Jeremy Strong’s remarkable transformation has caught the attention of many—fans, the media, and fellow actors alike. The ‘Succession’ star’s 30-pound weight loss was not just about aesthetics, but rather a key element of his commitment to his craft. Strong’s commitment to his weight loss and overall physical transformation is deeply tied to his dedication to his acting roles, particularly his portrayal of Roy Cohn in the film The Apprentice. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into Strong’s weight loss journey, how it shaped his performance, and the emotional and physical toll the transformation took on him.
The Transformation Begins: Jeremy Strong’s Intense Preparation
Jeremy Strong, known for his intense and immersive acting style, has always pushed the boundaries when it comes to preparing for a role. However, when he was cast to play the infamous Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, the stakes were higher than ever. Cohn, the controversial lawyer, had a very distinct persona—both physically and mentally. Strong understood that to truly bring this character to life, he would have to undergo a dramatic transformation, not just in terms of his acting, but also physically.
“Playing Roy Cohn was not just about mimicking his voice or understanding his worldview,” Strong explained in an interview. “It was about embodying him completely—inside and out. His physicality was a big part of who he was, and I needed to transform to do justice to this role.”
Strong’s starting weight was 200 pounds, which he felt was too far removed from the leaner physique of the character he was playing. His target weight was 170 pounds, a significant loss for the actor, but necessary for the immersive experience he sought. The transformation, however, wasn’t simple or quick—it took several months of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
The Emotional and Mental Struggles: Overcoming the Toll
Although Strong is known for his method acting style, this transformation wasn’t just about eating less or working out more—it was an emotional and psychological journey as well. Losing 30 pounds required him to adopt an incredibly strict diet and exercise regimen, which often left him physically drained and mentally exhausted.
“It wasn’t easy,” Strong admitted, his voice tinged with emotion. “There were days when I felt completely defeated. But I kept reminding myself that this transformation was about more than just my body—it was about becoming Roy. I wanted to understand him in a way that transcended just reading the lines.”
The weight loss process was grueling, especially as Strong was simultaneously immersed in learning the complex history and mindset of Roy Cohn. The pressures of physical change combined with the intensity of his preparation for the role were a true test of his mental resilience. In many ways, the actor’s weight loss journey mirrored the internal conflict and dedication of his character—constantly pushing limits, even when it felt like there was nothing left to give.
The Diet: Vegan and Starvation Regimens
For Strong, one of the most significant aspects of his weight loss was the dietary changes he had to make. To shed the 30 pounds, he adhered to a strict diet that included both a vegan meal plan and a period of “starvation,” which he later explained was carefully monitored by a doctor. The diet involved cutting out most sugars, carbs, and fats, while increasing protein intake from plant-based sources like beans, legumes, and tofu.
“It’s not a fun diet,” Strong noted, looking back on the journey. “But it was necessary. I couldn’t afford to slack off—I had to get into character, and that meant making huge sacrifices.”
The physical effects of the diet were obvious—Strong’s body started to lose weight, but it also began to change in ways he hadn’t anticipated. Not only did he become leaner, but his energy levels fluctuated, and he found himself feeling more fatigued than usual. The toll of the physical transformation added a layer of challenge to his already demanding preparation for the role.
The Role and the Impact: How Weight Loss Shaped His Performance
By the time filming for The Apprentice began, Strong had reached his goal weight of 170 pounds. The physical transformation was evident, but it was the impact on his performance that was perhaps the most profound. His ability to embody Roy Cohn became more than just mimicking the lawyer’s voice or mannerisms; it became about truly becoming the character, physically and mentally.
The result was a stunning performance that captivated audiences and critics alike. His portrayal of Cohn, known for his cutthroat political manipulation and ruthless persona, was intensified by the physical transformation. For Strong, this was more than just a weight loss journey—it was a complete metamorphosis.
“Losing weight wasn’t just about looking different. It was about feeling different,” Strong reflected. “When I looked in the mirror, I saw Roy Cohn staring back at me. That was the point—it was about losing myself to find him.”
This immersive approach to character development is what has made Strong such a respected actor. His ability to transform for the sake of his roles has earned him accolades, and his weight loss for The Apprentice was no different. The dedication to physical transformation, combined with his mental focus, made his portrayal one of the most powerful in recent memory.
The Aftermath: What’s Next for Jeremy Strong?
After the completion of The Apprentice, Strong’s weight loss journey didn’t end. He had successfully shed 30 pounds, but the mental and physical effects of his transformation were far from over. Strong acknowledged that maintaining a balanced lifestyle after such a significant physical change would require constant attention and effort.
“I had to figure out how to maintain my health and energy levels after all of this,” Strong said. “It was a real learning process. After all, I’m an actor, not a bodybuilder. I had to find a way to balance my body and mind, so I could continue doing what I love.”
While his weight loss was part of the intense preparation for a specific role, it also sparked a new perspective on health for Strong. He has since incorporated a more balanced and sustainable approach to fitness, prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical health. His diet is no longer as strict, but he still maintains a plant-based lifestyle and continues his regular exercise routine, which now includes a mix of strength training and cardiovascular activities.
What We Can Learn from Jeremy Strong’s Weight Loss Journey
Jeremy Strong’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of commitment, discipline, and the emotional strength required to make such a profound change. While his transformation was rooted in the demands of a specific role, it also serves as a reminder that weight loss is not just about numbers on a scale—it’s about the mental and emotional commitment to improving oneself, both physically and mentally.
For those looking to embark on their own weight loss journey, Strong’s story offers valuable lessons. It’s not easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But with the right mindset, dedication, and support, transformation is possible. The key is finding balance—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and understanding that any journey worth taking requires hard work and sacrifice.
Key Takeaways:
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Commitment is Key: Jeremy Strong’s dedication to transforming his body for his role in The Apprentice shows the importance of commitment to a goal.
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The Emotional Toll: Weight loss is not just a physical transformation; it requires mental resilience and emotional strength.
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Balance is Vital: Strong’s journey reminds us that achieving lasting change requires balance between physical health and mental well-being.
Strong’s story is far from over, and we can expect his future roles to be as transformative as his weight loss journey. Whether on screen or in his personal life, he’s proven that the power of transformation comes from within.
