Daniel Day-Lewis | Biography, Movies, & Facts | Britannica

Daniel Day-Lewis: Biography, Movies, and Facts

Early Life and Background

Daniel Day-Lewis, born April 29, 1957, in London, England, is a British actor celebrated for his intense performances and meticulous role preparation. He is the second child of Cecil Day-Lewis, a prominent British poet in the 1930s, and actress Jill Balcon, and the grandson of film producer Sir Michael Balcon.

Acting Career Beginnings

He started acting at Bedales, a progressive school in Petersfield, England. At age 13, Day-Lewis secured a small part in the film Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971). Later, he joined renowned theatre companies such as the Bristol Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Company before taking on his first mature film roles in Gandhi (1982) and The Bounty (1984).

Rise to International Acclaim

In 1985, Day-Lewis showcased his range by portraying a gay hooligan in My Beautiful Laundrette and a reserved Edwardian Englishman in the adaptation of E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View. These films earned him wide recognition. His role as an adulterous surgeon in The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) further solidified his reputation.

Major Awards and Notable Films

"Daniel Day-Lewis is known for his on-screen intensity and exhaustive preparation for roles."

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Summary: Daniel Day-Lewis is a British actor renowned for his powerful performances and deep commitment to character preparation, earning multiple Academy Awards throughout his career.

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Britannica Britannica — 2025-11-05

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