Daniel Day-Lewis Responds to Brian Cox on Method Acting Debate
Daniel Day-Lewis expressed frustration over being unintentionally pulled into a debate about Method acting sparked by Brian Cox. In an interview with the U.K.'s Big Issue, Day-Lewis, 68, addressed the controversy that began when Cox mentioned Method acting in relation to their mutual colleague.
Origin of the Debate
The discussion started after Brian Cox, 79, stated in a 2023 Variety interview that Jeremy Strong, a star of Succession, had started exploring Method acting through his association with Day-Lewis. Cox also suggested that Day-Lewis' intense immersive style contributed to his long break from acting and influenced Strong’s approach.
Day-Lewis’ Perspective
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently,”
“Brian is a very fine actor who’s done extraordinary work. As a result, he’s been given a soapbox… which he shows no sign of climbing down from. Any time he wants to talk about it, I’m easy to find.”
The two actors collaborated on the 1997 film The Boxer. Day-Lewis appears open to further dialogue but wishes to clarify his position without being caught up in public disputes.
Brian Cox’s Comments on Method Acting
“Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis’ assistant. So he’s learned all that stuff from Dan.”
Cox highlighted Strong’s connection to Day-Lewis and the transmission of Method acting techniques as part of their professional relationship.
Summary
Daniel Day-Lewis wants to distance himself from the unwanted controversy surrounding Method acting initiated by Brian Cox but remains available to discuss it.
Author's note: Tensions arose after Brian Cox linked Jeremy Strong’s Method acting to Daniel Day-Lewis, who prefers to avoid public conflict while staying open to conversation.