In a stunning revelation that exposes the extreme lengths method actors will go for their craft, it has emerged that Daniel Day-Lewis's dedication to portraying Abraham Lincoln nearly cost him his life. The three-time Oscar winner developed pneumonia and suffered from hypothermia after insisting on maintaining Lincoln's frail physical condition throughout filming.
The Chilling Method Behind the Performance
During the making of Steven Spielberg's 2012 historical epic 'Lincoln', Day-Lewis refused to wear modern thermal protection against the bitter cold. The actor remained in character as the 16th US President throughout the entire production, adopting Lincoln's reportedly higher-pitched voice and even sending text messages to co-stars in character.
Spielberg's Growing Concern
According to screenwriter Tony Kushner, who worked closely on the project, Spielberg became increasingly worried about his leading man's deteriorating health. "Steven was freaking out," Kushner revealed. The director's concern escalated as Day-Lewis continued to resist practical measures that would protect him from the freezing Virginia winter where filming took place.
A History of Extreme Preparation
This isn't the first time Day-Lewis's method acting has raised eyebrows in Hollywood:
- For 'My Left Foot', he spent entire production in a wheelchair
- During 'The Last of the Mohicans', he learned to live off the land
- For 'Gangs of New York', he trained as a butcher and refused modern clothing
The Legacy of Lincoln's Portrayal
Despite the health risks, Day-Lewis's performance earned widespread critical acclaim and his third Best Actor Oscar, making him the only male actor in history to achieve this feat. The film itself garnered twelve Academy Award nominations and won two, including Best Production Design.
The revelations about Day-Lewis's near-fatal commitment add another chapter to the ongoing debate about method acting's boundaries and whether such extreme measures are necessary for artistic authenticity.
