Jeremy Strong On Delusion, Dreams and Doing What It Takes [Extended Version]
Oct 9, 2024
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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.
Jeremy Strong highlights the ethical complexities of portraying Roy Cohn, emphasizing the need for a deep emotional connection to his character's worldview.
The parallels drawn between Roy Cohn's and Donald Trump's tactics in the film reflect significant ideological influences on contemporary political dynamics.
Deep dives
Jeremy Strong's Role as Roy Cohn
The film features Jeremy Strong portraying Roy Cohn, Donald Trump’s lawyer and mentor, as he guides the young Trump in building his real estate career. Cohn's notorious history, including his ruthless prosecution of the Rosenbergs and his role in the McCarthy hearings, is highlighted to underscore the ethical complexities surrounding his character. Strong emphasizes the need to embody Cohn’s aggressive and unapologetic worldview, which he describes as centered around attacking, denying, and never admitting defeat. His performance reflects a significant interpretation of a character that has impacted many facets of political and social discourse.
Connection Between Trump and Cohn
The narrative explores the deep connections between Roy Cohn's tactics and Donald Trump's behavior, suggesting that Cohn's mentorship instilled a philosophy that shaped Trump's approach to business and politics. Strong remarks that the principles Cohn championed fundamentally influenced Trump, who adopted similar strategies of confrontation and litigation. The examination of how these ideological legacies are mirrored in contemporary political dynamics serves as a poignant commentary on the evolution of American political culture. Strong’s insights underscore the film’s relevance in the current socio-political landscape.
Insights from Playing Historical Figures
Strong discusses the responsibility he feels when portraying real-life historical figures and the balance he maintains between artistic interpretation and factual integrity. He mentions that his approach is driven by an emotional, intuitive connection rather than purely intellectual understanding, which allows him to resonate with the essence of the characters he embodies. Strong’s commitment to authenticity requires extensive preparation and introspection, enabling him to present complex portraits of individuals with challenging moralities. This dedication illustrates the broader challenges actors face when navigating the intersection of biography and performance.
Reflections on Succession and Character Development
Reflecting on his iconic role as Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, Strong reveals the dynamic complexities within the character that attracted him to the role. He articulates the ongoing internal conflicts of Kendall, which echo Strong’s own experiences with adversity and ambition throughout his career. The intense emotional scenes culminated in a significant moment of improvisation in the series' finale, where Kendall's despair led him to an unexpected place. Strong's emphasis on collaboration and shared artistic vision within the cast and crew was vital in creating the compelling narrative and emotional depth of the story.
Best-known for his role as Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, Jeremy Strong now stars 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 some of Kendall's most memorable scenes. Subscribe to Fresh Air's weekly newsletter and get highlights from the show, gems from the archive, and staff recommendations.