Brian Cox Names the Actor He Considers One of the Greatest of All Time

Brian Cox has spoken openly about the actors who first shaped his love for cinema, pointing back to the stars he grew up watching and studying.

The actor recalled how film became part of his early life through his family. He said his mother admired Spencer Tracy because of his background and beliefs, which led Cox to watch many of Tracy’s films as a child. He also mentioned being drawn to Tracy’s work with Katharine Hepburn, which left a strong impression on him.

“My mother loved Spencer Tracy because he was a Catholic!” Cox said, “So I used to see a lot of his movies when I was a wee boy. All those comedies with Katharine Hepburn. Tracy is still one of my gods, one of the great actors of all time, also Brando and James Dean.”

Alongside Tracy, Cox also named Marlon Brando and James Dean as major influences. These actors, he explained, helped shape his understanding of powerful screen acting and emotional honesty.

Tracy, in particular, remains one of the most respected figures in classic Hollywood history. He built his career from stage work into major film success during the early sound era. Over time, he became known for strong, grounded performances and a natural acting style that stood out in Hollywood’s golden age.

He worked across major studios, including Fox and MGM, and delivered many acclaimed performances. Some of his best-known films came from his long collaboration with Katharine Hepburn, where the pair became one of the most famous screen partnerships of their time.

Tracy also made history at the Academy Awards by becoming the first actor to win back-to-back Best Actor Oscars for Captains Courageous and Boys Town. He continued working steadily for decades and remained active until his later years in cinema, including his role in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which became one of his most remembered performances.

Cox’s admiration also connects to how Tracy’s career reflected long-term dedication to acting. He is often seen as someone who treated the craft as a lifelong commitment, something Cox clearly respects in his own work.

There is also an interesting comparison drawn between Cox and Marlon Brando. Both began with stage roots and later moved into film, helping reshape modern acting styles. Brando’s influence on screen realism is often seen as a turning point in film history, and his bold personality and direct approach to the industry made him a standout figure in Hollywood.

In the same way, Cox has also built a reputation for being direct and outspoken, both on and off screen, which makes the connection between the two actors even more noticeable.

Overall, Cox’s reflections show how classic Hollywood performers still shape modern acting careers. The influence of Tracy, Brando, and others continues to echo through generations of performers who study their work.

It is always interesting to see how actors from different eras inspire each other across time. It shows that strong performances never really fade, even as the industry changes. What do you think about Brian Cox’s choices of inspiration, and do you agree with his admiration for Spencer Tracy? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.