Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Kendall Roy in the HBO series Succession has garnered both critical acclaim and controversy due to his immersive approach to acting, often referred to as method acting. This technique, which involves staying in character even when off-camera, has generated mixed reactions from his costars and the public alike. A 2021 New Yorker profile brought Strong’s method acting into the spotlight, sparking a debate about the boundaries of artistic commitment and its impact on collaborative work environments. While some lauded his dedication, others questioned the necessity and potential disruptions it caused on set. The profile painted a picture of an actor deeply invested in his craft, blurring the lines between himself and his character, Kendall, the troubled and ambitious heir to a media empire. This intense commitment raised questions about the potential challenges of working with an actor so fully immersed in their role.
The New Yorker article ignited a discussion about the practicality and potential pitfalls of method acting. While the profile highlighted Strong’s unwavering dedication to embodying Kendall Roy’s complexities, it also revealed concerns from his Succession costars regarding his on-set behavior. Some expressed discomfort with his constant immersion in character, suggesting it created a challenging atmosphere and potentially hindered collaborative efforts. Brian Cox, who plays Logan Roy, the family patriarch, publicly expressed reservations about Strong’s acting style, cautioning against the potential dangers of over-identification with a role. Kieran Culkin, who plays Kendall’s younger brother Roman, also weighed in, characterizing Strong’s methods as sometimes disruptive. These comments underscored a tension between traditional acting approaches and Strong’s more immersive style, raising questions about how different acting methodologies can coexist within a shared creative space.
Strong himself responded to the ensuing discourse, expressing disappointment with the portrayal of his process in the New Yorker piece. He characterized the article as a "betrayal" and claimed it presented his approach out of context. He defended his commitment to method acting, emphasizing its importance in accessing the emotional depths of his character. He argued that the "necessary roughness" sometimes associated with his process was essential for achieving the level of authenticity he sought for Kendall Roy. While acknowledging the potential for friction with his colleagues, he maintained that a foundation of respect and even love underpins the cast’s relationships. He attempted to reframe the narrative, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the Succession set despite the differing opinions on acting techniques.
The controversy surrounding Strong’s method acting brought to the forefront a larger conversation about the nature of acting itself. The debate extended beyond the specifics of Succession to encompass broader questions about the relationship between actor and character, the boundaries of artistic expression, and the impact of individual choices on collaborative projects. It sparked discussions about the responsibilities actors have to their colleagues and the potential for extreme dedication to a role to affect the overall work environment. The differing perspectives within the Succession cast served as a microcosm of the wider debate within the acting community regarding method acting’s value and potential drawbacks.
The public reaction to the New Yorker profile and the subsequent comments from Strong and his costars was varied. Some viewers praised Strong’s dedication, viewing his method acting as a testament to his commitment to his craft and a key factor in the show’s success. Others were more critical, arguing that his intense approach could be seen as self-indulgent and potentially detrimental to the collaborative spirit of a television production. The discourse surrounding Strong’s acting style highlighted the subjective nature of artistic interpretation and the challenges of balancing individual artistic expression with the demands of a collaborative environment. The controversy underscored the complex and often nuanced relationship between actors, their characters, and the audiences who interpret their performances.
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding Jeremy Strong’s method acting highlights the complexities of artistic collaboration and the varying approaches to character development. While his commitment to deep immersion generated controversy, it also undeniably contributed to the compelling portrayal of Kendall Roy, a character whose internal struggles are central to the narrative of Succession. The debate surrounding his methods serves as a reminder that the creative process is often multifaceted and can involve tensions between individual artistic choices and the collaborative nature of storytelling. The controversy also underscores the ongoing evolution of acting techniques and the diverse perspectives on what constitutes effective and respectful practices within the industry.
