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 Critique of Method Acting

Daniel Day-Lewis addressed Brian Cox's strong criticism of method acting after being unexpectedly involved in the debate surrounding the "Succession" star's comments. In an interview with Big Issue, Day-Lewis expressed surprise at Cox's pointed remarks.

“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.”

Day-Lewis emphasized that if he had disrupted Cox’s process during their collaboration, he would have been upset, but he does not believe that was the case.

“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.”

Brian Cox's Criticism of Method Acting

Cox initially voiced his criticism in 2021 while discussing co-star Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Kendall Roy on HBO’s “Succession.” He attributed Strong’s performance to Day-Lewis’ famed method acting, describing it as a distinctively “American disease.”

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

Cox reaffirmed his stance on method acting in 2023, continuing to critique the approach despite acknowledging Strong’s talent.

Summary

Daniel Day-Lewis expressed surprise and disapproval at Brian Cox’s critique of method acting, distancing himself from any responsibility and affirming respect for both Cox and Jeremy Strong.

Author's summary: Daniel Day-Lewis rejects Brian Cox’s harsh criticism of method acting, clarifying his non-involvement and maintaining respect for fellow actors' processes.

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TheWrap TheWrap — 2025-11-04

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