Sir Ian McKellen, a titan of the British stage and screen, boasts a career adorned with accolades – a Tony, six Laurence Olivier Awards, and two Academy Award nominations. He’s captivated audiences as Gandalf, Magneto, and countless other iconic characters, cementing his status as a legend in the acting world.
But even legends aren’t universally admired. Brian Cox, renowned for his powerful portrayal of Logan Roy inSuccessionand a reputation for speaking his mind, recently offered a blunt assessment of some of his peers. McKellen found himself on that list.
During a recent interview, Cox didn’t mince words, describing Edward Norton as “a pain in the arse” and Kevin Spacey as “a stupid, stupid man.” When McKellen’s name came up, the response was simply, “Not to my taste.”
The surprising critique is all the more intriguing considering Cox and McKellen have a shared history, having collaborated on a Royal National Theatre production ofKing Lear. Photographs reveal a seemingly amicable relationship, adding a layer of complexity to Cox’s dismissal.
Cox, approaching his eighth decade, seems unconcerned with potential repercussions. “My wife keeps saying, ‘Brian, be careful,’” he confessed. “I think, ‘F* it, I don’t want to be careful any more! I’ll be 80 this year. F* it! I’m gonna say what I want to say.’”
McKellen wasn’t the only actor facing Cox’s candor. Johnny Depp was labeled “so overblown, so overrated,” demonstrating a willingness to challenge even the most celebrated performers.
However, one actor appeared to receive a slightly more tempered assessment: Jeremy Strong, Cox’sSuccessionco-star. While Cox steered clear of revisiting past criticisms of Strong’s method acting, he couldn’t resist a subtle jab at the “bollocks that goes with it.”
Strong himself reportedly pleaded with Cox to cease discussing his acting process, a request Cox ultimately honored, acknowledging his colleague as “a good actor… a wonderful actor” despite his reservations about the surrounding fanfare.
Cox’s unfiltered opinions offer a rare glimpse behind the curtain of the acting world, revealing a willingness to speak truth – as he sees it – regardless of the consequences. It’s a testament to a career long lived on his own terms.
