Actor Jeremy Strong revisited his most memorable film and television roles during a recent interview with GQ [1, 2].
The discussion provides a rare glimpse into the psychological toll and methodology of an actor known for extreme immersion. By breaking down specific performances, Strong explains the boundary between his personal identity and the characters he portrays.
Strong focused heavily on his role as Kendall Roy in the series *Succession*. He described the experience of inhabiting the character as an intense process that often blurred his own memory of the production [1, 2].
"It’s staggering to me that I even did that, because I don’t remember most of it, it’s like a blackout," Strong said [1].
Beyond *Succession*, the actor analyzed his performance as Vinny Daniel in *The Big Short* [1, 2]. He used the segment to reflect on how he approached the specific mannerisms, and motivations of the character to create a believable presence on screen.
The interview explores the concept of the "blackout" state, where the actor becomes so absorbed in the role that the filming process becomes a haze [1]. Strong said that this level of immersion is a central part of his artistic approach, even if it results in a lack of recollection regarding the technical aspects of the shoot.
Throughout the video, Strong examines the evolution of his career and the specific choices that led to his most iconic performances [1, 2]. He discussed the balance between preparation and the spontaneous emotional reactions required during a scene.
“"It’s staggering to me that I even did that, because I don’t remember most of it, it’s like a blackout."”
Strong's comments highlight the divide in acting philosophies between technical performance and total immersion. His description of a 'blackout' state suggests a psychological approach where the actor suppresses their own consciousness to prioritize the character's reality, a method that often generates critical acclaim but can lead to a disconnect from the actual production experience.
