Daniel Day-Lewis | Biography, Movies, & Facts | Britannica

Daniel Day-Lewis: Biography and Career

Daniel Day-Lewis, born April 29, 1957, in London, England, is a British actor celebrated for his intense on-screen presence and meticulous role preparation. He is the son of poet Cecil Day-Lewis and actress Jill Balcon, and the grandson of film producer Sir Michael Balcon.

Early Life and Education

Day-Lewis began acting at Bedales, a progressive school in Petersfield, England. At 13, he appeared in a minor role in the film Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971). He later honed his craft with the Bristol Old Vic and Royal Shakespeare companies.

Career Breakthrough and Notable Roles

His early adult roles included parts in Gandhi (1982) and The Bounty (1984). In 1985, Day-Lewis demonstrated his range by portraying a gay hooligan in My Beautiful Laundrette and a reserved Edwardian Englishman in A Room with a View, earning international recognition.

He also received acclaim for his role as an unfaithful surgeon in The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988).

Awards and Legacy

"Daniel Day-Lewis is known for his on-screen intensity and for his exhaustive preparation for roles."

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Summary

Daniel Day-Lewis is acclaimed for his extraordinary dedication and versatility, earning multiple Oscars through memorable and diverse performances.

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Britannica Britannica — 2025-11-05

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