From Oscar-winning roles to his recent return in ‘Anemone,’ revisit Daniel Day-Lewis through the years in photos.
Daniel Day-Lewis is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, known for his immersive method acting and ability to completely transform into his roles. He first gained recognition in the 1980s with films like My Beautiful Laundrette and A Room with a View, before earning international acclaim, and his first Academy Award, for My Left Foot in 1989.
Over the years, Day-Lewis built a remarkable filmography with standout performances in Gangs of New York, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln. His work in the latter two films earned him additional Oscars, making him the only actor to win three Academy Awards for Best Actor.
In 2017, Day-Lewis announced he was stepping away from acting following the release of Phantom Thread, maintaining the private lifestyle he has long been known for. “All my life, I’ve mouthed off about how I should stop acting, and I don’t know why it was different this time, but the impulse to quit took root in me, and that became a compulsion,” he told W magazine five months after the news. “It was something I had to do.”
However, he has since returned to the screen with the upcoming film Anemone, marking a rare comeback after years out of the spotlight.
Click through the gallery to see Daniel Day-Lewis’ best photos throughout the years.
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Daniel Day-Lewis
Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
Daniel Day-Lewis was photographed out in public in May 2023.
May 19, 2023, 5:08PM 2 of 9
“Phantom Thread” Film – 2017
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Daniel Day-Lewis was nominated for his last film, 2017’s ‘Phantom Thread.’ In it, the actor played a dressmaker in the 1950s who falls in love with his muse.
May 19, 2023, 5:04PM 3 of 9
85th Annual Academy Awards Oscars
Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock
Daniel Day-Lewis and wife Rebecca Miller at the 85th Annual Academy Awards. The actor won the big prize for ‘Lincoln.’
May 19, 2023, 5:04PM 4 of 9
85th Annual Academy Awards Oscars
Picture Perfect/Shutterstock
Daniel Day-Lewis accepts the Best Actor Oscar at the 85th Annual Academy Awards Oscars in 2013. Dressed to impress, he took home his third statuette.
May 19, 2023, 5:05PM 5 of 9
‘Nine’ Premiere
Shutterstock
Rebecca Miller and husband Daniel Day-Lewis at the ‘Nine’ world film premiere. Daniel got to show off his musical talents in the film.
May 19, 2023, 5:03PM
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Britain Cinema Bafta Awards – Feb 2008
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Daniel Day-lewis wins Leading Actor at the British Academy Film Awards for ‘My Left Foot.’ The movie made him a bona fide star.
May 19, 2023, 5:03PM 7 of 9
Street Style 1992
Shutterstock
Daniel Day-Lewis in 1992. The actor looked quite dapper in his classic tuxedo.
May 19, 2023, 5:04PM 8 of 9
Posing in 1987
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Daniel Day-Lewis in 1987. The actor was just getting his start in the movies.
May 19, 2023, 5:04PM 9 of 9
“Anemone” Premiere During the 63rd New York Film Festival
Variety via Getty Images
Daniel Day-Lewis and son Ronan Day-Lewis at the “Anemone” premiere during the 63rd New York Film Festival held at Alice Tully Hall on September 28, 2025 in New York, New York.
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