Daniel Day-Lewis Responds to Brian Cox's Method Acting Comments
Daniel Day-Lewis has denied Brian Cox’s claim linking him to Jeremy Strong’s much-discussed Method acting style. Cox, known for his outspoken criticism of Method acting, has repeatedly called Strong’s approach “fucking annoying,” using his “Succession” co-star as a prime example.
Brian Cox’s Criticism and Claims
Over several interviews, Brian Cox suggested that Day-Lewis experienced burnout from Method acting, implying it was the reason the actor paused his career at age 55. Cox stated that Day-Lewis “couldn’t go on doing that every day.” Additionally, in a Variety interview, Cox speculated on Strong’s connection to Day-Lewis, saying:
“Jeremy was Day-Lewis’ assistant. So he’s learned all that stuff from Dan.”
Day-Lewis’s Rebuttal
Speaking to the U.K.’s Big Issue, Day-Lewis described being inadvertently pulled into this public debate:
“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.”
Day-Lewis firmly refuted the idea that he influenced Strong’s on-set behavior:
“If I thought during our work together I’d interfered with his working process, I’d be appalled. But I don’t think it was like that. So I don’t know where the fuck that came from.”
Summary
Daniel Day-Lewis rejects being responsible for Jeremy Strong’s Method acting style and challenges Brian Cox’s public criticisms linking them both.