Actor Jeremy Strong Speaks Candidly about the Emotional Toll of Playing Kendall Roy in HBO’s “Succession”
An Intense Journey: Strong’s Experience with “Succession”
In a revealing conversation with The Times of London, Jeremy Strong, who is well known for his dazzling portrayal of Kendall Roy in HBO’s acclaimed series “Succession,” confessed that delving into the complex character for four consecutive seasons took a severe emotional toll on him. His sterling performance was recognized with an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Nonetheless, the intense experience led him to disconnect from joy on occasion, making him reluctant to return to the “Succession” world.
Reflecting on the show, Strong admitted, “The series proved itself to be an invaluable gift, and the role was a veritable feast of rich material that I deeply miss. Yet, carrying Kendall’s weighty struggles for seven long years proved rather challenging. There is so much more to explore and achieve in my career.”
In response to enquires about the potential for a Kendall Roy-focused spinoff series, he shared, “No longer do I find myself desiring to explore that character. It undeniably accounts for one of the major chapters in my life, but I do not find myself longing for it.”
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Life and Art After “Succession”
Since bidding adieu to “Succession,” Strong expressed that he’s experiencing a renewed sense of enjoyment in diving into roles that starkly contrast that of Kendall Roy. He embodied the persona of Roy Cohn in the Donald Trump feature “The Apprentice.” Earlier this year, he expressed to The New York Times Magazine his eagerness to disassociate himself from Kendall swiftly.
“There was a definitive moment when the series concluded where I found myself questioning, ‘Was this it? Was this the event of my lifetime?’ Afterwards, I experienced a fierce resolve to quickly distance myself from it so I could strive to accomplish more,” he acknowledged.
The actor reassured that he doesn’t dwell much on whether he will successfully disassociate himself from Kendall, who will undeniably remain closely tied to his acting career. As chronicled by The New York Times Magazine, a multitude of actors, such as James Gandolfini of “The Sopranos” or Alan Alda from “M*A*S*H,” have faced the challenge of transcending a defining TV role. However, Strong is unperturbed by this potential predicament.
“I eagerly dived into the character of Roy Cohn, partially to help shirk off [‘Succession’],” stated Strong. He then added, “Words cannot adequately emphasize the profound impact Roy Cohn had on our nation, from instigating a culture of reality denial to shaping Donald Trump’s ideological framework. His influence has far-reaching implications — he is by far the most intriguing character I’ve chosen to portray. As an actor, I am tasked with exploring the complexities of the subject matter without forming personal judgments. While I may harbor personal views on Cohn, I set them aside during the creative process.”
For an in-depth read of Strong’s in-depth profile, visit The Times of London’s website.
FAQs
1. How long did Jeremy strong play Kendall Roy in HBO’s “Succession”?
Jeremy Strong played Kendall Roy for four seasons in HBO’s “Succession”.
2. What awards did Jeremy Strong win for his role in “Succession”?
Jeremy Strong won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role as Kendall Roy in “Succession.”
3. What roles has Jeremy Strong played since leaving “Succession”?
Jeremy Strong has played Roy Cohn in the Donald Trump movie, “The Apprentice” since leaving “Succession”.
4. Does Jeremy Strong have an interest in returning to the world of “Succession”?
No, Jeremy Strong has expressed in interviews that he has no interest in returning to the world of “Succession.”
5. What is Strong’s viewpoint regarding distancing himself from Kendall Roy?
Strong has expressed that distancing himself from Kendall Roy is not something he worries much about, as it will always be a major part of his acting career.
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