Daniel Day-Lewis Says Brian Cox Dragged Him Into Method Actor Debate, Denies Claim That He Taught Jeremy Strong: ‘I Don’t Feel Responsible in Any Way’ for How Strong Acts on Set

Daniel Day-Lewis Addresses Brian Cox's Method Acting Criticism

Daniel Day-Lewis has responded to Brian Cox's remarks linking him to Jeremy Strong's approach to Method acting. Cox has publicly criticized Method acting, frequently referring to Strong, his "Succession" co-star, as an example of why the technique can be frustrating.

Brian Cox’s Critique of Method Acting

Cox suggested that Day-Lewis’ decision to retire from acting at age 55 was due to the exhaustion of practicing Method acting, saying Day-Lewis “couldn’t go on doing that every day.” Cox also remarked on Strong’s acting style, describing it as “fucking annoying.”

Day-Lewis Responds to the Debate

“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently,” Day-Lewis told the U.K.’s Big Issue. “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.”

Denial of Influence on Jeremy Strong

In a Variety interview, Cox implied that Jeremy Strong learned his Method acting style from Day-Lewis, who was purportedly his assistant. Day-Lewis strongly denies this, stating:

“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 fuck that came from.”

Summary

Day-Lewis rejects any responsibility for Strong’s acting approach and clarifies his unintended involvement in Cox's public criticism of Method acting.

Author’s summary: Daniel Day-Lewis firmly denies influencing Jeremy Strong’s Method acting and expresses discomfort over being pulled into Brian Cox’s criticism of the acting style.

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Variety Variety — 2025-11-04

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