Daniel Day-Lewis | Biography, Movies, & Facts

Daniel Day-Lewis, born April 29, 1957, in London, England, is a British actor celebrated for his intense on-screen presence and meticulous preparation for roles.

Early Life and Background

He is the second child of Cecil Day-Lewis, a prominent British poet of the 1930s, and actress Jill Balcon, and the grandson of film producer Sir Michael Balcon. Day-Lewis began acting at Bedales, a progressive school in Petersfield, England.

Career Beginnings

At age 13, he secured a minor role in the film Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971). He later performed with the Bristol Old Vic and Royal Shakespeare companies before taking on adult roles in Gandhi (1982) and The Bounty (1984).

Notable Roles and Acclaim

In 1985, Day-Lewis showcased his range by portraying a gay hooligan in My Beautiful Laundrette and a reserved Edwardian gentleman in A Room with a View.
His international acclaim grew with his role as an adulterous surgeon in The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988).
He earned Academy Awards for My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012).
Other notable films include Gangs of New York (2002).

Daniel Day-Lewis is renowned for both his on-screen intensity and exhaustive preparation for his roles.

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Summary: Daniel Day-Lewis is a distinguished British actor acclaimed for his deep preparation and powerful performances across a diverse range of roles.

Britannica — 2025-11-05