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 has spoken out after being mentioned in Brian Cox’s ongoing critique of method acting. The actor expressed surprise at being pulled into the debate and clarified his stance during an interview with Big Issue.

“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.”

Day-Lewis added that he never intended to interfere with Cox’s process while they worked together.

“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,” he noted. “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 Earlier Comments on Method Acting

Cox first criticized method acting in 2021, referencing his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong’s approach to the role of Kendall Roy. He linked Strong’s intense performance style to what he described as an “American disease” influenced by Day-Lewis’s famous commitment to roles.

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

In 2023, Cox reiterated his disapproval of the technique, reaffirming his belief that method acting can go too far.

Author’s Summary

Day-Lewis calmly addressed Cox’s criticisms, defending his own craft while rejecting any suggestion that his methods negatively shaped others.

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TheWrap TheWrap — 2025-11-04

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