Daniel Day-Lewis does not act in very many films, and he has always been selective in terms of choosing roles. Now, he won't be in any films at all. According to an exclusive report from Variety, the British Actor has decided to retire from acting altogether. The news came as a shock to many, who view him as one of the finest actors of his generation. He will surely leave a large gap for other actors to fill going forward.
Day-Lewis and the surprising news
The unexpected news was broken by Variety on Tuesday. It was then confirmed by representative Leslee Dart, who stated that Day-Lewis was grateful to all of his fans, but made a private decision on the matter.
Dart also stated that there would be no further comment on the retirement of the 60-year old actor.
Before his retirement, however, Day-Lewis has one last movie to promote, called "Phantom Thread." Not much is known about that movie, but it is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (the two worked together on "There Will Be Blood") and will be released on Christmas Day, 2017. The plot has to do with the world of high fashion in 1950s London. After playing designer Charles James, Day-Lewis will disappear, likely to spend time with his wife Rebecca Miller and their three children.
Day-Lewis an acting legend
There is no reason to believe that Day-Lewis' retirement is a fraud in the making. The actor has always been a man of great resolve, earning a reputation for being extremely selective when picking his movie roles.
Then again, he earned that reputation by becoming one of his generation's best actors, constantly celebrated in critical reviews and earning numerous Academy Awards.
Day-Lewis is the only man to win the "Best Actor" Oscar on three separate occasions -- playing the titular role in "Lincoln," a rambunctious oil tycoon in "There Will Be Blood," and a writer in "My Left Foot."
He has become a rather reclusive actor, though.
Since the turn of the century, he has only appeared in five films, not including "Phantom Thread." Two of those were Oscar-winners for him, while the other ones were "Gangs of New York," "The Ballad of Jack and Rose" (directed by his wife), and "Nine." He rarely discusses his personal life, but has been knighted. Considered by TIME at one point to be the "World's Greatest Actor," Day-Lewis' biggest challenge may be watching films instead of being in them -- if the world doesn't mistake his retirement for another prolonged absence.
