British actor Daniel Day-Lewis, a celebrated three-time Academy Award winner, is renowned for his powerful performances in films like My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln. He made his acting debut in the 1971 film Sunday Bloody Sunday. Day-Lewis is particularly famous for his intense dedication to method acting, immersing himself deeply in his roles.
He is married to filmmaker Rebecca Miller, the daughter of acclaimed photographer Inge Morath and legendary playwright Arthur Miller. In 2014, he received a knighthood for his contributions to film. Although he announced his retirement from acting in June 2017, he is set to make a comeback in a new movie, Anemone, directed by his son, Ronan.
Quick Facts About Daniel Day-Lewis
| Full Name | Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis |
| Born | April 29, 1957 |
| Nationality | British |
| Awards | Three Academy Awards |
| Notable Films | My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, Lincoln |
| Film Debut | Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971) |
| Acting Style | Method Acting |
| Spouse | Rebecca Miller |
| Parents | Sir Daniel Day-Lewis and Jill Balcon |
| Knighthood | Knighted in 2014 |
| Retirement Announcement | June 2017 |
| Upcoming Film | Anemone (Directed by Ronan Day-Lewis) |
Young Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis was born on April 29, 1957, into a prosperous and creative family in London. His father, Cecil Day-Lewis, was a renowned writer who served as England’s poet laureate during the final four years of his life. His mother, Jill Balcon, was a talented actress, further enriching the family’s artistic background.
Daniel’s unruly behavior at a public school in South London led his parents to move him to a prestigious private institution in Kent, known as Sevenoaks School. However, his academic performance didn’t show significant improvement there either.
Despite facing challenges in school, Daniel displayed a wealth of other talents. He shared the Balcon family’s passion for the arts but initially felt a stronger connection to hands-on, working-class activities rather than acting. As a teenager, he developed a fascination with woodworking and craftsmanship, choosing to focus on these practical skills instead of pursuing a career in drama.
Eventually, he recognized his true calling and applied to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After being accepted, he fully dedicated himself to mastering the craft of acting, diving deep into the world of theater, and honing his skills.
Film Career and Awards
After completing his training at the Bristol Old Vic and making several stage appearances, Daniel Day-Lewis secured a minor role in Gandhi (1982). He continued to feature in both films and plays over the years, gradually establishing himself as one of the most talented actors in the industry.
Daniel Day-Lewis approached acting with the same commitment he applied to woodworking, fully immersing himself in each character. He explained his preparation style, stating, “I don’t rehearse at all in the film if I can help it.
First Oscar for My Left Foot
During the early 1980s, Daniel Day-Lewis navigated both theater and film. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and shared the screen with renowned actors Anthony Hopkins and Laurence Olivier in the 1984 film The Bounty.
In 1986, Day-Lewis’s career began to flourish with his celebrated performance in A Room with a View. He landed his first leading role in 1987, starring alongside Juliette Binoche in The Unbearable Lightness of Being, adapted from Milan Kundera’s novel. To prepare, he learned Czech and remained in character throughout the eight-month filming process.
Day-Lewis won his first Academy Award for his role as Christy Brown in My Left Foot (1989). He fully committed to the character, staying in a wheelchair even when off-camera, which required crew assistance and resulted in him injuring two ribs while portraying his character’s paralysis. His dedication was rewarded with an Oscar and a BAFTA Award for Best Actor, among numerous accolades.
Following this triumph, Day-Lewis took a hiatus from Hollywood, returning to the stage for several years. He made his film comeback in 1992 with Last of the Mohicans, earning his second Academy Award nomination for his role in In the Name of the Father (1993). His subsequent films, The Age of Innocence (1993) and The Crucible (1996), were successful period dramas.
After filming The Boxer in 1997, Day-Lewis unexpectedly relocated to Italy to apprentice with a shoemaker, effectively retreating from the limelight.
In 2002, he returned to acting with a highly praised performance as Bill the Butcher in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York. This role garnered him another Oscar nomination and another BAFTA Award for Best Actor.
Achievements in There Will Be Blood and Lincoln
Daniel Day-Lewis showcased his remarkable talent in the 2007 film There Will Be Blood. The lengthy fundraising process provided him with two years to prepare for his role as an 1880s prospector. He stated, “I like to learn about things,” emphasizing his commitment to the role. This dedication earned him another Academy Award for Best Actor, which he humorously acknowledged in his 2008 acceptance speech.
In 2009, he starred in Nine, directed by Rob Marshall, garnering critical acclaim. Day-Lewis then tackled the iconic role of Abraham Lincoln in Spielberg’s 2012 biopic Lincoln, featuring Sally Field and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. His powerful portrayal earned him a third Oscar for Best Actor, making him the first actor to achieve this impressive honor.
Retirement and Return to the Screen
In 2014, Daniel Day-Lewis was knighted by Prince William for his outstanding contributions to drama. However, in June 2017, he shocked fans by announcing his retirement from acting. A spokeswoman stated, “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor,” expressing gratitude to his collaborators and audiences. His last film, Phantom Thread, was released on December 25, 2017, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
As the film premiered, Day-Lewis received several nominations, including Golden Globe and Oscar nods. He reflected on his retirement, stating he didn’t know it would be his final project. Day-Lewis and Anderson were surprised by the sadness they felt after completing the film.
In the years that followed, he rarely made public appearances but attended the National Board of Review Awards in January 2024. In October 2024, it was revealed that he would return to acting in Anemone, a film he co-wrote and stars in, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
Family Life: Wife and Children
Daniel Day-Lewis met Rebecca Miller while filming The Crucible, and the couple married on November 13, 1996. Rebecca, the daughter of renowned playwright Arthur Miller, sparked a romance that flourished into a lasting partnership.
Together, they have two children: Ronan Day-Lewis and Cashel Day-Lewis. Additionally, Daniel has a son, Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, from his earlier relationship with French actress Isabelle Adjani.
Ronan is not only involved in writing and filmmaking but is also a talented painter. His solo exhibition premiered in October 2024 in Hong Kong, showcasing his artistic vision. Meanwhile, Cashel is pursuing a career in music as a composer and musician, specializing in the Irish fiddle. The family shares a passion for the arts, each contributing their unique talents to the creative world.
Daniel Day-Lewis Net Worth
As of September 2024, Daniel Day-Lewis’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This wealth reflects his successful career as one of the most acclaimed actors in the film industry.
What awards has Daniel Day-Lewis won?
Daniel Day-Lewis has won three Academy Awards for Best Actor for My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln.
What is Daniel Day-Lewis’s net worth?
As of September 2024, Daniel Day-Lewis’s net worth is to be around $40 million, reflecting his successful acting career.
What was Daniel Day-Lewis like as a young actor?
As a young actor, Daniel Day-Lewis was famous for his dedication to method acting and impressive performances.
What is Daniel Day-Lewis doing now?
Daniel Day-Lewis is preparing to return to acting in Anemone, a film he co-wrote and stars in, directed by his son Ronan.
What are Daniel Day-Lewis’s best movies?
Some of Daniel Day-Lewis’s best movies include My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, Lincoln, The Last of the Mohicans, and Gangs of New York.
How old is Daniel Day-Lewis?
Daniel Day-Lewis was born on April 29, 1957, making him 67 years old as of now.
What is Daniel Day-Lewis up to in 2024?
In 2024, Daniel Day-Lewis is set to return to the screen in Anemone. Directed by his son Ronan, marking his comeback after retirement.