Daniel Day-Lewis

Last updated on the 17 April 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born April 29, 1957, London, England.

Daniel Day-Lewis is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He comes from an esteemed artistic lineage, with his father being the renowned British poet Cecil Day-Lewis. Growing up in a creative household, Daniel developed a passion for acting from an early age.

Day-Lewis received his education at Sevenoaks School in Kent, where he began exploring his acting abilities. Encouraged by his teachers, he participated in school plays and developed his craft. His natural talent and dedication were evident even during his formative years.

Daniel Day-Lewis’s career is marked by an unwavering commitment to his craft and a meticulous approach to his roles. He made his professional stage debut in 1979, and shortly after, he transitioned to the silver screen. His breakthrough performance came in the 1985 film “My Beautiful Laundrette”.

Day-Lewis’s career reached new heights with his portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irish artist with cerebral palsy, in the critically acclaimed film “My Left Foot” (1989). His astonishing performance earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying his reputation as an actor of extraordinary talent.

He continued to impress audiences and critics alike with his transformative performances in films such as “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), “In the Name of the Father” (1993), and “Gangs of New York” (2002). Day-Lewis’s dedication to his roles often involved extensive research, intense preparation, and even adopting the persona of his characters off-screen.

Known for his intensely private nature, Daniel Day-Lewis has managed to keep his personal life shielded from the public eye. He has been married once and has three children. His marriage to actress Rebecca Miller in 1996 has been a source of stability and support throughout his career.

Despite his immense success, Day-Lewis has been selective in his choice of roles, often taking long breaks between projects. This approach allows him to fully immerse himself in his characters and maintain the integrity of his craft.

In a surprising turn of events, Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting in 2017, after completing his final film, “Phantom Thread.” This decision, though disappointing to his fans, highlighted his unwavering commitment to his art and his desire to leave on a high note.

Daniel Day-Lewis’s legacy as an actor is one of unparalleled dedication and brilliance. His ability to inhabit diverse characters with such depth and authenticity has solidified his place as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history. Though he may have stepped away from the limelight, his impact on the world of film will be felt for generations to come.

WINNER | Film: Actor in a Leading Role for My Left Foot (1990) | Film: Leading Actor for Gangs Of New York (2003) | Film: Leading Actor for There Will Be Blood (2008) | Film: Leading Actor for Lincoln (2013)

WINNER | Best Actor for My Left Foot (1990) | Best Actor for There Will Be Blood (2008) | Best Actor for Lincoln (2013)

Suggested viewing

In the Name of the Father (1993)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

A young Irishman and his father are wrongfully convicted of a deadly bombing. As they struggle behind bars, the son embarks on a relentless battle against a corrupt justice system, uncovering deception and betrayal. With the help of a determined lawyer, he fights to clear his family’s name and expose the truth.

Top cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Emma Thompson, John Lynch, Corin Redgrave, Beatie Edney, John Benfield, Paterson Joseph.

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8

In 1980s London, a young British Pakistani man seeks success by transforming a run-down laundrette into a thriving business. Amidst racial tensions and family expectations, he reunites with a childhood friend, now a streetwise tough and their partnership sparks a secret romance. Together, they challenge societal norms and fight for their dreams.

Top cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Gordon Warnecke, Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth, Shirley Anne Field, Derrick Branche, Rita Wolf, Souad Faress.

My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown (1989)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5

“My Left Foot” is a film adaptation of the autobiography written by Christy Brown, an Irish writer and painter. Born with cerebral palsy, Brown’s only controllable limb was his left foot, which he used to write and paint. This inspiring memoir chronicles his struggle against physical limitations, showcasing his determination, resilience and artistic talent.

Top cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan, Declan Croghan, Eanna MacLiam, Marie Conmee, Cyril Cusack, Phelim Drew.

Full filmography @ Wikipedia