Daniel Day-Lewis: 'Lincoln Role Should Have Gone To An American'

Daniel Day-Lewis felt apprehensive about playing a U.S. president in Lincoln because he was convinced the lead role should have been given to an American.

The Gangs of New York star was born and raised in London but also has Irish citizenship because of his father's connections to the country, and he admits his British background made him feel like a fraud for taking on the role of beloved President Abraham Lincoln.

He tells Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper, "I was very aware of the responsibility involved as I didn't want to be the person who desecrated the memory of the most loved president America has ever known... It seemed like an outlandish idea to take someone who grew up in south east London and make him President of the United States... I'm not an American citizen so I don't have the right to be president."

Day-Lewis previously admitted he had doubts about taking on the film project, but the gamble paid off - he has received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for the role, as well as a nod at the upcoming British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards. He also won a Best Actor trophy at the recent Golden Globes.

Daniel Day-Lewis: 'Lincoln Role Should Have Gone To An American' - Starpulse.com

you could say that about a lot of roles

right wonder how many mexicans play puerto ricans n vice versa [pic] . who cares, the execution is what counts.

i would rather see the best actor in a role and not just a "because hes such and such"

Daniel Day-Lewis doesn't exist once the film starts rolling. The man on screen is Abe Lincoln.

[pic] tony montana was played by an italian, its acting

it's called acting you dumbass

No one else could have done it better..[pic]

Nicolas Cage would like to have a word with you.

Lincoln was one of the best films I saw last year, and DDL was absolutely brilliant!

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he's just being modest.

just like how a white man played the prince of Persia but like you guys say the better actor fits the role.. but DDL fit the role.

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I just watched the film... He was great in it. Daniel Day Lewis #1 when it comes to acting. He made this film great.

Humility is a beautiful trait.