When I do work, I feel the same sort of urgency as I ever did. If I didn't feel that, I don't think I would wish to be doing it. I wouldn't really see the point.

He had a relationship with French actress Isabelle Adjani which lasted six years and eventually ended after a split and reconciliation. The couple have two sons Ronan Cal Day-Lewis (born 1998) and CaDaniel Day-Lewisl Blake Day-Lewis (born 2002) and divide their time between their homes in New York City and Ireland. Lincoln received widespread critical acclaim much of it directed to Day-Lewis' performance.

Born and raised in London the son of Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis and actress Jill Balcon. He often remains completely in character for the duration of the shooting schedules of his films even to the point of adversely affecting his health. He is known as being one of the most selective actors in the film industry having starred in only five films since 1998 with as many as five years between each role.