Jeremy Strong’s star has skyrocketed thanks to his captivating performance as Kendall Roy in the HBO drama Succession. As the highly anticipated fourth and final season draws to a close, fans, and critics are abuzz with excitement, eagerly discussing the complex character’s tumultuous journey and the actor’s remarkable talent.
In an Interview with CBS’ Sunday Morning correspondent, Ben Mankiewicz, He delves into his own career and examines how he breathed life into the enigmatic Kendall Roy. In this article, From his early beginnings in the theater to his breakthrough role in Succession, we’ll explore the trajectory of Strong’s career and the dedication and skill he brought to his portrayal of the troubled scion.
Early Life and Career
Jeremy Strong’s life has been filled with dramatic twists and turns that could easily have been lifted from the script of a blockbuster movie. Born on December 25, 1978, in the working-class neighborhood of Jamaica Plain in Boston, Strong’s upbringing was shaped by his father, David Strong, who proved to be both a caring and heroic figure.
When Jeremy Strong was just a young boy, David saved his son’s life by selflessly pushing him out of the way of a speeding car. Although David suffered serious injuries from the accident and broke both his legs, his courageous act left a profound impact on Strong, shaping his worldview and igniting a spark of gratitude and admiration for his father.
At the tender age of five, Jeremy Strong’s passion for acting was sparked when he started performing in community theater. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the stage and screen. In high school, he landed roles in major motion pictures like “The Crucible” and “Amistad,” rubbing shoulders with industry heavyweights like Daniel Day-Lewis.
After earning a scholarship to Yale, Strong packed his bags and headed to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. However, like many aspiring performers, he struggled to make ends meet in New York City. Most of his early acting work was on Off-Broadway stages. But his hard work and determination paid off, and he eventually landed larger roles in TV and film, earning critical acclaim and a loyal following.
Despite his success, Jeremy Strong has not forgotten his roots, fondly reminiscing about his time performing at the Rattlestick Theater, where the smell of the falafel stands downstairs and the bathroom was located on the stage. It’s a reminder that even as his star continues to rise, Jeremy Strong remains grounded, grateful for the lessons learned and the people who shaped his journey.
Jeremy Strong’s Road to Kendall
Jeremy Strong’s journey as an actor was far from easy, but his tenacity and passion ultimately led him to achieve great success. Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges along the way, Strong never lost sight of his dreams, and his perseverance paid off.
Early in his career, Jeremy Strong took on small roles in TV shows and movies, building his skills and honing his craft. His talent caught the eye of industry heavyweights, and he landed a role in the acclaimed movie “Lincoln” and the popular TV show “The Good Wife.” However, it was his Broadway debut in “A Man for All Seasons” in 2008 that truly launched his career.
Since then, Strong has continued to captivate audiences with his performances on stage and screen. But it is his role as Kendall Roy in the hit HBO series “Succession” that has truly cemented his place as one of the most talented actors of his generation. Strong’s portrayal of Kendall Roy, the complex and conflicted son of a wealthy media mogul, has earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
What sets Strong apart as an actor is his ability to inhabit his characters fully, bringing to life their deepest emotions and experiences. His dedication to his craft is evident in every scene he appears in, and it is clear that he takes his work as an actor seriously.
Despite his success, Strong remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has been given. He continues to challenge himself as an actor, taking on roles that push him to explore new depths of his abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the enduring love of one’s craft.
Kendall Roy and Succession
Succession follows the complex dynamics between family members as they navigate power struggles and relationships fraught with tension and betrayal.
At the center of the series is Kendall Roy, the second eldest son of the family and a troubled scion seeking his father’s approval. Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Kendall is masterful, bringing depth and complexity to the character that makes him both relatable and enigmatic. As the series progresses, Kendall grapples with addiction, mental health issues, and his tumultuous relationship with his father, all of which Strong portrays with nuance and sensitivity.
To prepare for his role as Kendall, Strong has delved deep into the world of media and finance, immersing himself in research to bring authenticity to his performance. He has also drawn on his own personal experiences, tapping into the struggles he has faced in his own life to bring a raw and honest portrayal of Kendall’s struggles.
What sets Strong apart in his role as Kendall is his ability to convey the character’s inner turmoil and the complexity of his emotions. The audience is drawn into Kendall’s world, feeling his pain and struggles as if they were their own. It is this level of nuance and authenticity that has made Strong one of the most compelling actors on television today.
The Universality of “Succession”
Despite being a fictional portrayal of a family that represents the ultra-wealthy, the themes explored in “Succession” are strikingly universal and relatable. The show’s emphasis on the human need for love, validation, and belonging resonates with people from all backgrounds. Strong has expressed his gratitude for being a part of a project that has captured the hearts of so many viewers, regardless of their social status.
Strong’s performance as Kendall Roy has been a standout on the show. He has brought the character to life with such depth and nuance that it’s hard not to feel for him despite his privilege. His portrayal of Kendall’s struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and family relationships has been praised for its authenticity and sensitivity.
As the show nears its final season, Strong has reflected on the impact of “Succession” on his career and life as an actor. He has spoken about the challenges of letting go of a character that he has inhabited for years, but also the joy of bringing Kendall Roy to life.
Jeremy Strong is Kendall Roy
As Jeremy Strong reflects on the end of his journey playing Kendall Roy, he has described the emotional process of saying goodbye to a character that has been a significant part of his life for several years. He has shared that as filming for the final season wrapped up, he found himself seeking solace in the beauty of the natural world.
“I went out, sat on the beach, watched Kendall go down with the sunset,” he has said, speaking about how he took time to reflect and say goodbye to the character that has meant so much to him.
This moment of reflection and connection with nature speaks to the profound impact that Strong’s portrayal of Kendall Roy has had on his life and career, and the deep sense of gratitude he feels for the opportunity to bring such a complex and compelling character to life.
As Succession comes to an end with its fourth and final season, Strong has reflected on the impact the show has had on his career and his life. He has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on such a groundbreaking show and the joy of bringing a character like Kendall Roy to life. But he has also acknowledged the challenges of letting go of a character that he has inhabited for years and the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to his colleagues and the crew.
In the end, Jeremy Strong’s journey as an actor is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of making it in the world of acting. His resilience, passion, and commitment to his craft are a reminder that success is never guaranteed, but that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. As we bid farewell to Succession, we can only hope that Strong will continue to bring his unique talent and energy to the world of acting and that we will have the pleasure of watching him for years to come.
