Brian Cox criticizes ‘Succession’ co-star Jeremy Strong’s method acting again: ‘It creates hostility’
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Succession’ star Brian Cox is once again taking digs at his on-screen son Jeremy Strong’s “method acting,” claiming it “creates hostility” among the actors.
After previously claiming Strong’s acting to be “annoying", the 78-year-old actor is once again sharing his critical thoughts about Strong, who essays the role of Kendall Roy in ‘Succession’.
Speaking to The Guardian, Cox said while Strong is a “wonderful actor", his immersion into his character makes it difficult for the other actors to act naturally.
Brian Cox says Jeremy Strong’s acting creates ‘hostility’
Brian Cox started his interview with The Guardian by saying that Jeremy Strong’s Emmy-winning performance in ‘Succession’ was “wonderful", but not before noting the downsides of the 45-year-old actor’s method of acting, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
“He was wonderful to act with,” said the ‘Troy’ actor, and added, “I had no argument with Jeremy’s acting.”
However, Strong’s knack for getting under the skin of his character often causes friction between the actor and his costars.
“He would be an even better actor if he just got rid of that, so there would be much more inclusiveness in what he did,” said the actor who plays the family patriarch Logan Roy.
Further, when he was asked whether it is too difficult to work with a cast member who is “permanently in character,” the ‘Red’ actor replied, “Well, it’s not good for the ensemble. It creates hostility. That’s the problem.”
Cox was later asked in the interview whether he had ever discussed the issue with his co-star, the veteran actor replied in negative, saying, “No, not in the way I would like to have talked to him. But it’s a very emotive subject for people who follow the Strasberg line.”
Cox, who often comes under fire for his strong opinions about his co-stars (recently he also made a controversial comment on religion saying the Bible is the “worst book ever”), admitted that he often “upsets” people with his opinionated nature.
“I’ve upset a few people over the years … The problem is, I can be quite a loudmouth,” confessed Cox, before adding, “Sometimes I have been fairly volatile, and I think, ‘Why the f**k did you say that?'”
While he previously criticized Johnny Depp and Steven Seagal as being “overrated”, he added during his recent interview, “But then they probably think they’re overrated as well. So, I’m not saying anything they don’t think anyway."
Brian Cox previously termed Jeremy Strong’s acting to be 'annoying'
In early 2023, the ‘That Christmas’ actor sat for an interview with Town & Country Magazine where he was asked about his views on Jeremy Strong’s commitment to method acting.
The actor, in his characteristic bluntness, responded, “Oh, it’s f**king annoying. Don’t get me going on it," per Variety.
He added, nevertheless, “He’s a very good actor,” before continuing, “And the rest of the ensemble is all okay with this. But knowing a character and what the character does is only part of the skill set.”
“He’s still that guy, because he feels if he went somewhere else he’d lose it,” Cox continued.
“But he won’t! Strong is talented,” noted the actor, before praising his on-screen son, “He’s f**king gifted. When you’ve got the gift, celebrate the gift.”
He also had a piece of advice for Strong, as he added, “Go back to your trailer and have a hit of marijuana, you know?”
During another interview on ‘Late Night With Seth Meyers’ in 2022, Cox added, “[Jeremy] does get obsessed with the work. And I worry about what it does to him, because if you can’t separate yourself — because you’re dealing with all of this material every day. You can’t live in it. Eventually, you get worn out.”
