Daniel Day-Lewis Addresses Method Acting Debate
Daniel Day-Lewis has responded to Brian Cox's remarks linking him to the ongoing discussion about Method acting, as well as Cox's claim that Jeremy Strong's acting style is influenced by Day-Lewis.
Cox’s Criticism of Method Acting
Brian Cox has publicly criticized Method acting several times, using his “Succession” co-star Jeremy Strong as a prime example. Cox described Strong’s approach as “fucking annoying” and suggested that Day-Lewis himself burned out on Method acting, which led to his temporary break from acting at the age of 55. Cox said Day-Lewis “couldn’t go on doing that every day.”
Day-Lewis Responds to Cox
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently,” Day-Lewis told the U.K.’s Big Issue. “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.”
Denial of Influence on Jeremy Strong
Cox suggested in an interview with Variety that Strong’s Method acting was learned from Day-Lewis, noting that “Jeremy was Day-Lewis’ assistant.” Day-Lewis firmly denies this connection.
“If I thought during our work together I’d interfered with his working process, I’d be appalled,” Day-Lewis stated. “But I don’t think it was like that. So I don’t know where the fuck that came from.”
Summary
Daniel Day-Lewis refutes Brian Cox’s claims that he influenced Jeremy Strong’s Method acting and rejects responsibility for Strong’s style, emphasizing the unintended nature of his involvement in the debate.