Daniel Day-Lewis Says He ‘Made a F—— Fool of Myself’ in Announcing Retirement and Returning to Acting 8 Years Later

Daniel Day-Lewis Reflects on His Return to Acting After an Eight-Year Hiatus

Renowned actor Daniel Day-Lewis made a surprising return to the spotlight after an eight-year break from acting, unveiling his latest film, ‘Anemone,’ at the New York Film Festival on Friday, September 26. The 68-year-old actor, accompanied by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, candidly addressed his abrupt retirement announcement in 2017 during a discussion following the movie’s premiere.

In a moment of self-deprecation, Day-Lewis admitted, “I made a f—— fool of myself by announcing that I was going to stop working, and probably a bigger fool of myself coming back.” Despite his initial declaration to step away from the industry, Day-Lewis revealed that the opportunity to collaborate with his son on ‘Anemone’ was too enticing to pass up, outweighing any sense of pride.

Reflecting on his past decision to retire, the three-time Oscar winner shared his internal struggle, stating, “I had long periods where I thought I’m not well suited… The work was always very precious to me — it was like food and drink.” Day-Lewis also expressed discomfort with the public scrutiny that comes with his profession, confessing, “We seem to be begging for attention just by virtue of the fact we’re doing that work, but it never really occurs to you that you can’t switch that attention off at will.”

‘Anemone’ marks Day-Lewis’s return to the big screen, portraying a character in his son’s directorial debut. The film delves into complex familial dynamics, exploring relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers through personal journeys and generational conflicts. With his sons Gabriel and Cashel, whom he shares with wife Rebecca Miller, Day-Lewis collaborated with Ronan in co-writing the script for this heartfelt project.

Known for his aversion to the limelight outside of film engagements, Day-Lewis maintained a low profile during his hiatus, resurfacing occasionally for industry events. His attendance at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in 2024 marked one of the few public appearances during his time away from acting. Fans and critics alike eagerly anticipated Day-Lewis’s return, showcasing his dedication to the craft and the artistry behind ‘Anemone.’

The announcement of ‘Anemone’ in October 2024 generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, with Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski praising the collaboration between Daniel and Ronan Day-Lewis. The father-son duo’s creative partnership and exceptional script set high expectations for the film’s release, building anticipation for its premiere at the New York Film Festival.

As ‘Anemone’ prepares for its theatrical release on October 3, followed by a wider expansion on October 10, audiences are poised to witness Day-Lewis’s captivating performance and Ronan’s directorial vision come to life on the big screen. The Hollywood icon’s return to acting symbolizes a testament to the enduring passion and creativity that drive his illustrious career, leaving fans eager to experience his latest cinematic endeavour.

In a world where celebrity announcements often garner attention, Daniel Day-Lewis’s candid reflections on his career journey offer a refreshing perspective on fame, family, and the artistic process. As audiences await the premiere of ‘Anemone,’ the legacy of one of cinema’s most esteemed actors continues to evolve, marking a new chapter in Day-Lewis’s storied career.