Fresh Air Jeremy Strong On Delusion, Dreams and Doing What It Takes [Extended Version]
Oct 9, 2024
Jeremy Strong, acclaimed for his Emmy-winning role as Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, shares insights on his portrayal of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice. He discusses the challenges of playing morally ambiguous characters and highlights the emotional intensity behind iconic scenes. Strong reflects on how his upbringing influences his acting and improvisation. The conversation also explores the intricate relationship between Cohn and Trump, shedding light on power dynamics and the complexities of their connection.
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First Meeting
- Jeremy Strong describes a scene from "The Apprentice" where Roy Cohn and Donald Trump first meet.
- Cohn, amidst mobsters, assesses Trump's legal trouble and offers aggressive, and potentially unlawful, advice.
Portraying Historical Figures
- Strong emphasizes the importance of capturing historical figures' essence beyond intellectual understanding.
- He aims for emotional, intuitive, and visceral accuracy in his portrayals.
Playing Despicable Characters
- Actors must leave judgment at the door when portraying morally complex characters.
- Focus on understanding the character's motivations and fighting their fight authentically.
