Jeremy Strong recently opened up about the toll that playing Kendall Roy on Succession took on his mental health in a candid interview. The 45-year-old actor admitted that embodying the troubled character led him to lose touch with joy and even caused him distress. Strong revealed that the intense role ‘f***ed him up’ and shared that he doesn’t miss the emotional burden it brought. He expressed relief at being able to move on from the character and find joy in his life again.
Despite being known for his method acting approach, Strong confessed that playing Kendall, the wounded black sheep of the Roy family, was overwhelming. He admitted to carrying Kendall’s struggles even when he was off-camera, which took a significant toll on his mental health. The actor explained that he used to imagine negative scenarios in his personal life to prepare for the role, further exacerbating the impact on his well-being.
Following his decision to step away from Succession, Strong embarked on a silent meditation retreat to focus on healing and rediscovering joy in his life. The retreat proved to be a transformative experience for him, allowing him to reconnect with a sense of playfulness that he had lost touch with while portraying Kendall. Strong emphasized that while Succession was a valuable opportunity, he is grateful to no longer carry the weight of Kendall’s struggles.
When asked about the possibility of returning to the role for a spin-off, Strong firmly shut down the idea, stating that he has no desire to revisit the character. He acknowledged the significance of Succession in his career but expressed his eagerness to explore new roles and challenges. In his latest project, the controversial film The Apprentice, Strong plays the role of Roy Cohn, a morally corrupt attorney and mentor of Donald Trump.
Despite criticism from Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Strong found humor in the backlash, highlighting the irony of the response mirroring the tactics that Roy Cohn would have endorsed. He noted that the film’s portrayal of Trump’s behavior aligns with the former president’s own claims, suggesting that the negative reaction stemmed from a fear of potential damage. The Apprentice, which premiered on October 11, is now playing in theaters.
Overall, Jeremy Strong’s candid reflections on his experience playing Kendall Roy shed light on the challenges and impact of embodying complex characters. His journey towards prioritizing his mental well-being and rediscovering joy serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care in the demanding world of acting. As he continues to explore new roles and opportunities, Strong’s dedication to his craft and willingness to confront the emotional toll of his work are evident in his approach to storytelling.
