Brian Cox slams ‘woke nonsense’ and loses temper in rehearsals

Brian Cox, known for his role as Logan Roy on HBO’s Succession, recently defended his reputation for losing his temper in rehearsals, dismissing criticism as “woke nonsense.” The 79-year-old actor has faced backlash for his intense acting process, with co-stars like Sarah Snook describing him as flying into a “diabetic rage” on set.

Last year, Cox reportedly faced complaints to Equity, a performers’ trade union, for his behavior during rehearsals for a production of A Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Cox attributed his outbursts to the norms of his generation, recalling a time when temperamental behavior was more accepted in the industry. He expressed frustration with what he perceives as a current culture of oversensitivity, stating, “You can’t say boo to a goose.”

Despite his reputation for hot-headedness, Cox’s colleagues have also spoken warmly of him. Co-star Peter Friedman, who plays Frank Vernon, described Cox as occasionally “frightening” but also “the nicest guy in the world.” Similarly, J Smith-Cameron, who portrays Gerri Kellman, found Cox to be both “scary” and “terrifying” but praised his talent and dedication.

Cox, set to star in the upcoming play Make It Happen, facing the troubles of the Royal Bank of Scotland, has been transparent about his struggles to control his emotions during performances. While his intense approach may ruffle some feathers, there’s no denying the impact his dedication and talent have had on audiences.