Brian Cox's Background and Career

Brian Cox, the distinguished actor renowned for his role as the fierce and foul-mouthed Logan Roy in HBO's hit series Succession, has recently opened up about the complexities of fame, the challenges of acting, and his controversial views on fellow actors like Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Strong.

Before the explosive success of Succession, Cox lived a relatively quiet life, recognized as a talented but lesser-known figure in the acting world. Raised in Scotland under difficult circumstances—his father passed away when Cox was a child, and his mother struggled with mental health issues—Cox found solace in the theatre, starting off as a stagehand. His early experiences fueled a career spanning over six decades, yielding memorable roles in both film and stage.

Recent Projects

Following Succession, Cox has landed another prominent role, voicing the powerful king of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, which serves as an anime prequel to Peter Jackson’s iconic film series. His casting is attributed to his commanding stage presence, particularly his acclaimed performance in Titus Andronicus during the 1980s.

The Challenges of Fame

Fame, however, comes with its drawbacks. Cox recounted realizing his own celebrity status during a performance of The Great Society at Lincoln Center in 2019 when he was approached by fans asking him to tell them to "f*** off" for their social media stories. "It was a surreal moment," Cox reflected. "I thrived on anonymity, and losing that is tough."

Views on Cancel Culture

Cox's career has not been without controversy. When discussing cancel culture, he acknowledged his own temperamental moments on set, urging for more understanding in the industry. He expressed concern about how spontaneity has become a rarity in today's climate, attributing this shift to the heightened scrutiny that actors face.

Support for Kevin Spacey

Addressing the contentious topic of Kevin Spacey, with whom he worked in the 1994 film Iron Will, Cox has now voiced a more supportive stance. He noted, "Kevin has faced his demons, and I believe he has paid a price. He deserves a chance to return to work." This forward-thinking perspective comes amidst ongoing debates about accountability versus redemption in Hollywood.

Comments on Jeremy Strong

Cox also shared his thoughts on fellow actor Jeremy Strong, whose intense acting methods have sparked discussions among critics and fans alike. After a profile highlighting Strong’s process went viral, Cox found it important to maintain professionalism on set. "We just got on with our job," Cox stated. He acknowledged that every actor has their unique approach, highlighting that Strong's preparation mirrors that of method actors like Daniel Day-Lewis.

Critique of the Oscars

The evolution of the film industry and the Oscars is another subject that Cox passionately critiques. He denounced the awards as "absolute nonsense," suggesting that the evaluation of films often overlooks significant work released outside the so-called "Oscar season." Despite his own acclaimed performances, including one in Churchill, which came in the same year as Gary Oldman's Oscar-winning portrayal, Cox remains candid about the arbitrary nature of such accolades.

Conclusion

As he continues to navigate the spotlight and claim his space in Hollywood, Cox remains an unfiltered voice for the industry's need for change, creativity, and understanding beyond the awards shows. With his combination of humor and insight, he certainly leaves fans and industry peers eager to hear what he will tackle next.