In honour of St. Patrick's day, here is a rundown on Daniel Day-Lewis, one of the Emerald Isle's yummiest exports!
Daniel Day-Lewis is a British-Irish actor known for his amazing performances in movies like "My Left Foot," "Gangs of New York," and "There Will Be Blood." But did you know that he's more than just a great actor? He's also an interesting person with a fascinating life story and some fun little details that make him come alive. So, in honour of St. Patrick's Day, let's take a closer look at the life and career of Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis.
Early Life and Career
Daniel Day-Lewis was born in London in 1957 to a British mother and an Irish father. His father, Cecil Day-Lewis, was a well-known poet and writer, and his mother, Jill Balcon, was an actress. Day-Lewis grew up in both England and Ireland and attended school at Sevenoaks in Kent, England. It was there that he first discovered his love for acting, and he went on to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Day-Lewis's first big break in the film industry came when he was cast as a gay punk in the 1985 film "My Beautiful Laundrette." To prepare for the role, he spent time hanging out with actual punks and getting a feel for their subculture. He even learned how to drive a scooter so he could ride one in the film!
He went on to star in several other movies in the 1980s, including "Gandhi," "A Room with a View," and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." But it wasn't until his role as Christy Brown in "My Left Foot" in 1989 that he really made a name for himself in the film industry. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Brown, which cemented his place as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Another interesting detail from Day-Lewis's early career is that he turned down the role of Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. He reportedly wasn't interested in committing to such a long-term project, but he later admitted that he regretted turning down the role.
Romantic Relationships
Daniel Day-Lewis has been married three times, and he's had some interesting romantic relationships throughout his life! His first wife was actress Rebecca Miller, whom he met while filming "The Crucible" in 1996. They got married in 1996 and have two sons together. Miller is also a writer and director, and she's the daughter of famous playwright Arthur Miller.
Day-Lewis's second wife was French actress Isabelle Adjani, whom he met while filming "The Story of Adele H." in 1975. They had a tumultuous relationship, and they broke up and got back together several times over the years. They eventually got engaged in 1989, but they broke up for good in 1995.
Day-Lewis's current wife is Italian film producer and director Rebecca Frecknall, whom he met while filming "The Ballad of Jack and Rose" in 2005. They got married in 2018 and have one son together.
In addition to his marriages, he's also had several high-profile relationships with actresses and models!
One of his most sizzling relationships was with French actress Juliette Binoche, whom he met while filming "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" in 1987. They had a passionate romance, but it ultimately ended when Day-Lewis became involved with Isabelle Adjani.
Day-Lewis also had a brief fling with singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor in the 1990s. According to O'Connor, the two of them met when she was performing at a benefit concert in Ireland. They hit it off and spent a few days together, but their relationship fizzled out soon after.
Fun Facts!
Now, let's dive into some of the more fun and engaging details from Daniel Day-Lewis's life and career.
Did you know that he once turned down a role in a James Bond movie? Day-Lewis reportedly turned down the role of the villain in "The World Is Not Enough" because he didn't want to be a part of a "formulaic" action movie.
Day-Lewis is also known for his intense preparation for roles. For his role in "The Last of the Mohicans," he spent six months learning how to live off the land and hunting with a bow and arrow. And for his role in "Lincoln," he reportedly spent a year researching and studying the former president's life and mannerisms. He's also been known to stay in character even when the cameras aren't rolling, which has led to some interesting stories on movie sets!
Day-Lewis is also a skilled cobbler, and he's been known to make shoes in his spare time. In fact, he took a break from acting in the late 1990s to apprentice with a master cobbler in Florence, Italy.
And if you thought Day-Lewis's intense method acting techniques were limited to his movie roles, think again. In 2014, he took a break from acting to become a cabbie in New York City. He reportedly spent months driving around the city and studying the behaviour of other cab drivers to prepare for the role.
Another fun detail is that Day-Lewis is a big fan of motorcycles. He's been spotted riding around on his motorcycle in Ireland, and he's even ridden cross-country in the United States.
Conclusion
Daniel Day-Lewis is a true legend in the film industry, but he's also an interesting person with a fascinating life story and some fun little details that make him come alive. From his early life and career to his romantic relationships, Day-Lewis has led a unique and eventful life. He's known for his incredible method acting techniques, his skills as a cobbler, and even his brief stint as a New York City cabbie.
Despite his success and fame, Day-Lewis has managed to maintain a low profile and keep his personal life private. He rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances, which only adds to his mystique and allure. But whether he's on or off the screen, there's no denying that Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the most talented and fascinating actors of our time.
