Daniel Day-Lewis Addresses Brian Cox’s Comments on Method Acting
Daniel Day-Lewis expressed that Brian Cox involved him in an unintended discussion about Method acting. The 68-year-old actor told the U.K.'s Big Issue that he has been “inadvertently” pulled into debates about the popular acting technique.
Origins of the Debate
The controversy began when Brian Cox, 79, remarked in a 2023 Variety interview that his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong started exploring Method acting after spending time with Day-Lewis.
Day-Lewis Reacts to Cox
While promoting his new film Anemone, Day-Lewis commented on the situation:
“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.”
Professional Connection Between Day-Lewis and Cox
The two actors previously collaborated on the 1997 film The Boxer.
Cox’s Perspective on Method Acting Influence
Cox suggested that Day-Lewis’ intense acting process partly contributed to the actor’s break from the industry. He also claimed that the Method style influenced Jeremy Strong, saying:
“Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis’ assistant. So he’s learned all that stuff from Dan.”
Summary
Day-Lewis clarifies his position, emphasizing respect for Cox while distancing himself from the public debate over Method acting.
Author’s summary: Daniel Day-Lewis distances himself from Brian Cox’s comments on Method acting, highlighting an inadvertent involvement in the debate and expressing respect for Cox’s work.