Imagine being one of the most celebrated actors of your generation, and then, just like that, you decide to step away from it all. That's exactly what happened with Daniel Day-Lewis. After earning praise for his work in countless drama films over three decades, Daniel shocked the world when he announced his retirement from acting in 2017. Fans have been curious ever since about what happened to the star of Lincoln. And now, after seven years away, he's making a stunning return to Hollywood. Let's dive into the story of one of cinema's true legends.
How Daniel Day-Lewis Became a Hollywood Icon
Born in England, Daniel Day-Lewis began his acting journey in the early 1980s with roles in Artemis 81, Frost in May, and The Bounty. But it wasn't until his role in My Left Foot in 1990 that he truly broke through, winning his first Academy Award for Best Actor. Daniel didn't stop there—he went on to claim the top acting prize two more times, for 2007's There Will Be Blood and 2012's Lincoln. These performances cemented his place as one of the most talented actors in history.
Daniel's last major role before retirement came in 2017's Phantom Thread, which earned him yet another Academy Award nomination. Though he didn't win that time around—losing to Gary Oldman for Darkest Hour—his performance was a fitting farewell to the industry that adored him so much.
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Why Daniel Day-Lewis Walked Away From Acting
In June 2017, just before the 2018 Academy Awards, a bombshell announcement hit the entertainment world: Daniel Day-Lewis was stepping away from acting. His representative, Leslee Dart, delivered the news to Variety, stating, “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”
Later, Daniel himself opened up about his decision, revealing that it wasn't an easy choice but one he felt compelled to make. Speaking to W Magazine in November 2017, he admitted, “I knew it was uncharacteristic to put out a statement. But I did want to draw a line. I didn’t want to get sucked back into another project. All my life, I’ve mouthed off about how I should stop acting, and I don’t know why it was different this time, but the impulse to quit took root in me, and that became a compulsion. It was something I had to do.”
What Has Daniel Day-Lewis Been Up To Since Retiring?
After announcing his retirement, Daniel kept a low profile, focusing on his family and personal life. In May 2023, the Gandhi actor was seen out and about during a rare public appearance with his wife, Rebecca Miller, in New York City. Together, they have two children, Ronan and Cashel. Daniel is also a father to his eldest child, Gabriel-Kane, whom he had with his former partner, Isabelle Adjani
