Brian Cox Was Worried For 'Succession' Co-Star Jeremy Strong's Approach To Acting

The HBO dramedy series "Succession" featured an array of star actors that delivered an enthralling performance following its release in 2018. It revolved around a wealthy family with influential power in the media and entertainment industry.

Brian Cox played the family patriarch, Logan Roy, and Jeremy Strong portrayed Kendall Roy, the strong-headed, carefree middle son. Fans often saw the pair have several arguments as Cox's character wanted to ensure Kendall stayed in line with the family plans.

Since the pair shared an on-set relationship, it is unsurprising that they might look out for each other. Recently, Cox revealed that Strong's passionate acting was a cause for worry and expressed concern over his co-star's safety.

According to The New Yorker, Cox appreciates how much effort Strong puts into his "Succession" role. However, Cox feels such a work ethic might ultimately affect the actor's physical and mental health.

"The result that Jeremy gets is always pretty tremendous," The Hollywood veteran said. "I just worry about what he does to himself. I worry about the crises he puts himself through to prepare for the role."

He added, "I just feel that he just has to be kinder to himself, and therefore has to be a bit kinder to everybody else."

In addition to Cox, other co-stars from "Succession" also shared the same sentiments about Strong's intensive approach to acting. "He puts himself in a bubble." Kieran Culkin, who plays younger brother Roman Roy, said.

"The way Jeremy put it to me is that, like, you get in the ring, you do the scene, and at the end, each actor goes to their corner. I'm like, 'This isn't a battle. This is a dance.'"

While some of Strong's fellow actors might not appreciate his acting style, the actor seems unperturbed by their concerns. He described that he throws himself to his role, ready to give his all regardless of the complexity.

He also refuses to rehearse his roles, preferring to use his usual approach of intense research and character immersion drawn from his love for method acting. "I want every scene to feel like I'm encountering a bear in the woods," the "Big short" actor disclosed.

Acting in such a manner eventually has its consequences. Strong once injured his leg when he flew off a high platform on-set. He also fractured his foot while running around to look sweaty for a scene.

In the New Yorker profile, Strong eventually admitted that it might be frustrating for his co-stars to work with him. However, he cited that being creative comes with its weight which triggers such reactions.

"I don't particularly think ease or even accord are virtues in creative work, and sometimes there must even be room for necessary roughness, with the boundaries dictated by the work," Strong said.

Fortunately, Strong often reaps the reward for his passionate acting. For his part as Kendall, Strong takes home a huge paycheck and recently won a Golden Globe for Best Actor award at its 2022 edition.

In addition to Strong's outstanding acting, other cast members also delivered excellently across each installment of "Succession." Their on-set display alongside writer/producer/director Adam McKay's masterful writing has kept viewers eagerly tuning in to watch the acclaimed show.

Since its inception, "Succession" has garnered over 20 Emmy nominations, clinching nine wins, including the Outstanding Drama Series in 2019 and 2020. The show received five 2022 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations, with Strong also climbing the podium receive the Best Actor in a Limited Series award.

The Molly's Game actor also won the 2020 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, adding an extra award to his already packed collection.