Daniel Day-Lewis (born 1957) is a highly acclaimed British actor known for his intense method acting and remarkable versatility. With a career spanning over four decades, he has earned critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his roles in “My Left Foot” (1989), “There Will Be Blood” (2007), and “Lincoln” (2012). Renowned for his meticulous preparation and immersive performances, Day-Lewis is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. His dedication to his craft often involves extensive research and deep character embodiment, setting him apart in the world of acting. Despite his success, he is known for being highly selective about his roles and has taken several extended breaks from acting. Day-Lewis’s contributions to cinema have left a lasting impact, cementing his legacy as a master of his art.
Early Life and Background
Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis was born on April 29, 1957, in London, England. He is the second child of Cecil Day-Lewis, a renowned British poet laureate, and Jill Balcon, an actress. Growing up in an artistic and literary family, Daniel was exposed to the world of arts from a young age. His father’s literary achievements and his mother’s acting career undoubtedly influenced his later pursuits in the performing arts.
Day-Lewis attended Sevenoaks School in Kent, a prestigious independent school, but he struggled with the rigid structure and eventually transferred to Bedales, a more progressive school. It was at Bedales where his interest in acting began to flourish. He made his stage debut in a school production of “The Wind in the Willows,” which marked the beginning of his journey in the world of drama.
His teenage years were characterized by a rebellious streak and a struggle to find his place within the academic system. Despite these challenges, his passion for acting grew stronger. He was accepted into the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he honed his craft and began to develop the meticulous approach to acting that would later define his career.
Entry into Acting
After completing his training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Day-Lewis made his professional stage debut in 1979 with the Bristol Old Vic Company. His early stage work showcased his talent and versatility, garnering attention from critics and audiences alike. He quickly transitioned to television and film, making his screen debut in the 1982 film “Gandhi,” where he had a small but memorable role.
His early film roles included appearances in “The Bounty” (1984) and “My Beautiful Laundrette” (1985). The latter film, directed by Stephen Frears, was a critical success and showcased Day-Lewis’s ability to embody complex characters. His performance as Johnny, a working-class punk who enters into a romantic relationship with a Pakistani man, demonstrated his commitment to portraying diverse and challenging roles.
In the same year, Day-Lewis starred in “A Room with a View,” a Merchant Ivory film that further cemented his reputation as a rising star in British cinema. His portrayal of Cecil Vyse, a pretentious and socially awkward character, contrasted sharply with his role in “My Beautiful Laundrette,” highlighting his range and versatility as an actor.
Breakthrough Roles
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a period of significant breakthrough for Day-Lewis. In 1989, he starred in the critically acclaimed film “My Left Foot,” directed by Jim Sheridan. His portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irish writer and artist with cerebral palsy, earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including his first Academy Award for Best Actor. Day-Lewis’s dedication to the role was evident as he learned to paint and write with his left foot, fully immersing himself in the character’s physical and emotional challenges.
Following the success of “My Left Foot,” Day-Lewis continued to choose roles that demanded intense preparation and commitment. In 1992, he starred in Michael Mann’s “The Last of the Mohicans,” where he played the role of Hawkeye, a rugged frontiersman. To prepare for the role, Day-Lewis underwent extensive physical training and adopted the lifestyle of an 18th-century woodsman, showcasing his dedication to authenticity.
In 1993, Day-Lewis reunited with director Jim Sheridan for “In the Name of the Father,” a film based on the true story of Gerry Conlon, a man wrongfully imprisoned for an IRA bombing. His powerful performance earned him another Academy Award nomination and solidified his reputation as one of the most dedicated and talented actors of his generation.
Collaboration with Directors
Throughout his career, Daniel Day-Lewis has formed significant collaborations with renowned directors, which have been instrumental in shaping his career. One of his most notable collaborations has been with director Jim Sheridan, with whom he worked on “My Left Foot,” “In the Name of the Father,” and “The Boxer” (1997). Sheridan’s ability to draw out deeply emotional and nuanced performances from Day-Lewis has resulted in some of the most memorable roles of the actor’s career.
Day-Lewis also formed a strong working relationship with director Martin Scorsese. Their first collaboration was on the 2002 film “Gangs of New York,” where Day-Lewis played the role of Bill “The Butcher” Cutting, a ruthless gang leader. His performance was both terrifying and captivating, earning him another Academy Award nomination. Scorsese and Day-Lewis reunited for “The Age of Innocence” (1993), a film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel, where Day-Lewis’s subtle and restrained performance as Newland Archer showcased his versatility.
Another significant collaboration was with director Paul Thomas Anderson. Day-Lewis starred in Anderson’s 2007 film “There Will Be Blood,” delivering one of the most iconic performances of his career as Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman. His portrayal earned him his second Academy Award for Best Actor. The duo worked together again on “Phantom Thread” (2017), a film set in the fashion world of 1950s London. Day-Lewis’s portrayal of the meticulous and controlling dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock earned him critical acclaim and another Oscar nomination.
Method Acting Approach
Daniel Day-Lewis is renowned for his method acting approach, a technique where the actor fully immerses himself in the character both on and off the set. This dedication to authenticity has become a hallmark of his career, earning him the reputation of being one of the most committed and transformative actors in the industry.
For his role in “My Left Foot,” Day-Lewis spent weeks in a cerebral palsy clinic, learning to live as Christy Brown. He stayed in character throughout the filming process, refusing to leave his wheelchair and requiring crew members to feed him. This level of commitment extended to his physical preparation for roles, such as learning to hunt, skin animals, and build canoes for “The Last of the Mohicans.”
In “Gangs of New York,” Day-Lewis learned the skills of a butcher and maintained his character’s distinct accent even off-camera. For “Lincoln” (2012), where he portrayed President Abraham Lincoln, Day-Lewis spent a year reading about Lincoln and remained in character throughout the shoot, speaking in Lincoln’s voice even when the cameras were not rolling.
His method acting often took a toll on his health and personal life, leading him to take long breaks between films to recuperate and spend time with his family. This meticulous approach has resulted in some of the most powerful and memorable performances in cinema history.
Awards and Recognitions
Daniel Day-Lewis’s career has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. He is the only actor to have won three Academy Awards for Best Actor, a testament to his unparalleled skill and versatility.
His first Academy Award came for his role in “My Left Foot” (1989), where his portrayal of Christy Brown earned him widespread acclaim. This was followed by his second Oscar for “There Will Be Blood” (2007), a performance that has since become iconic in the world of cinema. His third Oscar was for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” (2012), a role that required immense preparation and dedication.
In addition to his Academy Awards, Day-Lewis has received numerous other accolades. He has won four BAFTA Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. His performances have been consistently praised by critics, and he is often cited as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Notable Performances
Throughout his illustrious career, Daniel Day-Lewis has delivered numerous notable performances that have left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. Each role he takes on is marked by his intense preparation and unwavering commitment, resulting in deeply nuanced and powerful portrayals.
In “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), Day-Lewis’s performance as Hawkeye showcased his physicality and ability to embody a character from a different era. His dedication to the role included learning survival skills and adopting the lifestyle of an 18th-century woodsman, adding a layer of authenticity to his performance.
In “In the Name of the Father” (1993), Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Gerry Conlon, a man wrongfully imprisoned for an IRA bombing, was both heartbreaking and powerful. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and demonstrated his ability to convey deep emotional pain and resilience.
Day-Lewis’s role as Daniel Plainview in “There Will Be Blood” (2007) is often regarded as one of the greatest performances in film history. His portrayal of the ruthless oilman was intense and mesmerizing, capturing the character’s ambition and moral decay. The performance earned him numerous awards and solidified his status as a master of his craft.
Personal Life
Daniel Day-Lewis is known for his intensely private nature, often shying away from the public eye and maintaining a low profile. He married Rebecca Miller, the daughter of playwright Arthur Miller, in 1996. The couple has three children: Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, Ronan Cal Day-Lewis, and Cashel Blake Day-Lewis. They reside in County Wicklow, Ireland, where Day-Lewis finds solace away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Day-Lewis’s personal life is characterized by his dedication to his family and his love for craftsmanship. Outside of acting, he has a passion for woodworking and shoemaking, having apprenticed as a cobbler in Italy during one of his breaks from acting. This commitment to craft and attention to detail mirrors his approach to acting, where he immerses himself fully in the process.
He is known for his meticulous preparation and the long gaps between his film roles, allowing him to fully disconnect from the intense demands of method acting. This approach has helped him maintain a sense of balance and privacy, despite his status as one of the most celebrated actors in the industry.
Retirement and Legacy
In 2017, Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting following the release of “Phantom Thread,” his final collaboration with director Paul Thomas Anderson. The announcement was met with widespread surprise and sadness from fans and colleagues alike, marking the end of an era for one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Day-Lewis’s legacy in the world of cinema is profound. His commitment to his craft and his ability to disappear into his roles have set a high standard for actors worldwide. His performances in films like “My Left Foot,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “Lincoln” are considered some of the finest in film history, showcasing his extraordinary range and depth as an actor.
Despite his retirement, Day-Lewis’s influence on the acting world continues to be felt. He has inspired a generation of actors to embrace method acting and to approach their craft with the same level of dedication and passion. His legacy is one of excellence, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.