Succession's Brian Cox Breaks Down His Career | Vanity Fair

"That was the thing about Succession. I knew this was something people had not seen before." Brian Cox takes us through his iconic career, sharing insights on his roles in 'Nicholas and Alexandra,' 'Manhunter,' 'Braveheart,' 'Rushmore,' 'Super Troopers,' 'Adaption,' 'The Bourne Identity,' 'Troy' and 'Succession.'
00:00 Intro
00:49 'Nicholas and Alexandra'
02:00 'Manhunter'
04:00 'Braveheart'
06:07 'Rushmore'
07:45 'Super Troopers'
08:40 'Adaption'
10:23 'The Bourne Identity'
11:33 'Troy'
13:29 'Succession'
Brian Cox's memoir "Putting the Rabbit in the Hat" is out now, published by Grand Central Publishing. Check it out here! www.grandcentralpublishing.co...
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[@cndnbacon]

Apparently Brian Cox has been 75 years old for about 30 years now.

[@bigtobacc0]

adrenachrome

[@whtgt02vert]

he's like Tommy Lee jones

[@pintolerance785]

​@@bigtobacc0shhhhh don't let them hear or they'll take your first born.

[@dakotahmays1437]

Just like Steve Martin

[@RedBeret27]

@@bigtobacc0 LMAO

[@pachanas703]

The problem with doing a video like this for someone like Brian Cox is that he's in everything. He's the kind of actor that Hollywood has turned to for years to round out a cast or provide a critical supporting performance.

[@danielbarnes547]

Sorry, what's the problem?

[@DavidMyrmidon]

@@danielbarnes547 ikr 😅

[@kaasmarcus]

@@danielbarnes547 I guess what he means the problem is, is that Brian Cox’s career can’t be summed up by 8 (or something ) roles in 15 minutes. I myself was expecting other titles to be included where he portrays historical characters. But I suppose a video better reflecting the many roles of Brian Cox would get a bit too long.

[@nrs6956]

He is the cement that binds the film together, a necessary ingredient. Too easily dismissed!

[@shipmanjd]

hey didn't even cover his performance in Zodiac. He KILLS IT in Zodiac. Toddy?

[@yogawithkassandra]

I can't imagine anyone else in the role of Logan Roy!

[@ryanjanis9184]

He is Logan Roy. Watching this video it almost seems like his career has been building to this role, and he just absolutely nails it.

[@leroyp33]

No one can.

[@marceloz7894]

haha! the last top comment I would dream to find. so even accomplished yogis like to watch terrible people doing terrible things to each other. love your vids! namaste!

[@yogawithkassandra]

@@marceloz7894 It's the best show since Mad Men in my opinion! (Although nothing will top Mad men for me..)

[@POK2008]

You are 100% right. I can't see anyone else playing that role. He plays it to perfection.

[@elliinspace]

You can tell that Logan Roy is one of his favourite roles. He always lights up when talking about Succession. I love that Brian Cox loves Logan Roy just as much as we love him!

[@xiaowanzi4183]

It is not easy to a challenging role meets the perfect actor at the right time.

[@mandalorian_guy]

Logan is basically just an exaggerated unfiltered version of himself.

[@MainsMain]

YOU'RE AN ANIMAL WOLVERINE

[@jamaljames9331]

I know Logan Roy arguably his most famous role, but he will always be William Stryker in my eyes!

[@TheSaraphic]

Quite possibly one of the most underrated great actors of our time.

[@dejavu2752]

How is he underrated? People throw that word around so much.. He has won Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, has successfully done blockbusters, independent films, TV, theatre, has consistently worked for 40 years in the industry, is doing well both in the UK and the US, and with the success of Succession he's likely to be sought after for as long as he wants to keep acting. What would you say is missing for him to be 'rated' according to what he deserves?

[@Dilmahkana]

@@dejavu2752 i think it's more 'the average person doesn't know him' rather than underrated. Who cares if people don't know him, he's got recognition in the industry and you stated. People will know him more now.

[@MrJasonmunoz]

He may be less of a household name than he perhaps deserves, but those who know, know, and count ourselves enriched.

[@Shaun742]

@@dejavu2752 These days I think people seem to think "underrated" is just a synonym for "very good", and it's infuriating.

[@X_Online801]

@@dejavu2752 He’s definitely underrated. In terms of all time great British Actors he’s high on the list, but all the same he’s never quite had the same acclaim as those that are similar age like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Michael Caine or Anthony Hopkins etc.

[@vallttdysney7749]

He is so good at his job that even an interview like this turns into a masterclass for acting.

[@tim2468]

I worked on Troy. Great seeing what Mr. Cox does on set-he made everyone else look like amateurs....and he's right about Pitt.

[@a.demifemiflapo5795]

"It belongs to Agamemnon in the afternoon"

[@Original-Juice]

@@a.demifemiflapo5795 AAAAGAMEMMMMNONNNNNN!!!!

[@a.demifemiflapo5795]

@@Original-Juice yh

[@alberto-kt6fp]

yes XD

[@rdxvisuals]

yeeeehaaaw

[@originaozz]

Brad Pitt bod's appreciation was not something I expect coming in to this.😂

[@grahamt4329]

You can tell how humble and kind Cox is by the way he’s constantly talking about how amazing the people are around were while filming and not himself. Just an amazing actor

[@ptolemeeselenion1542]

I was a little dissapointed they did not tackled about his part in X-Men 2 standing next to Hugh Jackman, then Sirs Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, but this was overall a enjoyable video breakdown on his career.

[@HilltopperTA]

Well now I can skip the video! I was curious what he had to say about it.

[@TheChickenlittle11]

Yeah the role I will always see him as is William Stryker.

[@xtraspecialmango]

They regularly seem to avoid actors big Hollywood blockbuster movies...? 🤔

[@vidinhadovini]

Exactly, amazing villain

[@mosquitopyjamas9048]

First time I ever saw him, immediately was a fan

[@electrojones]

A huge talent. Cox is one of the actors I seek out because he doesn't show up in bad projects. He's my canary in the coal mine of television and film. He's a sign of life.

[@keelahrose]

SO well put and I 100% agree! I only started watching Succession because I saw that he was involved. I was shocked at first that he was doing a TV show but didn't waste another second, knowing that if he's in it, it must be good! And of course it's AMAZING!!

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

His performance as "Jack Langrishe" in _Deadwood_ is an absolute gem, too.

[@steelcity9517]

YESSS he stole every single scene he was in, and made Al much more likeable.

[@kremesauce]

There’s a rumor he hates talking about his deadwood role and would be upset he become most know for his role as Jack

[@VeggieInvader]

Gem, I see what you did there.

[@this_is_AK]

Such a humble person and a great actor. Thanks to Succession, I got to know him :)

[@zackmckenzie3582]

Oddly enough, I seen his other movies but never recognized him. Seeing him like this is almost ruining the illusion for me because his regal presence in Succession is nothing I’ve seen before.

[@spencergodspeed9394]

Cox is underrated in regard to his range. He's emotional, intense, Stoic, and absolutely hilarious. He was my favorite in The Ringer with Johnny Knoxeville. Love this actor.

[@aminadavdvir]

His role in Troy resonated with me a long time, such an amazing actor

[@A0A4ful]

"History remembers Kings ! - not soldiers!" If only Agememon had refused to pander to his sulking younger brother's loss of face, and not sailed across the Agean seas to invade Troy...

[@Deathmastertx]

He's so good in Manhunter. That seen where he does some social engineering to get Graham's address with just a phone is brilliant. Really underrated performance and film.

[@theshocker4626]

Yes!

[@leebran96]

And Manhunt

[@nataliestory2614]

His portrayal was terrifying. More so than Noonan’s creepy Dolarhyde.

[@a-aron14]

killer flick - they don't make em like that anymore

[@amyg5149]

Agreed!!

[@ThePunkLoserAlcoholic6]

Love him in the manhunt game

[@infernalrunner55]

Mister Cox elevated voice acting in games to another level with his performance as Starkweather in the game Manhunt in my humble opinion. Thank you.

[@fettfan91]

Brian Cox has many iconic roles but I will always remember him as Agamemnon. So many great lines, I saw that movie in the theaters and remember thinking "this guy is perfect!"

[@vasvas8914]

AJFA rules

[@filmreviewer117]

To do a full career breakdown will take hours. The man is the sort of person who just adds class to anycast he works with and always enhances the project he's in.

[@MotorCityPhoenix313]

His voice acting in Killzone always stuck in my head. "Sons and daughters of Helghan, this much I vow...."

[@GGLD888]

love Brian Cox - he's awesome in everything. A proper actor.

[@devilsadvocate8094]

Love Huge Jackman, but Brian Cox was so good as Striker. Only on camera for a few minutes, and yet, I remembered him more than anyone else when I was younger.

[@sdlfjlsdkf]

One of the more underrated villain actor of our generation. Even in a bad movie, Brian Cox's acting is worth watching

[@heatheryi]

An obviously talented and hard-working actor. Respect

[@TheFilmFanEsco]

Discovered him in “X-MEN” and “Bourne”. His role in “Succession” is outstanding.

[@AT-jm4dl]

I think I need to watch TROY again, LOL. I'd imagine everyone - EVERYONE - on the set of TROY dropped their jaws when Brad first walked onto the set in full costume.

[@callmeshaggy5166]

Hearing Brian Cox's voice come out of a young man was unsettling.

[@xx_emo420_xx3]

his casting in succession is so perfect i honestly looked up an interview because i was having trouble conceptualizing what he might be like outside of the role

[@jkwinley]

Dang, I wish they hadn’t skipped X2! First movie I ever saw him in, and it remains one of the all time best comic villain performances. But I’ll take the sacrifice for more Succession talk.

[@reshkumar]

Cox the man seems like such a nice guy. It is a testament to his talent that he can play unlikeable characters so convincingly!

[@waywardmind]

He was also superb in X-Men 2. Great actors like Brian Cox shine in every role they take on.

[@ThePauseMenuVlog]

I have smiled throughout this entire episode. Brian is a legend and this is an excellent episode. Love the remarks he has made, the experience he has and the level of respect and adoration he can show in the way he tells his stories

[@caydenrichmond9551]

I love how much he loves the movies he participated in. Hardly talking about his roles, but rather things he enjoyed. Like Brad Pitt, Nicholas Cage

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

He was always one of my favourite character actors since I was a kid. And I’m SO happy he had a show like Succession that’s getting him the attention he’s deserved for so long!

[@TheTambourinist]

There are, sometimes even good, actors who play themselves in every movie. I love Olivia Colman and Martin Freeman, but for me they are such actors. And then there's Brian Cox. He's almost unrecognizable in his roles, he's a different person every time.

[@ayeg4727]

what he says at the beginning about being an actor was the exact same thing i said about him. i realized he was in so many other movies that i've seen before! a truly prolific actor

[@mixthepasta]

What a cool and poised man. Love his performance in Succession, what an actor!

[@erakfishfishfish]

I’m glad to hear why he did Super Troopers. I love the movie, but couldn’t figure out how an unknown stoner comedy troupe managed to land an actor of his caliber. Good thing for all that he did it though, Cox was perfect for the role.

[@woozertoo]

That, and snagging Wonder Woman too.

[@MetalTrenches]

Under appreciated actor imo. Dude can do thrillers, goofball comedy, drama… even one of my favorite videogame villains

[@chipmidges3122]

You’re a great actor Mr. Cox, long before succession. It’s been an honor watching your career sir.

[@mihailobuckovic2172]

What an actor, my god, what a career, what a man.

[@marshavilkas3512]

He was great in the miniseries "Nuremberg" as Hermann Goring as well!

[@vince4417]

There was this line in one of the Succession episodes. "I dont like to lean on my people". The way he carried that gave me flashbacks of Killzone 2. What an amazing intro that was.

[@v.k.levigne]

This man is beyond a national treasure. He is truly a worldly treasure.

[@anabolicchicken4115]

One of the best and most overlooked actors. I have always loved his acting, so happy he is finally getting recognition.

[@lar9299]

I'm so ashamed of having known about his job only after Succession, in which he is brilliant as we all know, but I wish I had appreciated him more before. I've seen some of those movies before but never noticed him as he deserved. SHAME ON ME

[@ericadipedeee_6060]

I feel the same way

[@Mojoblitz]

I absolutely loved his performance in Rushmore! I'm glad he's talking about it :)

[@deathproofpony]

I correctly assumed they wouldn't mention it, but he was great as the master villain in the old Manhunt video game.

[@LukaszVT40k]

I always remember his character Hogan in the Sharpe series. When I came back to watch that series I was amazed to find he was only actually in around 2 episodes - but his performance was so memorable.

[@curiousworld7912]

Mr. Cox has long been one of my favorite actors; I've never seen him give anything but a great performance. I had no idea of his part in 'Nicholas and Alexandra', but now I recognize him. And nothing against the great Anthony Hopkins, but Cox's performance as Hannibal Lecter will always be the best.

[@perryjames5657]

Absolutely love Brian Cox but Anthony Hopkins performance in this specific role was ICONIC.

[@ctttt7019]

Love Brian Cox. First interview I've seen with him and he seems laid back nice friendly and charming

[@TheJeanean]

I love how fearless he is in his part selections. He has done so much horror too. Love Trick r Treat.

[@lusciandormaden2670]

For me, he will always be Lionel Starkweather. What a crazy game that was.

[@rodrigoh1025]

For me too

[@Frankenstein110]

He seems like such a down-to-earth, likeable guy and his comments were truely insightful and interesting to hear. Obviously he cares a lot for the art of acting (even if it's just minor sidecharacters) and everyone involved in the process of making a movie. Definitely gonna go check out some older stuff of his now.

[@BigHenFor]

He actually teaches acting as well.

[@ArtistsJourney]

Such amazing wisdom being shared. I’ll have to revisit all the different eras of his career.

[@flaviantropy]

Strongly recommend listening to the David Tennant podcast where Brian Cox is the guest... It was illuminating hearing the two Scotsmen talk.

[@JonathanPearceName]

My iconic Brian Cox role is his itinerant theater actor/producer in Deadwood. Somehow, I feel the truth of that character more than any of his other roles.

[@teddyf3960]

Brian Cox is an actor I’ve watched all my life but wasn’t on my radar until I watched The Autopsy of Jane Doe, and now I absolutely adore him💜

[@thomasletner6315]

He wasn't in the entire series but his character was outstanding in Sharpe.

[@hillelbuchsbaum6965]

Major Hogan!

[@life__is__good]

Such a great actor! Thanks, mr. Cox!

[@jasminluna8375]

One of my favorite actors hands down he’s amazing

[@elkresurgence]

The performance that got me hooked on him was this TV miniseries "Nuremberg," in which he played Hermann Goring to a T. He's magnetic, repulsive, charming, and evil all at once. I saw a lot of the same charisma he's been able to channel as Logan Roy. I'm so glad he's getting a lot more attention as a leading actor as he winds down his career.

[@shadowscone4690]

First saw him in The Long Kiss Goodnight... even though the part was small it was still memorable at least for me

[@dinam5017]

brian cox is the reason i watched succession..i had watched a couple of episodes in the first season and got bored a little but i wanted to keep watching for him..which im happy i did..turned out to be an incredible show!

[@drsheagraham]

Brian Cox speaks so kindly about actors who have since been canceled. You rarely see that knowadays.

[@renlessard]

His performance is what made X-Men 2 the best of that series. Not included here but he was the perfect William Stryker

[@pamebasurto1578]

Me pone contenta saber que toda su carrera ahora es reconocida. Es un gran actor 🌹

[@ronaldpuran3681]

Such a wonderful and talented actor. Huge respect. Logan Roy is one of the memorable characters in TV history!

[@Alucard-A-La-Carte]

I can see why it's not on here, but I gotta say: Cox was absolutely KILLER in "Manhunt." And I only just now got the "Manhunter" connection to that casting.

[@mr.andrew7820]

"Snuff him out!!"

[@BennHaze]

Great actor. Adaptation is such an underrated film as well; it's really clever and brilliant.

[@MAFion]

Cox in The Long Kiss Goodnight has some of the best lines.

[@dallesamllhals9161]

The dog, right? 😂

[@jeanniewarren4643]

My favorite movie!

[@KazingaD]

I love this guy. I’ve seen nearly all of the films mentioned and of course Succession. I recently read a Q&A with him on a rather long flight. It was in the magazine stuffed in the back of the chair that nobody reads haha.

[@ongogablogian]

Me too haha. Hemispheres Magazine!

[@livelovelaugh9820]

logan roy holds this show on his BACK! He is so important. You can legit feel your heart drop when he enters the room

[@DarthDimmadome]

Rockstar Game’s “Manhunt” Brian is a legend and a joy

[@Sparky_007]

Loved Cox in Troy. He has such a strong screen presence. Loved him in Succession. We Scots must stick together! hehe Great respect.

[@manimaarants]

Love his honesty.

[@Aramishhh]

What a fantastic person. Great video

[@Heljhammack]

He’s so brilliant in Running With Scissors. Absolutely underrated film

[@ronaldmcisaac]

I haven't seen Manhunter (1986) in decades, but I remember how well-acted it was. Netflix, get on it.

[@petarsekelez3613]

When you see “Achilles “ somewhere written, it’s his shout that echoes in your head...

[@gabehill-harriss9022]

Manhunter was my introduction to this incredible actor. He was mesmerising in that film.

[@juandeag5194]

His role as Major Hogan in Sharpe was perfect. One of the best casted roles i have ever seen. A real shame he didnt get more screentime

[@caseykod4406]

Such a prolific and dignified man. IMO he's as iconic as Logan Roy as Ian McShane was as Al Swearengen.

[@ig8542]

what a gentleman - a pleasure to listen to and watch

[@justinbergmans36]

I’m always astonished at how amazing mr cox is as lector. Especially, since his screen time is so limited. You watch him and Hopkins, and seriously, I think he’s just as good, with a more nuanced performance.

[@ninfanforever]

Such an incredible tour de force of an actor and human. I hope Cox is acting even after he hits 100 years. Brilliant.

[@nguyea09]

Wow so true. After Succession I never realised he was in all those other films I've watched .

[@maisontalayi]

I could listen to him all day.

[@davetrachtenberg6855]

Really wish they had covered Deadwood, he was amazing in it all throughout Season 3.

[@Nessadita]

He's absolutely phenomenal in succession

[@BeeKeeper37]

He was so great as the emotionally-hard father In the rookie with Dennis Quaid… What a great movie.

[@SnowSniper98]

I was very surprised when I found out that he's the voice of Scolar Visari in the Killzone videogame series. Even just through his voice, the power he conveyed was phenomenal!

[@northseapirate2313]

He’s also Starkweather in Manhunt. Cox is fantastic at playing game antagonists

[@woodsro]

A stand out for me was his brief but impactful role in The Ring. Love it.

[@joshcushner756]

Love brian in everything he does. Such a great actor!!

[@casesoutherland4175]

Cox's performance as Hannibal Lecter is criminally underrated! His Lecter was mean, fast-talking, and sporadic, while still being intimidating.

[@Kwincy5]

Fantastic actor! Was hoping to hear about The Long Kiss Goodnight or that X-Men movie he was in.

[@AleHernandez]

great behind the scenes actor that always delivers but was always in the shadows, now on the spotlight bright more than eve, Great actor.

[@alejandroumaslay3657]

Brian cox is my favorite actor, I watched all his movies and I love very much