Film · United Kingdom · 1957–
Daniel Day-Lewis Life & Career Timeline
Radical preparation and the only three-time Best Actor Oscar record.
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19571967197719871997200720172026
DDDaniel Day-LewisFilm · United Kingdom
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About this timeline
About Daniel Day-Lewis
A deliberately selective career of immersive performances, from My Left Foot and There Will Be Blood to Lincoln and Anemone.
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Daniel Day-Lewis biography
Daniel Day-Lewis timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in London
Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis was born into an artistic family in London.
Source: www.bafta.orgFirst screen appearance
As a teenager, Day-Lewis appeared briefly in Sunday Bloody Sunday.
Source: www.bafta.orgGandhi
A supporting role in Richard Attenborough’s epic preceded his breakthrough years.
Source: www.bafta.orgMy Beautiful Laundrette
His performance as Johnny helped establish him as a major new British actor.
Source: www.bafta.orgA Room with a View
Released in the same period, the contrasting role demonstrated remarkable range.
Source: www.bafta.orgThe Unbearable Lightness of Being
Day-Lewis took the leading role in Philip Kaufman’s literary adaptation.
Source: www.bafta.orgMy Left Foot
His portrayal of Christy Brown won his first Academy Award and BAFTA.
Source: www.bafta.orgThe Last of the Mohicans
The romantic action lead expanded his international audience.
Source: www.bafta.orgIn the Name of the Father
As Gerry Conlon, Day-Lewis earned another Oscar and BAFTA nomination.
Source: www.bafta.orgThe Boxer
He reunited with director Jim Sheridan for a third major Irish drama.
Source: www.bafta.orgSteps away from acting
Day-Lewis lived privately and studied shoemaking before returning to film.
Source: www.bafta.orgGangs of New York
Bill the Butcher began his celebrated collaboration with Martin Scorsese.
Source: www.bafta.orgThere Will Be Blood
Daniel Plainview brought a second Oscar and BAFTA leading-actor win.
Source: www.bafta.orgNine
Day-Lewis sang and danced as filmmaker Guido Contini.
Source: www.bafta.orgLincoln
His Abraham Lincoln made him the first man to win three Best Actor Oscars.
Source: www.bafta.orgKnighted for services to drama
The Prince of Wales knighted Day-Lewis at Buckingham Palace.
Source: www.bafta.orgPhantom Thread
Reynolds Woodcock became his final role before a publicly announced retirement.
Source: www.bafta.orgReturns with Anemone
Day-Lewis returned to acting in Anemone, directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis.
Source: www.focusfeatures.comExplore related timelines
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This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Daniel Day-Lewis or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
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Quick answers
About the Daniel Day-Lewis timeline
Who is Daniel Day-Lewis?
A deliberately selective career of immersive performances, from My Left Foot and There Will Be Blood to Lincoln and Anemone.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1957–.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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