Daniel Day-Lewis is often regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. Known for his extraordinary talent, commitment to roles, and method acting, Day-Lewis has left an indelible mark on cinema. Throughout his career, he garnered numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards for Best Actor, making him the only actor to achieve this feat in that category. His ability to immerse himself completely into each character sets him apart from his peers.
Early Life and Background
Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis was born on April 29, 1957, in London, England. He comes from a family steeped in creativity—his father, Cecil Day-Lewis, was the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, and his mother, Jill Balcon, was an actress. Growing up in this artistic environment undoubtedly influenced his career path. However, Daniel’s journey to stardom wasn’t linear, as he initially struggled with deciding whether to pursue acting or follow a more traditional career route.
His rebellious childhood, filled with experiences of minor troublemaking, set the stage for his intense, emotion-driven performances in later years. Despite his early hesitance, Daniel Day-Lewis enrolled in the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he honed his craft and laid the foundation for his future success.
The Start of His Acting Career
Day-Lewis’ early work began in the world of theater, where he developed his skills in a wide range of roles. His first significant film appearance came in 1982 with a minor role in the epic historical drama Gandhi. Although it was a small part, it was the first step on his path to greater recognition.
By the mid-1980s, Day-Lewis was gaining more attention with standout performances in films like My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) and A Room with a View (1985). These films demonstrated his versatility as an actor, as he portrayed characters with vastly different backgrounds and personalities. His ability to seamlessly switch between roles, both physically and emotionally, became a hallmark of his career.
Breakthrough Performances
It was My Beautiful Laundrette that brought Daniel Day-Lewis into the spotlight. Playing a punk in a multicultural Britain, he embodied the character’s complexities with incredible nuance. Released in the same year as A Room with a View, where he played an upper-class snob, Day-Lewis showcased his remarkable range by excelling in two completely different roles.
Commitment to Method Acting
Daniel Day-Lewis is renowned for his method acting—a technique where actors immerse themselves deeply into their roles, often living as the character would in real life. His dedication to this craft has set him apart, as he often goes to extreme lengths to prepare for his roles. In My Left Foot (1989), for instance, he portrayed Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy. Day-Lewis remained in a wheelchair throughout the filming process, even off-camera, to fully understand his character’s physical challenges.
His method acting didn’t stop there. For The Last of the Mohicans (1992), he spent months learning survival skills in the wilderness to accurately portray his character. This unparalleled commitment has earned him both admiration and criticism.
Daniel Day-Lewis’ Academy Awards
Daniel Day-Lewis has the rare distinction of winning three Academy Awards for Best Actor. His first Oscar came in 1989 for his portrayal of Christy Brown in My Left Foot. His second was for his role as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood (2007), a dark, gripping performance that many consider one of the finest in film history. Day-Lewis’ third Oscar was for his portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln (2012), where he once again demonstrated his ability to fully inhabit the character he was playing.
Iconic Roles
Some of Daniel Day-Lewis’ most iconic roles include:
- There Will Be Blood: Playing the ambitious and ruthless oilman Daniel Plainview, Day-Lewis delivered a powerhouse performance that solidified his place in cinema history.
- Lincoln: His portrayal of Abraham Lincoln was lauded for its depth and emotional complexity.
- Gangs of New York: As Bill the Butcher, Day-Lewis commanded the screen with an intensity that perfectly matched the character’s brutal nature.