uniquely personal."

Decca's president, Laura Monks, also gave fans an insight into what they can expect from the actor's upcoming work.

"It is such a privilege to have the great Sir Anthony Hopkins join Decca Classics," she said. "His depth of talent and classical music knowledge, honed over a lifetime, is a joy to celebrate with this new album."