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 vocal criticism of method acting after being unexpectedly drawn into the dispute. Speaking to Big Issue, the three-time Oscar winner shared his reaction to Cox's 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 added that during their collaboration, he didn’t believe he interfered with Cox’s working process and expressed confusion about the source of Cox's criticism.

“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 Critique of Method Acting

Cox first criticized method acting in 2021 when discussing his co-star Jeremy Strong's portrayal of Kendall Roy on the HBO series Succession. He suggested Strong’s performance was influenced by Day-Lewis’ famous method acting, calling it an “American disease.”

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

Cox reaffirmed his stance in 2023, maintaining his critique of the method acting style represented by Strong’s approach.

Summary

Daniel Day-Lewis refutes Brian Cox’s claims on method acting, emphasizing respect for his colleague and distancing himself from the controversy surrounding Jeremy Strong’s approach.

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TheWrap TheWrap — 2025-11-04

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