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 known for his candid opinions, recently voiced his surprisingly blunt assessment of McKellen’s work.
During a recent interview, Cox didn’t hesitate to name actors whose performances left him unimpressed. McKellen found himself on that list, with Cox stating his acting was “not to my taste.” This revelation is particularly striking given their shared history, including a notable collaboration on a Royal National Theatre production ofKing Lear.
Cox’s critique wasn’t limited to McKellen. He dismissed Johnny Depp as “so overblown, so overrated” and labeled Edward Norton “a pain in the arse,” while offering a scathing opinion of Kevin Spacey, calling him “a stupid, stupid man.”
The actor seems to have reached a point of unapologetic honesty. As he approaches his 80th birthday, Cox 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.”
Interestingly, one actor seemed to receive a somewhat guarded assessment. When questioned about Jeremy Strong, hisSuccessionco-star, and previous comments on method acting, Cox deflected, acknowledging Strong’s talent while subtly criticizing the “bollocks that goes with it.”
He revealed that Strong had even pleaded with him to cease discussing the topic, a testament to the sensitivity surrounding the actor’s approach. Cox, however, remained firm in his willingness to speak his mind, regardless of the potential fallout.
This isn’t simply a case of professional rivalry; it’s a glimpse into the unfiltered perspective of a veteran actor who has decided to prioritize candor over diplomacy in the twilight of his career.
