Cox laments loss of ‘anonymity’ in wake of global Succession stardom
SCOTTISH TV star Brian Cox has spoken about losing his “anonymity”, which he “prized”, after starring in hit series Succession.
Cox, 77, who played foul-mouthed global media tycoon and family patriarch Logan Roy, was killed off in episode three of the final season of the hit HBO show.
The gritty series, from Peep Show creator Jesse Armstrong, which also starred Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin, came to an end last year, and scooped numerous accolades during its four-season run, including winning the drama series gong at the Emmys.
Cox, who won a Golden Globe for Succession, is nominated in the leading actor category at the Bafta Television awards for his role as Logan Roy, marking his first Bafta TV nomination since 1993, when he was nominated for The Lost Language Of Cranes.
Speaking ahead of the TV Baftas, being held today, he told BBC Scotland News: “One thing I have lost is my anonymity, which I prized.
“It is a double-edged sword. The success, I am not going to knock it, but at the same time everybody knows who I am now. People would say you’re ...? I loved the fact people didn’t know what to say because I had done so much variation. But now Logan Roy is it, as far as the general public is concerned.”
His other recent projects include starring as The Controller in the Prime Video series 007: Road To A Million. He is also known for roles including the first incarnation of Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter (1986) and CIA chief Ward Abbott in the Bourne franchise.
He is a patron of the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow, The Old Rep in Birmingham, the British American Drama Academy in London, and The Space in his native Dundee. In 1965, Cox was among the founding members of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in Edinburgh.
He told BBC Scotland News: “I have done more than 200 films altogether so it was just another role, but it was a great one.”
Cox said Succession was “one of the best jobs”, adding: “It was a great cast to work with. We are close as a family and it was one of the happiest jobs ever.”
He is nominated in the leading actor category at the Bafta Television awards alongside Dominic West, Kane Robinson, Paapa Essiedu, Timothy Spall and Steve Coogan.