Daniel Day-Lewis Responds to Brian Cox’s Criticism of Method Acting
Daniel Day-Lewis has addressed Brian Cox’s recent remarks about method acting after being unexpectedly pulled into the debate surrounding the “Succession” star’s outspoken views. Speaking to Big Issue, the three-time Oscar-winning actor said he was surprised by Cox’s comments.
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently,” Day-Lewis said. “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 clarified that he never intended to disturb anyone’s creative process:
“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 that came from. Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor; I don’t know how he works, but I don’t feel responsible in any way for that.”
Background on the Dispute
Brian Cox has spoken critically about method acting before. In 2021, he commented on his “Succession” co-star Jeremy Strong’s deeply immersive approach, calling it part of an “American disease.” Cox reiterated his position in 2023, though he acknowledged Strong’s talent.
“He’s a very good actor,” Cox said. “And the rest of the ensemble is all OK with this.”
Author’s Summary
Daniel Day-Lewis calmly countered Brian Cox’s dismissive tone on method acting, emphasizing mutual respect and distancing himself from the ongoing dispute.