Brian Cox
Biography
Brian Denis Cox, born on June 1, 1946, is a distinguished Scottish actor celebrated for his versatile performances in both theater and film. With a strong foundation in classical training, he has earned accolades that include two Laurence Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award, along with a nomination for a BAFTA Television Award. In 2003, he was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the arts.
Cox's acting career began at the Dundee Repertory Theatre, where he honed his craft before co-founding the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. He further established himself as a prominent Shakespearean actor, captivating audiences at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, notably with his acclaimed performance as King Lear. His Olivier Awards came from his powerful portrayals in "Rat in the Skull" (1984) and "Titus Andronicus" (1988), with additional nominations for "Misalliance" (1986) and "Fashion" (1988).
In film, Cox is recognized for his compelling character roles, including Robert McKee in "Adaptation" (2002) and William Stryker in "X2" (2003). His performance in "L.I.E." (2001) earned him a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award. Other significant films in his repertoire include "Manhunter" (1986), "Braveheart" (1995), and "Troy" (2004).
Cox's television accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Hermann Göring in "Nuremberg" (2001) and a celebrated run as Logan Roy in HBO's "Succession" (2018-2023), which garnered him a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations.
Filmography
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Mad About Mambo
2000 • Sidney McLoughlin
L.I.E.
2001 • Big John Harrigan
The Electric State
2025 • Popfly (voice)
The Science of Doctor Who
2013
The Campaign
2012 • Raymond
The Boxer
1997 • Joe Hamill
Battle for Terra
2007 • General Hemmer (voice)
RED 2
2013 • Ivan
Scooby-Doo! and the Samurai Sword
2009 • Green Dragon (voice)
Separation (2021)
2021 • Rivers
Last Moment of Clarity
2020 • Gilles
Ukraine: Answering the Call
2022 • Self
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
2014
Remember Me (2019)
2019 • Shane
Super Troopers
2001 • John O'Hagen
Brian Cox: Seven Days on Mars
2022
Red (2010)
2010 • Ivan Simanov
The Flying Scotsman (2006)
2006 • Douglas Baxter
A Shot at Glory
2000 • Martin Smith
The Escapist
2008 • Frank Perry
Blood (2012)
2012 • Lenny Fairburn
The Secret of the Nutcracker
2007 • Drosselmeyer