Daniel Day-Lewis Responds to Brian Cox on Method Acting Debate
Daniel Day-Lewis expressed that Brian Cox involved him unintentionally in a dispute about Method acting. In an interview with the U.K.'s Big Issue, Day-Lewis, 68, mentioned he was drawn into discussions around the acting style against his wishes.
Background of the Debate
The controversy started when Brian Cox, 79, suggested in a 2023 Variety interview that his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong began adopting Method acting after spending time with Day-Lewis.
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently,” Day-Lewis said while promoting his new film Anemone. “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.”
Professional Connection
Day-Lewis and Cox previously collaborated on the 1997 movie The Boxer. Cox has pointed out that Day-Lewis’ immersive acting approach partly caused his break from acting and influenced Jeremy Strong, 46.
“Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis’ assistant. So he’s learned all that stuff from Dan,” Cox stated.
Summary
The actors’ shared history and differing views on Method acting sparked an unexpected public exchange, with Day-Lewis clarifying he did not seek such conflict.
Author's Note: Daniel Day-Lewis distances himself from a debate on Method acting stirred by Brian Cox, emphasizing his unwillingness to engage in public conflicts.