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Brian Cox

Birth Place: Dundee

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BIO

Brian Denis Cox CBE (born 1 June 1946) is a Scottish actor. A classically trained Shakespearean actor, he is known for leading performances on stage and television, as well as supporting roles in film. His numerous accolades include two Laurence Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award as well as a nomination for a British Academy Television Award. In 2003, he was appointed to the Order of the British Empire at the rank of Commander. Empire magazine awarded him the Empire Icon Award in 2006, and the UK Film Council named him one of the top 10 powerful British film stars in Hollywood in 2007.



Cox trained at the Dundee Repertory Theatre before becoming a founding member of Royal Lyceum Theatre. He went on to train as a Shakespearean actor, starring in numerous productions with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he gained recognition for his portrayal of King Lear. Cox received two Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Actor for his roles in Rat in the Skull (1984) for the Royal Court and Titus Andronicus (1988). He received two more Olivier Award nominations for Misalliance (1986) and Fashion (1988).

Known as a character actor in film, he played Robert McKee in Spike Jonze's Adaptation (2002) and William Stryker in X2 (2003). For his starring role in L.I.E. (2001), he received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. His other notable films include Manhunter (1986), Rob Roy (1995), Braveheart (1995), Rushmore (1998), Super Troopers (2001), The Ring (2002), The Bourne Identity (2002), 25th Hour (2002), Troy (2004), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), Red Eye (2005), Zodiac (2007), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), and Churchill (2017).

Cox won the Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for his portrayal of Hermann Göring in the television film Nuremberg (2001). The following year he guest starred on the NBC sitcom Frasier earning his second Emmy nomination in 2002. He portrayed Jack Langrishe in the HBO series Deadwood. He starred as Logan Roy on the HBO series Succession (2018–2023), for which he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Long Day’s Journey Into Night Long Day’s Journey Into Night
[West End]
2024
James Tyrone Sr.
The Great Society The Great Society
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
LBJ
The Weir The Weir
[West End]
West End Revival Production, 2014
Performer
That Championship Season That Championship Season
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2011
Coach
Rock 'n' Roll Rock 'n' Roll
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2007
Max
St. Nicholas
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Performer
Art
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Marc [Replacement]
Rat in the Skull
[Off-Broadway]
1985
Nelson
Strange Interlude
[Broadway]
1985
Edmund Darrell

Movies

Nicholas and Alexandra
[ 1971 ] Trotsky
In Celebration
[ 1975 ] Steven Shaw
Manhunter
[ 1986 ] Dr. Lecktor
Hidden Agenda
[ 1990 ] Kerrigan
The Lost Language of Cranes
[ 1991 ] Owen Benjamin
Deceptions
[ 1992 ] Carlton Heard
Royal Deceit
[ 1994 ] Aethelwine
Iron Will
[ 1994 ] Angus McTeague
Braveheart
[ 1995 ] Argyle Wallace
Rob Roy
[ 1995 ] Killearn
Chain Reaction
[ 1996 ] Lyman Earl Collier
The Glimmer Man
[ 1996 ] Mr. Smith
The Long Kiss Goodnight
[ 1996 ] Nathan
Kiss the Girls
[ 1997 ] Chief Hatfield
The Boxer
[ 1997 ] Joe Hamill
Desperate Measures
[ 1998 ] Captain Jeremiah Csidy
Rushmore
[ 1998 ] Dr. Nelson Guggenheim
Merchants of Venus
[ 1998 ] Uncle Vladimir
The Minus Man
[ 1999 ] Doug
For Love of the Game
[ 1999 ] Gary Wheeler
The Corruptor
[ 1999 ] Sean Wallace
Saltwater
[ 2000 ] George Beneventi
Complicity
[ 2000 ] Inspector McDunn
A Shot at Glory
[ 2000 ] Martin Smith
Mad About Mambo
[ 2000 ] Sidney McLoughlin
L.I.E.
[ 2001 ] Big John Harrigan
Super Troopers
[ 2001 ] Captain O Hagan
Strictly Sinatra
[ 2001 ] Chisolm
The Affair of the Necklace
[ 2001 ] Minister Breteuil
Bug
[ 2002 ] Cyr
25th Hour
[ 2002 ] James Brogan
The Rookie
[ 2002 ] Jim Morris Sr.
The Ring
[ 2002 ] Richard Morgan
Adaptation.
[ 2002 ] Robert McKee
The Reckoning
[ 2002 ] Tobi
The Bourne Identity
[ 2002 ] Ward Abbott
Sin
[ 2003 ] Captain Oakes
X2: X-Men United
[ 2003 ] William Stryker
Troy
[ 2004 ] Agamemnon
The Bourne Supremacy
[ 2004 ] Ward Abbott
Match Point
[ 2005 ] Alec Hewett
The Ringer
[ 2005 ] Gary Barker
Red Eye
[ 2005 ] Joe Reisert
The Flying Scotsman
[ 2006 ] Dougl Baxter
Running with Scissors
[ 2006 ] Dr. Finch
A Woman in Winter
[ 2006 ] Dr. Hunt
Shoot on Sight
[ 2007 ] Daniel Tennant
Battle for Terra
[ 2007 ] General Hemmer
Zodiac
[ 2007 ] Melvin Belli
Trick 'r Treat
[ 2007 ] Mr. Kreeg
The Water Horse
[ 2007 ] Old Angus
Agent Crush
[ 2008 ] Spanners
Red
[ 2008 ] Avery Ludlow
The Escapist
[ 2008 ] Frank Perry
Fantastic Mr. Fox
[ 2009 ] Action 12 Reporter
The Good Heart
[ 2009 ] Jacques
Tell Tale
[ 2009 ] Phillip Van Doren
As Good as Dead
[ 2010 ] Reverend Kalahan
All at Sea
[ 2010 ] Wally
Ironclad
[ 2011 ] Baron William d Aubigny
The Veteran
[ 2011 ] Gerry Langdon
Citizen Gangster
[ 2011 ] Glover Boyd
The Key Man
[ 2011 ] Irving
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
[ 2011 ] John Landon
Exit Humanity
[ 2011 ] Malcolm Young
Coriolanus
[ 2011 ] Menenius
Blood
[ 2012 ] Lenny Fairburn
The Campaign
[ 2012 ] Raymond Huggins
Her
[ 2013 ] Alan Watts
Blumenthal
[ 2013 ] Harold
RED 2
[ 2013 ] Ivan
Believe
[ 2013 ] Sir Matt Busby
The Anomaly
[ 2014 ] Dr. Langham
The Gospel of John
[ 2014 ] Narrator
Pixels
[ 2015 ] Admiral Porter
Forsaken
[ 2015 ] James McCurdy
Morgan
[ 2016 ] Jim Bryce
The Carer
[ 2016 ] Sir Michael Gifford
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
[ 2016 ] Tommy
Bob the Builder: Mega Machines
[ 2017 ] Conrad UK & US, Crunch UK & US
Churchill
[ 2017 ] Winston Churchill
Super Troopers 2
[ 2018 ] Captain O Hagan
The Pretenders
[ 2018 ] Henry
Dark Highlands
[ 2018 ] Opening Narrator
The Etruscan Smile
[ 2018 ] Rory MacNeil
Strange But True
[ 2019 ] Bill
The Last Right
[ 2019 ] Father Reilly
Remember Me
[ 2019 ] Shane
Last Moment of Clarity
[ 2020 ] Gilles
The Bay of Silence
[ 2020 ] Milton
Lawrence: After Arabia
[ 2021 ] Epilogue, Father Voice
Separation
[ 2021 ] Paul Rivers
Mending the Line
[ 2022 ] Ike Fletcher
Prisoner's Daughter
[ 2022 ] Max
The Independent
[ 2022 ] Nichol Booker
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
[ 2023 ] Helm Hammerhand
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
[ 2024 ] Helm
That Christmas
[ 2024 ] Santa
Skelly
[ 2024 ] Grandpa
Little Wing
[ 2024 ] Jaan Vari

TV Shows

Blade Runner: Black Lotus
Niander Wallace Sr.
Crown Court
Edward McLennan
Shetland
Magnus Bain
Succession
Logan Roy
Unsinkable
Robert Dodds
Unsinkable
Robert Dodds

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Brian Cox, St. Nicholas

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Solo Performance

Brian Cox - , St. Nicholas


winner
The Lortels - 1998 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Brian Cox, St. Nicholas

Olivier Awards - 1988 - Actor of the Year in a New Play

Brian Cox, Fashion, RSC


winner
Olivier Awards - 1988 - Actor of the Year in a Revival

Brian CoxTitus Andronicus

Olivier Awards - 1986 - Comedy Performance of the Year

Brian CoxMisalliance


winner
Olivier Awards - 1984 - Actor of the Year in a New Play

Brian CoxRat In The Skull

Videos

More Videos

News


Dates Set For MAKE IT HAPPEN Starring Brian Cox at Dundee Rep Theatre Photo
Dates Set For MAKE IT HAPPEN Starring Brian Cox at Dundee Rep Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have announced the dates of preview shows for Make It Happen, an epic new production that sees Brian Cox make his return to the stage where he first began his career.  
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Photo
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
Full Programme Set For Edinburgh International Festival 2025 Photo
Full Programme Set For Edinburgh International Festival 2025
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025

Edinburgh International Festival will present a hand-picked selection of leading international and local artists in the world's Festival City, with 24 days of world-class opera, dance, music and theatre.  
Everclear to Embark on Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour Photo
Everclear to Embark on Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s led by vocalist, guitarist and founder Art Alexakis, has announced the Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour featuring special guests Local H and Sponge. 
New Adaptation of A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH Comes to the New Vic Theatre Photo
New Adaptation of A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH Comes to the New Vic Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025

The New Vic will produce a rare stage adaptation of an iconic British film this April when they bring Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's A Matter of Life and Death, to life on their in-the-round stage.
Video: THE ELECTRIC STATE Final Trailer with Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt Photo
Video: THE ELECTRIC STATE Final Trailer with Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2025

Netflix has released the final trailer for The Electric Slate, the new movie from the Russo Brothers starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. The movie hits Netflix on March 14, 2025. Watch the trailer here!
Review Roundup: THE SCORE, Directed by Trevor Nunn Photo
Review Roundup: THE SCORE, Directed by Trevor Nunn
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 28, 2025

Legendary stage and screen actor Brian Cox stars as Johann Sebastian Bach in Oliver Cotton’s new play, The Score, originally presented at the Theatre Royal Bath.
Review: THE SCORE, Starring Brian Cox Photo
Review: THE SCORE, Starring Brian Cox
by Cindy Marcolina - Feb 28, 2025

Transferring from a successful run in Bath a few years ago, Oliver Cotton wants to marry politics and art to work his way up to the encounter between an ageing Johann Sebastian Bach and Frederick II of Prussia. The marketing makes it out to be an explosive meeting between church and state, between a god-fearing, scripture-quoting composer and an atheist, belligerent, ruthless monarch. That’s not exactly how it goes and the theatricality of the event is rather underwhelming. Trevor Nunn directs Brian Cox in a lengthy and inconsistent script that swiftly turns into a vehicle for anecdotal politics and bite-size philosophy. Too long into the action, we discover that the catalyst is Bach’s indomitable rage. He found out that a blind young girl was brutally raped by the military and he chooses to hold the king accountable.
Playing on Air Reveals New Leadership Photo
Playing on Air Reveals New Leadership
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2025

The Playing on Air Board of Directors has announced Joshua Kahan Brody as Artistic Director and Garlia Cornelia Jones as Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer. 
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM Sets Max Streaming Debut Photo
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM Sets Max Streaming Debut
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 21, 2025

New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animations’ THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM  will make its global streaming debut FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 exclusively on Max. 
Photos: Brian Cox and More In Rehearsal for THE SCORE At Theatre Royal Haymarket Photo
Photos: Brian Cox and More In Rehearsal for THE SCORE At Theatre Royal Haymarket
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 12, 2025

See brand new rehearsal photos of the cast of Oliver Cotton’s play THE SCORE starring legendary stage and screen actor Brian Cox (HBO’s multi-award-winning Succession) as Johann Sebastian Bach and Nicole Ansari-Cox as Bach’s wife Anna.
Max Original Film THE PARENTING Sets Streaming Debut Photo
Max Original Film THE PARENTING Sets Streaming Debut
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 12, 2025

The Max Original film The Parenting, starring Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, Brian Cox, Edie Falco, Lisa Kudrow, Dean Norris, Parker Posey, and Vivian Bang, debuts Thursday, March 13 on Max.
National Theatre Of Scotland Appoints Liam Sinclair as New Executive Director Photo
National Theatre Of Scotland Appoints Liam Sinclair as New Executive Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

The National Theatre of Scotland has appointed Liam Sinclair as the new Executive Director of the Company. Lear more about Sinclair and about The National Theatre of Scotland here!
LAMDA Launches Studio Facilities in New York Photo
LAMDA Launches Studio Facilities in New York
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

LAMDA, the UK's leading performing arts institution and the world's oldest drama school, has officially launched its first international base in New York City, in collaboration with its US sister organisation, the American Friends of LAMDA.
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Reveal 2025 Season Photo
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Reveal 2025 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have announced their 2025 season – a programme that celebrates creativity, connection, and community. Audiences can look forward to a year of premieres, new creations, and returning favourites for all ages.
Brian Cox Returns to Scottish Stages in James Graham's MAKE IT HAPPEN Photo
Brian Cox Returns to Scottish Stages in James Graham's MAKE IT HAPPEN
by Stephi Wild - Jan 24, 2025

Brian Cox will return to Scottish stages in a new play by leading British playwright James Graham. This is the first major artwork to tell the story of Royal Bank of Scotland's role in the 2008 financial crash.
Submissions Now Open for 2025 Michigan Playwrights Festival Photo
Submissions Now Open for 2025 Michigan Playwrights Festival
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

After the success of the inaugural Michigan Playwrights Festival eight years ago, Theatre NOVA continues its semi-annual tradition, announcing a call for submissions for this season’s festival.
THE SCORE At The Theatre Royal Haymarket Full Cast Announced Photo
THE SCORE At The Theatre Royal Haymarket Full Cast Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2025

Further cast members joining legendary stage and screen actor Brian Cox (HBO's multi-award-winning Succession) as Johann Sebastian Bach and Nicole Ansari-Cox as Bach's wife Anna in Oliver Cotton's play THE SCORE have been announced.
Roundabout Theatre Will Celebrate John Kander at Benefit Hosted By Alan Cumming Photo
Roundabout Theatre Will Celebrate John Kander at Benefit Hosted By Alan Cumming
by Stephi Wild - Dec 20, 2024

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced a special one-night event Ring Them Bells: A Birthday Celebration for John Kander, hosted by Alan Cumming. Learn more here!
Video: Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt Star in THE ELECTRIC STATE Trailer Photo
Video: Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt Star in THE ELECTRIC STATE Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 18, 2024

Netflix has released the official trailer for The Electric Slate, the upcoming movie from the Russo Brothers starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. The movie hits Netflix on March 14, 2025. Watch the trailer now!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Brian Cox been in?

Brian Cox has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Brian Cox been in?

Brian Cox has appeared on London's West End in 3 shows.

What was Brian Cox's first West End show?

Brian Cox's first West End show was The Weir which opened in 2014

What awards has Brian Cox been nominated for?

Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for St. Nicholas, Best Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for St. Nicholas, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for St. Nicholas, Actor of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Fashion, RSC, Actor of the Year in a Revival (Olivier Awards) for Titus Andronicus, Comedy Performance of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Misalliance and Actor of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Rat In The Skull.

What awards has Brian Cox won?

Brian Cox has won the following awards: Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for St. Nicholas; Actor of the Year in a Revival (Olivier Awards) for Titus Andronicus; and Actor of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Rat In The Skull.

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