British actor Daniel Day-Lewis is a celebrated figure in cinema having won three Academy Awards. He is recognized for his outstanding roles in films like My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln, which centers on Abraham Lincoln. Day-Lewis made his acting debut in the 1971 film Sunday Bloody Sunday. He is well-regarded for his commitment to method acting.
He is married to filmmaker Rebecca Miller, the daughter of Inge Morath and playwright Arthur Miller. In 2014, he received a knighthood. After retiring in 2017, he is set to return to the big screen in a film titled Anemone, directed by his son, Ronan.
Daniel Day-Lewis Early Life
Daniel Day-Lewis was born in London on April 29, 1957, to a creative and affluent family. His father, Cecil Day-Lewis, was a writer and poet laureate, while his mother, Jill Balcon, was an actress.
His misbehavior at a public school in South London led his parents to enroll him in Sevenoaks, a private school in Kent. Unfortunately, he continued to struggle academically there.
Despite his challenges in school, Daniel had a variety of talents. While he shared his family’s love for acting, he initially focused on woodworking and craftsmanship during his teenage years.
Eventually, Daniel applied to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he dedicated himself fully to acting.
Movies and Oscars
- Gandhi (1982)
- My Left Foot
- There Will Be Blood
- Lincoln
After his time at the Bristol Old Vic, Daniel Day-Lewis secured a minor role in the film Gandhi in 1982. Over the years, he appeared in numerous films and stage productions, honing his skills and becoming an exceptional actor.
Day-Lewis approached acting with the same passion he had for woodworking. He adopted method acting, immersing himself deeply into his characters. He once shared that he prefers not to rehearse, as he believes that defining a character too much can limit its depth.
Unlike many leading actors, Day-Lewis is known for taking significant breaks between projects. He explained, “I can’t perform unless I work at my own pace. It was about pausing and giving myself the time I need.”
Daniel Retirement and Return to Acting
In 2014, Daniel Day-Lewis was knighted by Prince William for his contributions to drama. In June 2017, he announced his retirement, surprising many. His spokesperson said he would no longer act and expressed gratitude to his fans and colleagues.
His last film was Phantom Thread, released on December 25, 2017. Before receiving awards nominations, Day-Lewis noted he hadn’t planned to retire during filming but felt a deep sadness.
Day-Lewis had considered quitting for a while, which explained his long breaks. He had interests like woodworking but felt uncertain about leaving acting behind. He stated that it was hard to step away after so many years.
After a few quiet years, he appeared at the National Board of Review Awards in January 2024, sparking rumors of a new project with Martin Scorsese. In October, it was announced that he would co-write and star in Anemone, directed by his son Ronan, with no release date set yet.
Family Life
Daniel Day-Lewis met Rebecca Miller while working on The Crucible. They started dating and got married on November 13, 1996. Rebecca is the daughter of the famous playwright Arthur Miller.
The couple has two children: Ronan and Cashel Day-Lewis. Daniel also has a son, Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, from a previous relationship with French actress Isabelle Adjani.
Ronan has pursued painting and held his first solo art exhibition in Hong Kong in October 2024. Cashel is a musician who plays the Irish fiddle and composes music.
Net Worth
As of September 2024, Daniel Day-Lewis has an estimated net worth of around $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
FAQs
What are Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscars?
Daniel Day-Lewis has won three Oscars 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 has an estimated net worth of around $40 million.
What was Daniel Day-Lewis like when he was young?
Daniel Day-Lewis grew up in a creative family and showed an early interest in acting. He initially focused on woodworking before pursuing a career in drama.
What is Daniel Day-Lewis doing now?
Daniel Day-Lewis is set to return to acting in the film Anemone, directed by his son Ronan.
What is Daniel Day-Lewis’s age?
Daniel Day-Lewis was born on April 29, 1957, making him 67 years old as of 2024.
What are Daniel Day-Lewis’s best movies?
- My Left Foot
- There Will Be Blood
- Lincoln
- Gangs of New York
- The Last of the Mohicans
- The Age of Innocence
- In the Name of the Father
- The Ballad of Jack and Rose
- Phantom Thread
- The Crucible
What is Daniel Day-Lewis doing in 2024?
In 2024, Daniel Day-Lewis is working on the film Anemone, directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis, marking his return to acting.
Is Daniel Day-Lewis retired?
Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting in 2017, but he is returning for the film Anemone.