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.
55:56
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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