Why is Jeremy Strong facing criticism over his role in Donald Trump’s biopic?

Who is Jeremy Strong?

Jeremy Strong is an American actor whose versatile performances have garnered critical acclaim, particularly for his portrayal of Kendall Roy in the HBO series Succession. Known for his intense and often complex roles, Strong has made a name for himself in both film and television, delivering emotionally charged and nuanced performances that have earned him a devoted fanbase and several award nominations.

Strong was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 25, 1978, and developed an early interest in the arts.He went on to study acting at the prestigious Yale School of Drama, where he honed his craft before launching his professional career. Strong’s ability to disappear into characters has made him one of the most sought-after actors of his generation, with a particular knack for roles requiring deep emotional engagement.

Jeremy strong’s career and previous works

Jeremy Strong’s breakthrough role came in 2016 with Succession, where he plays Kendall Roy, the ambitious and troubled son of media mogul Logan Roy. Strong’s portrayal of Kendall has been lauded for its emotional depth and raw vulnerability, making him one of the standout performances of the critically acclaimed series. His work in Succession earned him several award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2020.

Before Succession, Strong appeared in a variety of film and television roles, often playing characters with a dark or brooding edge. Some of his notable films are:

• The Big Short (2015): Strong played a supporting role in this Oscar-winning film about the 2008 financial crisis, showcasing his ability to adapt to a range of genres.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): He had a small but impactful role in Kathryn Bigelow’s gripping portrayal of the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
• The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020): In this Aaron Sorkin-directed film, Strong played Jerry Rubin, one of the iconic members of the Chicago Seven.
• The Gentleman (2019): A supporting role in Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy, which showed his versatility in a more comedic setting.

Despite these diverse roles, it was Succession that truly solidified Strong as a leading figure in the acting world, with fans and critics alike praising his ability to capture the complexities of his character.

The role of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice

In The Apprentice, Jeremy Strong takes on the role of Roy Cohn, the infamous lawyer known for his work with Joseph McCarthy and his controversial relationship with Donald Trump. Cohn was a powerful and manipulative figure who secretly struggled with his identity as a gay man, something that he never publicly acknowledged. Strong’s portrayal of Cohn has been met with both intrigue and criticism, particularly around the casting of a straight actor in a role that addresses themes of homosexuality and AIDS. Strong addressed these concerns in an interview with The Los Angeles Times, saying that such criticism is “absolutely valid” but added that he believed a great actor should be able to portray roles outside of their personal identity.

Strong explained his decision to take on the role, stating that he connected deeply with Cohn’s internal conflict and the anguish he must have felt in keeping his true identity hidden. “I believe that I could understand his anguish and turmoil… if I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t have done it,” he said. The film, which also stars Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump, has already faced controversy, with Trump’s campaign sending a cease-and-desist letter after the film premiered at Cannes in 2024.

Personal life and net worth

Despite his high-profile career, Jeremy Strong is known for keeping his personal life relatively private. He is married to actress Emma Wall, and has two children. Strong is an intensely private individual, preferring to keep his focus on his work rather than his personal life.

As for his financial standing, Jeremy Strong’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. Much of his wealth comes from his acting career, with Succession being one of his most lucrative roles. Given the series’ success and the widespread recognition of his talent, it’s likely that his net worth will continue to grow, especially with more major film projects in the pipeline, including The Apprentice.

Conclusion

Jeremy Strong’s role as Roy Cohn in The Apprentice is just the latest chapter in an acting career defined by depth, complexity, and versatility. While the casting decision has sparked debate, Strong’s commitment to his craft and his willingness to engage with difficult topics make him one of the most compelling actors working today. Whether or not he can silence the critics, Strong’s performance in this biopic will likely add to his already impressive career — cementing his place as one of the most thoughtful and daring actors of his generation.