Jeremy Strong Addresses Co-Stars' Discomfort with His Method Acting

Jeremy Strong has responded to colleagues who have expressed discomfort with his method acting approach, stating that he does not believe he needs to apologize for his dedication to his craft. The actor, known for his role as Kendall Roy in HBO's 'Succession,' explained that his commitment is always in service of the material.

Method acting is a technique where performers fully embody their characters both on and off screen. This approach has been adopted by many acclaimed actors, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, Christian Bale, and Heath Ledger.

In an interview on the New Yorker Radio Hour podcast, Strong, 47, addressed the criticisms. "If some people feel that I'm taking it too seriously, or it changes the molecules in the room in a way that makes something uncomfortable, I guess that's something that I don't feel that I need to apologize for," he said. "I believe, and I think the directors that I work with all believe, that it's in service of the material, and I personally think that a lot of the reactions to it are of a personal nature."

Strong clarified that his intention is never to disrupt anyone else's experience or working style, adhering to a principle of "First, do no harm, right? But commit to f**king what you're doing, and utterly."

His portrayal of Kendall Roy in 'Succession,' which concluded in 2023 after four seasons, led to public comments from co-stars. Brian Cox, who played patriarch Logan Roy, described Strong's method as "f***ing annoying." Cox, 80, previously told Town & Country magazine that while he praised Strong's talent, he believed actors should "celebrate" their gift rather than staying in character constantly.

Kieran Culkin, who played Strong's on-screen brother Roman Roy, also voiced criticism, particularly taking issue with Strong referring to himself as a "storyteller." In a conversation with Variety, Culkin stated, "I object to when actors call themselves 'storytellers.' I don't really like that. Sorry, Jeremy."

Culkin elaborated that he doesn't consider his role to be telling the story, but rather assisting the writer. "He's telling the story. We're all helping him. So that note you got — if you're aware of the story you're trying to tell, and you're trying to tell the story in the scene, that's not really your job."

Earlier in the fall of 2024, Strong reflected on his time playing Kendall Roy in an interview with The Sunday Times, admitting that the role had a significant impact on his life and mental health, and that he "sometimes lost touch with joy."

"It f***ed me up," he stated, adding that he doesn't miss the role, despite acknowledging the show as an "incalculable gift." He also confirmed he has no desire to return for a spin-off, viewing it as a closed chapter.

Strong is next set to appear as Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin's legal thriller 'The Social Reckoning,' scheduled for release on October 9.