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

Daniel Day-Lewis | Biography, Movies, & Facts

Daniel Day-Lewis, a British actor born on April 29, 1957, in London, is celebrated for his intense performances and meticulous preparation for roles. Throughout his career, he earned Academy Awards for his roles in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012).

Early Life and Background

He was the second child of Cecil Day-Lewis, a prominent British poet of the 1930s, and actress Jill Balcon, and the grandson of film producer Sir Michael Balcon. Day-Lewis began acting at Bedales, a progressive school in Petersfield, England. By the age of 13, he had a small role in the film Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971).

Career Beginnings

He honed his craft with the Bristol Old Vic and Royal Shakespeare companies before appearing in adult roles such as in Gandhi (1982) and The Bounty (1984).

Breakthrough and International Acclaim

In 1985, Day-Lewis demonstrated his range by portraying diverse characters: a gay hooligan in My Beautiful Laundrette and a reserved Englishman in the adaptation of E.M. Forster's A Room with a View. His international recognition grew further with his role as an adulterous surgeon in The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988).

Selected Notable Films

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

Our editors will review submissions related to his biography to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Author's summary: Daniel Day-Lewis is a highly acclaimed British actor renowned for his deep dedication to his craft and award-winning performances in diverse and challenging roles.

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Britannica Britannica — 2025-11-05