Daniel Day-Lewis, British-Irish actor

Sir Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis, born on April 29, 1957, is an English actor who, in 2017, announced his retirement from what many consider to be one of the most distinguished and intensely dedicated careers in modern cinema. He is widely regarded as one of the preeminent actors of his generation, if not in the history of film, a reputation built on his extraordinary commitment to his craft and his unparalleled achievements. Throughout a career spanning over four decades, Day-Lewis garnered numerous accolades, prominently including three Academy Awards for Best Actor. This remarkable feat makes him the first and only actor to achieve three wins in that specific category, and places him among an elite group as the third male actor to secure three competitive Academy Awards for acting and the sixth performer overall. His trophy cabinet also boasts two Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four British Academy Film Awards, underscoring the consistent critical acclaim he received. In recognition of his profound contributions to drama, Day-Lewis was formally knighted in 2014, an honor that further cemented his status within British culture and the global arts scene.

Born and raised amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of London, Day-Lewis embarked on his artistic journey early, showcasing his nascent talent on stage with the prestigious National Youth Theatre. This early experience paved the way for his acceptance into the equally esteemed Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he honed his skills for three formative years. While his training at the Bristol Old Vic was rooted in traditional theatrical techniques, Day-Lewis distinguished himself by developing a unique approach to his roles, becoming famously associated with method acting. This involved an unwavering devotion to and exhaustive research of his characters, often delving into their lives with an immersive intensity that blurred the lines between actor and role. Possessing what has often been described as a "mercurial intensity," he was known for remaining entirely in character throughout the entire shooting schedule of his films, a practice that, while legendary for its results, sometimes verged on adversely affecting his own health due to the psychological and physical demands it entailed.

His profound dedication extended beyond the set, manifesting in an extreme selectivity that made him one of the most discerning actors in the film industry. After 1998, he starred in merely six films, often allowing as many as five years to pass between roles, a testament to the immense preparation and immersion each part demanded. This deliberate scarcity only amplified the anticipation for his performances and underscored the exceptional quality of his chosen projects. Complementing his professional intensity, Day-Lewis also meticulously guarded his private life, a choice that further contributed to his enigmatic persona. He rarely granted interviews and made very few public appearances, preferring to let his work speak for itself while maintaining a degree of personal privacy that is uncommon for a star of his magnitude.

A Career Defined by Selectivity and Transformation

The early 1980s saw Day-Lewis fluidly shifting between the worlds of theatre and film, further refining his craft on both stages. He joined the venerable Royal Shakespeare Company, where he took on classical roles such as Romeo Montague in "Romeo and Juliet" and Flute in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." His theatrical journey culminated in a now-legendary performance in the title role of "Hamlet" at the National Theatre in London in 1989. During a pivotal scene where the ghost of Hamlet's father appears, Day-Lewis famously broke down midway through the performance, leading him to leave the stage. This deeply personal and dramatic moment marked his last appearance on the stage, adding another layer to the mystique surrounding his profound connection to his characters.

His cinematic career began with an appearance in "The Bounty" in 1984, but it was his subsequent performances that truly captured critical attention. He delivered compelling portrayals in Stephen Frears' "My Beautiful Laundrette" (1985), a groundbreaking film exploring race and sexuality in Thatcher's Britain, and James Ivory's beautifully crafted period piece "A Room with a View" (1986). These early roles showcased his remarkable versatility and range, allowing him to transition from the raw, contemporary intensity of "Laundrette" to the refined, nuanced charm of "A Room with a View." He then ascended to leading man status with Philip Kaufman's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" (1988), a complex adaptation of Milan Kundera's novel, further cementing his reputation as a serious and captivating performer.

Oscar Triumphs and Iconic Portrayals

The late 1980s and early 1990s brought him significant acclaim and his first major awards. For his transformative portrayal of Christy Brown, the Irish artist afflicted with cerebral palsy, in "My Left Foot" (1989), Day-Lewis earned both his first Academy Award and British Academy Film Award for Best Actor. He continued to captivate audiences with powerful performances in Michael Mann's epic historical war film "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992), where he embodied a rugged, romantic hero; Jim Sheridan's powerful courtroom drama "In the Name of the Father" (1993), based on a true story of injustice; and Martin Scorsese's exquisite period romance "The Age of Innocence" (1993), demonstrating his ability to inhabit vastly different worlds and characters with equal conviction.

Following his intense performance in "The Boxer" (1997), Day-Lewis made another characteristic decision, retiring from acting for three years. During this period, he famously embraced a completely different profession, taking up an apprenticeship as a shoe-maker in Italy, a choice that underscored his need for profound, authentic experiences and a temporary respite from the demands of his craft. He eventually returned to the screen in 2000, reuniting with director Martin Scorsese for the critically acclaimed historical crime film "Gangs of New York" (2002). His portrayal of the terrifying Bill "The Butcher" Cutting earned him another British Academy Film Award and an Academy Award nomination, marking a triumphant return to form.

His second Academy Award and British Academy Film Award for Best Actor came for his unforgettable performance as the ruthless oilman Daniel Plainview in Paul Thomas Anderson's harrowing period drama "There Will Be Blood" (2007). Five years later, he achieved the unprecedented third Best Actor Oscar and another British Academy Film Award for his nuanced and deeply transformative portrayal of the 16th U.S. President in Steven Spielberg's biographical drama "Lincoln" (2012). After a decade, Day-Lewis once again collaborated with Paul Thomas Anderson for "Phantom Thread" (2017), a captivating drama set in the world of 1950s haute couture, for which he received yet another Academy Award nomination. It was following the completion of this film that he formally announced his retirement from acting, drawing a definitive close to a career marked by unparalleled commitment, selective excellence, and a unique ability to utterly embody his characters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Daniel Day-Lewis

When did Daniel Day-Lewis retire from acting?
Sir Daniel Day-Lewis officially announced his retirement from acting following the completion of his final film, "Phantom Thread," which was released in 2017.
How many Academy Awards (Oscars) did Daniel Day-Lewis win?
Daniel Day-Lewis won three Academy Awards for Best Actor. He is the first and only actor to achieve three wins in this category.
What roles earned Daniel Day-Lewis his Academy Awards?
He won for his performances in "My Left Foot" (1989), "There Will Be Blood" (2007), and "Lincoln" (2012).
Is Daniel Day-Lewis considered a method actor?
Yes, he is famously known as one of the most prominent practitioners of method acting, renowned for his deep immersion into his characters and extensive research for each role.
What was Daniel Day-Lewis's last film?
His final film before retiring was "Phantom Thread" (2017), directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
Did Daniel Day-Lewis ever act on stage?
Yes, he had a significant stage career in the early 1980s, including roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. However, his last stage appearance was in "Hamlet" in 1989.
What happened during Daniel Day-Lewis's last stage performance?
During a performance of "Hamlet" at the National Theatre in London in 1989, he reportedly broke down midway through a scene where the ghost of Hamlet's father appears, leading him to leave the stage and marking his final theatrical appearance.
Is it true that Daniel Day-Lewis became a shoemaker?
Yes, after filming "The Boxer" in 1997, he took a three-year hiatus from acting and apprenticed as a shoemaker in Italy, a testament to his desire for new, authentic experiences outside of acting.