HBO
Jeremy Strong talks about not continuing with Succession and his mental health during the filming of the series
Jeremy Strong, who played Kendall Roy in Succession, revealed how the role impacted his mental health, and how he has no desire to return to the show because of it.
Jeremy Strong, known for his portrayal of Kendall Roy in HBO’s Succession, has recently opened up about the profound emotional toll the role took on his mental health. In multiple interviews, the 45-year-old actor revealed that playing the troubled Roy family heir affected him deeply, leaving a lasting impact on his well-being.
Strong described his time on Succession as both a “gift” and a source of distress. As a dedicated method actor, he often stayed in character even when the cameras weren’t rolling, a commitment that left him feeling “overwhelmed” and mentally exhausted. In a recent conversation, he admitted, “It f***ed me up,” explaining that he “sometimes lost touch with joy” while immersed in Kendall’s world. Strong’s intense approach to acting—imagining personal tragedies to prepare for his scenes—took a toll on his mental health over the course of the show’s seven-year run.
Since leaving the role behind, Strong has found relief and happiness, noting that a recent silent meditation retreat helped him rediscover joy and balance. “I really needed it,” he shared, reflecting on how the retreat helped him regain clarity and well-being after the emotionally draining experience of playing Kendall.
Despite acknowledging that Succession was an “incalculable gift” in terms of career and creative fulfillment, Strong is relieved to have closed that chapter. When asked if he would consider returning for a spin-off or reprising his role, he firmly stated that he has no desire to do so. “It’s not something I want to do anymore,” he said, adding that while Succession was a significant part of his life, he no longer misses embodying Kendall Roy’s struggles.
Strong is now focusing on new projects, including his upcoming role as Roy Cohn, a controversial lawyer and Donald Trump’s mentor, in the film The Apprentice. This shift signals a new direction in his career, as he moves away from the demanding role that both shaped and challenged him.
The actor’s candid reflections on his experience with Succession offer a rare glimpse into the emotional cost of intense method acting, highlighting the complexities behind a critically acclaimed performance.
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