Daniel Day-Lewis Claps Back at Brian Cox's Criticism of His Method Acting: 'I Don't Know Where the F--k That Came From'

Daniel Day-Lewis Responds to Brian Cox's Criticism of Method Acting

Daniel Day-Lewis addressed Brian Cox’s sharp remarks about method acting after being unexpectedly drawn into the discussion surrounding Cox’s views. Speaking with Big Issue, the three-time Oscar winner said he was surprised by the “Succession” star’s outspoken criticism of the technique.

“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.”

He added that he never intended to interfere with Cox’s process during their collaboration.

“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 the f–k that came from. Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor — I don’t know how he goes about things, but I don’t feel responsible in any way for that.”

Cox’s Earlier Criticism

Brian Cox first voiced his skepticism about method acting in 2021 while speaking about his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong’s immersive approach to playing Kendall Roy. Cox described Strong’s process as stemming from Day-Lewis’s method style, labeling it a distinctly “American disease.”

“He’s a very good actor,” Cox said of Strong. “And the rest of the ensemble is all OK with this.”

In 2023, Cox reaffirmed his stance, maintaining his criticism of the method acting approach while praising Strong’s talent.

Author’s Summary

Daniel Day-Lewis responded calmly but directly to Brian Cox’s long-running criticism of method acting, defending both his own approach and fellow actor Jeremy Strong.

more

TheWrap TheWrap — 2025-11-04

More News