Why Succession and Lord of the Rings star Brian Cox says London represents 'freedom' after US election

Scottish actor Brian Cox has said he will “try to spend as much time here” in the UK as he can following the results of the US presidential election.

The Succession star, 78, has been outspoken about his views on President-elect Donald Trump, and called him a “monster” while he was a guest on Channel 4’s live coverage of the US election last month.

Asked if the result has made him lose faith in people, he told the Guardian: “No, it doesn’t make me lose faith in people. It just makes me realise people are stupid.

Scottish actor Brian Cox has said he will “try to spend as much time here” in the UK as he can following the results of the US presidential election. | Getty / Canva

“We’re in for a pretty rough old four years coming up.”

Speaking about whether he will stay in the US, he said: “I don’t know. I’ve got to because my sons are there. But I’ll try to spend as much time here (UK) as I can.”

Mr Trump, 78, will take office on Inauguration Day on January 20 2025.

Cox, who grew up in a deprived area of Dundee, also reflected on his time at drama school in London.

“The 60s were amazing. It was the time of social mobility, when you were welcomed,” he told the Guardian.

Actor Brian Cox stars in new animated Tolkien adaptation, War of the Rohirrim (Picture: Frazer Harrison) | Getty Images

“When I came to drama school, people made it obvious they were happy that I was there. I felt so liberated.

“London to me has always represented freedom.

“I loved the sense that I was allowed to be who I was and celebrated for coming from my class.”

Asked if he would have a chance of making it nowadays, with his background, he said: “No, I wouldn’t. The conditions are so different now.”

Cox voices Helm in the new anime Lord Of The Rings film The War Of The Rohirrim, and will star in the play The Score at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London, from February.

War Of The Rohirrim is an anime fantasy adaptation of JRR Tolkien lore, set 183 years before the events of Lord of the Rings. The new film, released later this month, is directed by Kenji Kamiyama and also features returning star Miranda Otto. Cox plays hot-tempered king of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand.

President-elect Donald Trump is in Europe today (Saturday), joining dignitaries in Paris for the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.

Mr Trump is a guest of French President Emmanuel Macron, who is cultivating a new relationship with the future president. During his election campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly mocked Mr Macron and threatened steep tariffs on wine and champagne.