Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis was born on April 29, 1957, in Kensington, London, England. He is the son of poet Cecil Day-Lewis and actress Jill Balcon. Growing up in a family with artistic background, he developed an interest in acting at an early age. Over the years, Daniel Day-Lewis has become renowned for his method acting and dedication to his roles, often going to great lengths to inhabit his characters in various films.

Daniel Day-Lewis made his film debut on August 23, 1982, in the film 'Gandhi', where he played a small part as a South African street thug. Although it was a minor role in Richard Attenborough's epic about the life of Mahatma Gandhi, it marked the beginning of Day-Lewis's illustrious film career that would see him become one of the most respected and methodical actors of his time.

On March 29, 1989, Daniel Day-Lewis won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Christy Brown in the film 'My Left Foot'. In this critically acclaimed movie, he portrayed an artist born with cerebral palsy who could control only his left foot. Day-Lewis's performance was widely praised for its authenticity and depth, marking a significant moment in his acting career.

'The Last of the Mohicans', starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye, was released on September 14, 1992. The film, based on the historical novel by James Fenimore Cooper, showcased Day-Lewis's ability to tackle physically demanding roles. He prepared intensively for the part, reportedly living in the wild and learning to hunt and fight, which contributed to the film's authentic feel and his captivating performance.

In 1990, Daniel Day-Lewis won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in 'My Left Foot'. His captivating portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irishman with cerebral palsy, continues to be acclaimed as a landmark in acting. This prestigious award was one of the many accolades Day-Lewis received for his commitment and talent in bringing complex characters to life.

On May 3, 1998, Daniel Day-Lewis married Rebecca Miller, the daughter of playwright Arthur Miller. The couple met on the set of the film 'The Crucible', which was based on a play by Miller's father. Over the years, their relationship has been a private yet significant part of Day-Lewis's life, as he often credits his wife with providing support and inspiration throughout his career.

On December 20, 2002, 'Gangs of New York' was released, featuring Daniel Day-Lewis as the notorious Bill the Butcher. His menacing performance opposite Leonardo DiCaprio was lauded by critics, earning him multiple award nominations. Day-Lewis's commitment to realism saw him spending the entire shoot speaking with the period's accent and avoiding modern conveniences, exemplifying his dedication to his craft.

Daniel Day-Lewis won his second Academy Award for Best Actor on February 24, 2008, for his role as Daniel Plainview in 'There Will Be Blood'. His portrayal of the ruthless oilman was noted for its intensity and commitment, earning him universal acclaim. This role solidified his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation, known for his profound immersion into characters.

On February 24, 2013, Daniel Day-Lewis made history by becoming the first man to win three Oscars for Best Actor. He received the award for his portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s biopic 'Lincoln'. Day-Lewis was praised for his meticulous research and skillful embodiment of the historical figure, further cementing his place in the annals of film history as an unparalleled actor.

On June 20, 2017, Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting, expressing that he no longer had the passion for performing. The announcement shocked fans and the film industry alike, as Day-Lewis was considered one of the most talented actors of his generation. His retirement marked the end of a distinguished career, during which he received numerous accolades for his craft.