Jeremy Strong, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor known for his roles in 'Succession' and 'The Apprentice,' dives deep into the complexities of embodying morally ambiguous characters. He shares insights on portraying the controversial Roy Cohn and his powerful performance as Kendall Roy. Strong reflects on his challenging upbringing and how acting became an escape. He discusses the responsibility of representing truth while navigating personal emotional depth in his craft, illustrating the interplay between ambition, morality, and genesis of character.
Jeremy Strong's portrayal of Roy Cohn reveals the character's complex duality as a ruthless mentor whom Trump idolized while simultaneously being a victim of his own identities.
Strong emphasizes the importance of instinct and collaboration in his performances, showcasing how genuine emotion enhances the authenticity of his roles in both The Apprentice and Succession.
Deep dives
Jeremy Strong's Role as Roy Cohn
Jeremy Strong portrays Roy Cohn in the film The Apprentice, representing the infamous lawyer during a critical phase of young Donald Trump's career. Cohn, known for his ruthlessness and connections, is depicted as a mentor who instills in Trump a playbook of confrontational tactics. Strong emphasizes how Cohn embodies principles such as always attacking and denying defeat, which he describes as fundamental to the character's DNA. The role has garnered Strong recognition, including a Golden Globe nomination, highlighting the complexity of Cohn's character as both a mentor and a flawed individual.
The Complexity of Cohn's Legacy
Cohn's historical significance is multifaceted, having been involved in controversial legal battles, such as the Rosenberg execution and the McCarthy anti-communist hearings. His legacy is further complicated by his role in the anti-gay movement, despite being a closeted gay man who succumbed to AIDS. Strong reflects on the duality of Cohn's identity as seen in his portrayal, capturing the essence of someone who was both a bully and a victim. This complexity is encapsulated in Strong's performance, which resonates with the themes of power and vulnerability.
Connecting Past Roles to Current Realities
Strong’s discussion of his character in The Apprentice inevitably brings comparisons to his role as Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, as both characters navigate morally ambiguous landscapes. He notes the emotional resonance of Kendall's struggles, deeply connected to his own experiences of feeling thwarted in his career. Strong's ability to embody such contradictions allows him to reflect on the similarities between the dynamics of power in both roles and today's realities in politics and business. This exploration underscores how acting can serve as a medium for understanding and critiquing contemporary societal issues.
The Collaborative Nature of Acting
Throughout the conversation, Strong emphasizes the collaborative aspect of filmmaking, particularly in the creative process of developing his characters. He shares insights about trusting his instincts during performances, including his improvisational moments on set, which enhance authenticity. Strong's dedication to embodying complex characters speaks to his commitment to the craft, noting that genuine emotion drives his performances rather than premeditated choices. This approach aligns with a belief that true connection in acting stems from instinctive creativity and collaboration with directors and fellow actors.
Jeremy Strong is nominated for a Golden Globe for his role as lawyer and political hitman Roy Cohn in The Apprentice. The movie, he says, "explores essentially how Trump was made, and his philosophical moral framework." Strong talks with Terry Gross about playing Cohn and about playing Kendall Roy on HBO's Succession.