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 responded to Brian Cox after being unexpectedly mentioned in the “Succession” star’s outspoken criticism of method acting. Speaking with Big Issue, the three-time Oscar winner admitted he was surprised by Cox’s comments but handled them with composure.

“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 if he had ever interfered with Cox’s process while working together, he would be disturbed by it, but saw no evidence 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 that came from,” Day-Lewis continued. “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 initially voiced his criticism of method acting back in 2021 when discussing his co-star Jeremy Strong’s approach to the character Kendall Roy on HBO’s “Succession.” At the time, he suggested Strong’s dedication was heavily influenced by Day-Lewis and dismissed method acting as a distinctly “American disease.” In 2023, Cox reiterated his opinion, saying:

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

Author’s Summary

Daniel Day-Lewis calmly refuted Brian Cox’s remarks about method acting, asserting respect for Cox’s talent while distancing himself from any perceived influence on Jeremy Strong’s approach.

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TheWrap TheWrap — 2025-11-04

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