Daniel Day-Lewis, arguably the greatest actor of his generation and one of the best professionals the industry has ever known, has retired from acting. This would not the first time he has made such an announcement, taking a hiatus for 5 years after his role in the 1997 drama The Boxer. But at 60 years of age, this could very well be a permanent decision on the part of the three-time Academy Award winner.
Those that known the Englishman believe that Day-Lewis has become jaded with Hollywood as he has struggled to find a role that would offer him the challenge he requires. Day-Lewis is largely regarded as the absolute champion of method actors, absorbing the character wholeheartedly to be a true chameleon of the field. Now we can master at his past accomplishments.
DDL: A Quiet, Dignified Exit True To Form
There would be no song and dance about this news. Daniel Day-Lewis is an incredibly private man in a very public domain. There would be no social media post, no exclusive interview - just a shorthanded note to say that he wanted out.
Day-Lewis’ spokeswoman Leslee Dart provided a brief statement to Variety.
“Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor," she wrote. "He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject. ”
And like that, one of the most in demand actors of the 21st Century was off the market.
Day-Lewis Made Choices On His Own Terms
While the London native would find a home in Ireland on a peaceful piece of land, Dart would have been inundated with requests and offers over a glittering career. Day-Lewis would take out the ultimate prize of Best Actor at the Oscars on no less than three occasions - first in 1989 for My Left Foot, again in 2007 for the drama There Will Be Blood and finally in 2012 for his portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln in the Steven Speilberg picture Lincoln.
Day-Lewis is currently in production for his final installment Phantom Thread, his first role since Lincoln. That Paul Thomas Anderson feature will close a decorated tenure on the big screen having been a dramatic mainstay since his time on stage.
Picking and choosing his films with utmost precision, he would work with Martin Scorsese twice for The Age of Innocence and Gangs of New York, with Michael Mann for The Last of the Mohicans and Nicholas Hytner for The Crucible in 1996.
Phantom Thread is slated for release on December 25, 2017.
Source: Variety
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