Jeremy Strong is not backing away from the acting method that has drawn criticism from fellow performers. The Succession alum still believes in going all-in on a role, even when that commitment changes the atmosphere around him or makes others uncomfortable.
The Succession star defends his intense acting process amid years of criticism
Jeremy Strong discussed the issue on the Oct. 2 episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour. He said he never wants his process to interfere with another actor’s work. The Succession actor follows one simple ruler that states, “First, do no harm,” then commit fully to “what you’re doing, and utterly.”
That mindset now follows him into Social Reckoning, where he plays Mark Zuckerberg. Strong said his priority remains serving the project completely. If that seriousness changes the mood on set, he does not believe he owes an apology for taking the work seriously.
“I’m just there to commit utterly…If some people feel that I’m taking it too seriously, or it changes the molecules in the room…I guess that’s something that I don’t feel that I need to apologize for,” he said.
Brian Cox has offered one of the sharpest criticisms. The Succession star told Town & Country in February 2023 that Strong’s method could be “f—ing annoying,” even as he called him “gifted.” Cox argued that Strong should leave Kendall Roy behind when filming ends and said he worried about the effect the process might have on him.
Strong did not turn Cox’s remarks into a public battle. Speaking to GQ in February 2023, he said Cox had “earned the right” to say whatever he wanted and saw no need for “damage control.” He described their Succession bond as familial, saying people can love one another without always liking each other.
Strong also distinguishes his process from those of other actors. He said some reactions to his approach feel personal, while he and the directors he works with see his intensity as part of “serving the material.”
