Jeremy Strong, the acclaimed actor recognised for his intense method acting, has recently revealed the extraordinary lengths he is going to for his latest role. Currently, he is engaged in filming a limited-series reboot of ‘The Boys from Brazil’, where he portrays Yakov Liebermann, a Polish-born Nazi hunter. In a cover interview for GQ, Strong shared insights into his immersive approach to embodying this complex character.
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Over the past seven months, Strong has fully committed himself to adopting a Polish accent, which he has maintained throughout his time in Europe. In the interview, he elaborated on his dedication, stating, “I don’t want it to feel like an accent. I want it to just be a person, and that’s their voice—and our voice is the most individual thing about us.” This philosophy underscores his determination to connect deeply with the character rather than merely impersonate a Polish accent.
Strong’s commitment to his craft extends beyond the filming set; he has continued to use the accent in his everyday interactions. This has bewildered some of his friends and collaborators, as evidenced by Aaron Sorkin, the director of ‘The Social Reckoning’, who recounted a recent conversation with Strong. He noted that their discussion felt unusual as Strong adopted the persona of an Eastern European Nazi hunter.
Notably, actor Bradley Cooper, who has worked alongside Strong, expressed a familiarity with this aspect of his friend’s performance style. Cooper explained that this was not the first instance of Strong slipping into character. He said, “I enjoy very much talking to him when he’s in the throes of these other people,” highlighting their previous interactions where Strong embodied various personas, including that of Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Reckoning’.
Strong acknowledged that he thrives on the challenge of portraying characters with rich and difficult backgrounds. He conveyed his belief in the importance of the effort involved in acting, stating, “I think the point is the try. The size of the try. Not even the result.” This philosophy suggests that for Strong, the journey and personal development linked with playing a role hold more importance than the audience’s reception.
When discussing the emotional toll of becoming so engrossed in a character’s life, Strong admitted that returning to reality poses its own challenges. Reflecting on the experience of wrapping up intense shooting schedules, he shared, “I wish I knew” how to reintegrate with the ‘real world’. He described the process as a difficult re-entry marked by a sense of loss, emphasising how deeply he invests in his roles.
Despite the intensity of this method acting, Strong appears to relish the transformative process. He expressed a desire to emerge from each role feeling that he has “levelled up” in his craft. His passion for acting and personal growth serve as fundamental motivators, an ethos he carries into every project.
Looking ahead, Jeremy Strong is set to appear in ‘The Social Reckoning’, which will debut in cinemas on 9 October. As he continues to take on challenging and multifaceted characters, audiences can expect to see more of his impressive range and dedication as an actor in the future. His unwavering commitment to his craft not only enhances his performances but also illuminates the intricate process behind embodying such complex personas.