Brian Cox laments losing his anonymity following the triumphs of HBO’s Succession

Last Updated on November 3, 2023

Sometimes, being famous isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Let’s say you’re one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood. It’s near-impossible to go out in public without being photographed, asked absurd questions about projects you’re working on, and hounded for your John Hancock on an array of questionable items. While some think the limelight is something to aspire to, there are times when Succession actor Brian Cox begs to differ. Speaking with The Guardian, Cox says he’s lost his ability to remain inconspicuous after playing Logan Roy for HBO’s award-winning drama series Succession.

“I’ve lost my anonymity and I’ve realized that that was what was important to me. I haven’t ever experienced anything like this,” Cox told The Guardian. “I mean, you ask for success in your work, and you get it, and then you have to deal with the consequences. I’ve always valued my privacy, but that’s gone. I’ve been very lucky that I’ve had it for so long. You know, I’ve been doing this for over 60 years. And finally it’s over.”

In addition to lamenting his ability to slip through crowds unnoticed, Cox takes umbrage with how American productions treat British actors differently than people from their side of the pond.

“There’s always been a tendency of American productions to treat British actors differently from American actors. In other words, to get them cheap,” Cox says, who’s turned down roles after finding the contract terms unfair or screen time less than desirable. In his memoir “Putting the Rabbit in the Hat,” Cox recalls turning down the part of Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones. After discovering the character’s death happens early in the series, Cox passed on the opportunity, finding the brief role undesirable and the pay inadequate.

What do you think about the pitfalls of fame? Is Cox taking his Hollywood cache for granted, or do you agree never getting a moment’s peace is too high a price to pay for becoming one of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable players? In the comments section below, let us know if you would trade places with Cox regarding widespread fame and adoration