Fresh Air Episode Summary: Jeremy Strong Sees Acting As An Escape From Self

Host: Terry Gross
Guest: Jeremy Strong
Episode Title: Jeremy Strong Sees Acting As An Escape From Self
Release Date: December 26, 2024

Introduction to Jeremy Strong and His Career Highlights

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross engages in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed actor Jeremy Strong. Strong is widely recognized for his riveting portrayal of Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, a role that earned him an Emmy Award. Recently, he has expanded his repertoire to the stage, securing a Tony Award for his performance in Ibsen's An Enemy of the People. Currently, Strong stars in the film "The Apprentice," released in October, where he plays Roy Cohn, the ethically questionable lawyer and mentor to a young Donald Trump, portrayed by Sebastian Stan. Strong's performance in this role has garnered him a Golden Globe nomination.

Portraying Historical Figures with Depth and Accuracy

Terry Gross delves into Strong’s approach to embodying real-life figures, emphasizing his commitment to historical veracity and emotional authenticity. When discussing his role as Roy Cohn, Strong reflects:

“I feel always an enormous sense of responsibility to a kind of historical veracity and accuracy to try and capture and render the essence of these people” ([06:14]).

Strong underscores the emotional and intuitive process of acting, rather than merely an intellectual exercise, to truly inhabit his characters.

Insights into "The Apprentice" and the Character of Roy Cohn

Strong provides a comprehensive look into his portrayal of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice. He describes Cohn as:

“Like, not someone who really espoused truth with a capital T. He thought truth was a plaything that you could do as you wish with it” ([06:47]).

Highlighting a pivotal scene early in the film, Strong recounts the intense dynamics between Cohn and a young Trump:

“[03:23] Jeremy Strong: What is your business, Donald?...

[04:14] Terry Gross: Jeremy Strong, welcome to FRESH air. I love the film and that scene has so much energy to it. You have such swagger.”

In discussing the decision not to use prosthetics to alter his appearance for the role, Strong explains:

“Roy is enough, innately a monster. This, me objectively... we don't need to put a hat on a hat” ([12:16]).

This choice was deliberate to maintain the raw and unsettling presence of Cohn without additional visual alterations.

The Collaborative Nature of "Succession" and Improv Moments

Transitioning to his work on Succession, Strong shares insights into the collaborative environment of the show. A particularly memorable moment he discusses involves an improvised scene:

“[24:28] Jeremy Strong: Sure, yeah, we were there. It's biting cold...”

He recounts how during the filming of the final scene, he spontaneously climbed over a rail, driven by his character’s despair:

“[25:18] Terry Gross: So, Jeremy Strong did you improvise that scene?...

[25:24] Jeremy Strong: Did I know I was gonna climb over the barrier?...”

This improvisation added a layer of raw emotion and unpredictability to the character’s arc, showcasing Strong’s dedication to authenticity.

Personal Background and Early Inspirations

Jeremy Strong opens up about his upbringing in the Jamaica Plain area of Boston, highlighting the contrast between his early life and later suburban moves. His father’s role in juvenile justice and his mother’s work as a hospice nurse infused his childhood with profound experiences, though his parents shielded him and his brother from the associated dramas.

“Acting was initially an escape and wanting to escape from where I lived, from the heaviness that I felt...” ([34:04]).

This desire to escape through acting underscores his deep connection to the craft as a means of personal liberation.

Early Career and Mentorship from Legendary Actors

Strong shares his early career experiences, including internships with acting legends like Al Pacino, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Dustin Hoffman. His time on projects such as Looking for Richard with Pacino and working on the set of The Crucible provided invaluable exposure and inspiration.

“I still have a Dog Day Afternoon poster on my wall. And Al has seen the Apprentice... which meant the world to me” ([36:09]).

These formative experiences fueled his ambition and honed his skills, ultimately shaping him into the versatile actor he is today.

Balancing Personal Life and Acting

Throughout the interview, Strong emphasizes the importance of separating his personal identity from the characters he portrays. Reflecting on the end of Succession, he states:

“I've put it away because I have a life and children... it's all you need to be involved with” ([45:36]).

His approach to handling success and failure mirrors the philosophy of treating them as transient phenomena, focusing solely on the present role.

Conclusion: The Essence of Acting as Self-Escape

Jeremy Strong encapsulates his view of acting as a profound escape from the self, allowing him to transcend personal confines and fully immerse in diverse characters. His dedication to authenticity, coupled with his rich personal history and professional experiences, positions him as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

The episode concludes with a light-hearted moment where Strong performs a rap from Succession, showcasing his multifaceted talents and the genuine camaraderie he shares with his co-stars.

Notable Quotes

• Jeremy Strong on Historical Accuracy:
  “I feel always an enormous sense of responsibility to a kind of historical veracity and accuracy to try and capture and render the essence of these people.” ([06:14])

• Strong on Roy Cohn’s Perception of Truth:
  “He thought truth was a plaything that you could do as you wish with it.” ([06:47])

• On Acting as Escape:
  “Acting was initially an escape and wanting to escape from where I lived, from the heaviness that I felt...” ([34:04])

• Reflecting on Succession’s Final Scene:
  “I've put it away because I have a life and children... it's all you need to be involved with.” ([45:36])

This comprehensive discussion with Jeremy Strong offers listeners a profound understanding of his artistic process, the depth he brings to his roles, and the personal experiences that shape his approach to acting. Whether you're a fan of Succession, intrigued by The Apprentice, or passionate about the craft of acting, this episode provides valuable insights into the mind of one of today's most talented actors.