cover of episode Jeremy Strong On Delusion, Dreams and Doing What It Takes [Extended Version]

Jeremy Strong On Delusion, Dreams and Doing What It Takes [Extended Version]

2024/10/9
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Fresh Air

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Jeremy Strong discusses his approach to playing historical figures, emphasizing the importance of emotional, intuitive, and visceral understanding rather than solely intellectualizing the character. He highlights the responsibility he feels towards historical accuracy while acknowledging Roy Cohn's disregard for truth. Strong also touches upon the influence of Cohn's character on his acting choices, including his vocal delivery and physical portrayal.
  • Strong emphasizes the importance of emotional and intuitive understanding when portraying historical figures.
  • He researched Roy Cohn extensively, watching interviews and studying his mannerisms.
  • Strong chose not to use a prosthetic nose, believing Cohn's character was monstrous enough without it.

Shownotes Transcript

Best-known for his role as Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, Jeremy Strong now stars as lawyer and political hitman Roy Cohn in The Apprentice. The movie, he says, "explores essentially how Trump was made and his philosophical moral framework." Strong talks with Terry Gross about playing Cohn and about some of Kendall's most memorable scenes. Subscribe) to Fresh Air's weekly newsletter and get highlights from the show, gems from the archive, and staff recommendations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)