Heirs star Brian Cox: 'I’ve lost my anonymity’

Updated 2 hours ago

Brian Cox says being a part of one of television’s biggest hit shows has taken away a part of him.

The veteran actor has been nominated for a BAFTA TV Award in the lead actor category for the Sky Atlantic juggernaut successor.

The project has won several accolades, including a Golden Globe.

But while he is grateful for the recognition, he told BBC Scotland News it has come at a price.

„One thing I lost was my anonymity, which I appreciated,” he said.

“It’s a double-edged sword, success, I’m not going to knock it, but at the same time everybody knows who I am.

„People would say you’re…? I loved that people didn’t know what to say because I was so different.

„But now it’s Logan Roy, as far as the public is concerned.”

Dundonian, 77, has enjoyed a distinguished career on stage and screen with accolades including two Laurence Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

But his latest high-profile role as the head of the Roy family has made him a global household name.

He said: “I have done more than 200 films in total and it’s just another role, but it’s a great role.

„He always made his punches. There was nothing elaborate about Logan – what you saw was what you got – whether you liked it or not.”

Cox speaks fondly of her time on Successor.

“It was [a] Best time, one of the best jobs, ever – no doubt – especially because of the ensemble. It worked with a great cast.

„We’re close as a family, and it’s one of the happiest jobs ever.”

So happy that cast members recently flew to London to see him on stage in Long Day’s Journey Into Night.

He was watching heiress Sarah Snook in his London stage production of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

It was a pleasant surprise to be nominated at the BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday.

„I thought it was gone and I moved on. But Logan keeps popping up whether I like it or not,” she said.

„I’ve won many awards associated with the show, but it’s always nice to win something on one’s home turf. But I take these things with a grain of salt – I don’t take them too seriously.

„It’s nice to get awards, but it’s not about that, it’s about doing the job.”

Cox was nominated alongside several other Scots.

David Tennant is in the male comedy performance category for his Amazon Prime show Good Omens and Jack Loden is in supporting actor in Apple TV’s Slow Horse.

Cox said: „David has proven this with his Shakespearean work and excellent TV work. Jack is a fantastic young actor who I think will go far.”

But it’s daytime queen Lorraine Kelly who gets her final honor.

The 64-year-old Scots presenter will receive a special award to mark his long career in television.

„Lorraine, to me, is truly unique,” he said.

„She was one of the loveliest people ever. That’s her enduring quality, and that’s why she’s being recognized the way she deserves to be recognized.

„There is only one Lorraine Kelly, and she is very special.”

The same can be said for Brian Cox. Or maybe not.

He said: „Well no – there’s the scientist too. That’s the lesson I’ve learned – your name doesn’t have to be yours.”