Lincoln premiere gift from film star Daniel
STAR DAY LEWIS IS PATRON OF WICKLOW HOSPICE
GOLDEN GLOBE winner Daniel DayLewis will be in Dublin on Sunday for the European premier of ‘ Lincoln' and to support Wicklow Hospice Foundation.
Props from the movie will be auctioned for the foundation at the event in the capital at the weekend. Director Steven Spielberg has donated items such as Lincoln's handmade knife, white gloves and miniature soldiers for auction as a favour to the Day- Lewis who is a patron of Wicklow Hospice Foundation.
It may never have been however, according to a letter Day- Lewis wrote Spielberg declining the role.
'As fascinated as I was by Abe, it was the fascination of a grateful spectator who longed to see a story told, rather than that of a participant,' he wrote. ' That's how I feel now in spite of myself, and though I can't be sure that this won't change, I couldn't dream of encouraging you to keep it open on a mere possibility. I do hope this makes sense Steven, I'm glad you're making the film, I wish you the strength for it, and I send both my very best wishes and my sincere grati- tude to you for having considered me.'
Thankfully he reconsidered ( after a couple of re- writes) and agreed to play the iconic President.
After a gala screening at the Savoy on O'Connell Street, the ‘ Lincoln Ball' will take place at the Burlington Hotel.
Wicklow Hospice Foundation Chairman, Brendan Cuddihy, says there has been an overwhelming interest in the props from US bidders.
‘ Props of this quality never come on the market and are closely protected by movie studios.
‘ Now that Lincoln is hotly tipped to scoop multi- Academy awards, we're being told the value is even higher.'
Irish President Michael D Higgins will be among the guests on the red carpet while it is strongly rumoured that U2's Bono and the Edge, singers Sinead O'Connor and Shane McGowan, Chris De Burgh and boxers Katie Taylor and Barry McGuigan will attend the fundraising ball.
Hotly tipped for a best actor Oscar for the role, Daniel also won the New York Film Critics Circle award for best actor for the film.