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Daniel Wroughton Craig[a] (born 2 March 1968) is an English actor. He gained international fame by playing the fictional secret agent James Bond in five installments of the eponymous film series: Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021).[2][3]

Key Information

After training at the National Youth Theatre in London and graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1991, Craig began his career on stage. He began acting with the drama The Power of One (1992), and had his breakthrough role in the drama serial Our Friends in the North (1996). He gained prominence for his supporting roles in films such as Elizabeth (1998), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Road to Perdition (2002), Layer Cake (2004), and Munich (2005).

In 2006, Craig played Bond in Casino Royale, a reboot of the Bond franchise which was favourably received by critics and earned Craig a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. His non-Bond appearances since then include roles in the fantasy film The Golden Compass (2007), the drama Defiance (2008), the science fiction Western Cowboys & Aliens (2011), the mystery thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), and the heist film Logan Lucky (2017). He has also played Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out film series since 2019, and starred in the romantic drama Queer (2024), for which he received nominations for Best Actor at the Golden Globe Awards, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

On stage, Craig starred in the Royal National Theatre's production of Angels in America (1993) on the West End. He made his Broadway debut in the play A Steady Rain (2009) and returned to Broadway in the revivals of Harold Pinter's Betrayal (2011) and William Shakespeare's Macbeth (2022). He starred as Iago in the New York Theatre Workshop production of Othello (2016).

Early life and education

[edit]

Daniel Wroughton Craig was born on 2 March 1968 in Chester, Cheshire, to an art teacher, Carol Olivia (née Williams), and Timothy John Wroughton Craig, a midshipman in the Merchant Navy and steel erector. His father later became the landlord of two Cheshire pubs: The Ring o' Bells in Frodsham and The Boot Inn in Tarporley.[4] Craig has an older sister named Lea (born 1965),[5] and a younger half-brother named Harry (1991).[6] He is of part Welsh and distant French descent, counting the French Huguenot minister Daniel Chamier and Sir William Burnaby, 1st Baronet, among his ancestors. His middle name, Wroughton, comes from his great-great-grandmother, Grace Matilda Wroughton.[7]

When Craig's parents divorced in 1972, he and his sister moved to the Wirral Peninsula with their mother, where he attended primary school in Hoylake as well as school in Frodsham. He attended Hilbre High School in West Kirby. Upon leaving there at the age of 16, he attended Calday Grange Grammar School as a sixth form student.[8] He played rugby union for Hoylake RFC.[9][5]

Craig began acting in school plays at the age of six, making his debut in the Frodsham Primary School production of Oliver! He became interested in serious acting by attending Liverpool's Everyman Theatre with his mother. At the age of 14 in 1982, he played roles in Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella at Hilbre High School. In 1984, he was accepted into the National Youth Theatre and moved to London, where he worked part-time in restaurants to finance his education. His parents watched his stage debut as Agamemnon in Troilus And Cressida. He performed with the National Youth Theatre on tours to Valencia and Moscow under the leadership of director Edward Wilson. He entered the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1988, and graduated in 1991 after a three-year course under the tutelage of Colin McCormack, an actor from the Royal Shakespeare Company.[5]

Career

[edit]

1992–2005: Early roles and breakthrough

[edit]
Craig with producer Michael G. Wilson in June 2006, filming Casino Royale

Craig appeared in his first screen role in 1992, playing an Afrikaner in The Power of One.[10] Having played minor roles in the miniseries Anglo-Saxon Attitudes and the shows Covington Cross and Boon, he appeared in November 1993 as Joe in the Royal National Theatre's production of Tony Kushner's Angels in America.[11][12][13][14] Also in 1993, Craig was featured in two episodes of the American television shows Zorro and George Lucas's The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles,[15][16][17] and British shows Heartbeat, in which he played Peter Begg; Between the Lines; Drop the Dead Donkey and Sharpe's Eagle.[18][19][20][21] In 1994, Craig appeared in The Rover, a filmed stage production and Les Grandes Horizontales, a stage production at the National Theatre Studio, where he first met Rachel Weisz, who would become his second wife.[22][23][24] Craig was featured in the poorly received Disney film A Kid in King Arthur's Court (1995).[25][26] In 1996, Craig starred in the BBC drama serial Our Friends in the North as the troubled George 'Geordie' Peacock. Appearing alongside Christopher Eccleston, Gina McKee and Mark Strong, Craig's part in the series is considered his breakthrough role.[27][28]

In the same year, Craig guest-starred in an episode of the HBO horror anthology series Tales from the Crypt and was featured in the BBC television film Saint-Ex.[29][30] Craig gave a lead performance in the Franco-German drama Obsession in 1997, about a love triangle between Craig's character and a couple.[31] The same year, he played a leading role in Hurlyburly, a play performed in the West End at the Old Vic.[32]

Craig appeared in three films in 1998: the independent drama Love and Rage,[33] the biographical drama Elizabeth, in which he played Jesuit priest John Ballard, who was executed for being involved in the Babington Plot, an attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I of England,[23][34] and the BBC television film Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon (1998), in which Craig played small-time thief George Dyer who becomes the lover and muse of painter Francis Bacon, who was portrayed by Derek Jacobi.[35] The following year, Craig starred in a television drama called Shockers: The Visitor and as Sergeant Telford Winter in the independent war film The Trench, which takes place in the confines of the trenches in the First World War during the 48 hours leading up to the Battle of the Somme.[36][37]

Craig played a schizophrenic man who falls in love with a woman (played by Kelly Macdonald) after being discharged from psychiatric hospital in the drama Some Voices (2000).[38][39] Also in 2000, Craig co-starred alongside Toni Collette in the dark comedy Hotel Splendide and was featured in I Dreamed of Africa, based on the life of Kuki Gallmann (played by Kim Basinger).[40][41] Craig played the love interest of Angelina Jolie's character Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), based on the video game series Tomb Raider.[42] He later admitted to having taken on the role in the poorly-reviewed yet commercially successful film only for the money.[43] In 2001, Craig also starred in the four-part Channel 4 drama Sword of Honour, based on the trilogy of novels of the same.[44] Craig appeared in the anthology film Ten Minutes Older: The Cello (2002), starring in the segment "Addicted to the Stars", directed by Michael Radford.[45][46]

His second release of 2002 was Sam Mendes' crime film Road to Perdition with Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, in which he played Irish mobster Connor Rooney, the son of the crime organisation's boss.[47][48] Craig then portrayed German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg in the BBC television drama Copenhagen (2002), which depicts Heisenberg's involvement in the German nuclear weapon project during World War II.[49][50] On stage, Craig starred opposite Michael Gambon in the original production of Caryl Churchill's play A Number from September to November 2002 at the Royal Court Theatre.[51][52] Craig received a London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor nomination for his role as a man who is cloned twice by his father.[53] The next year, he starred as poet Ted Hughes opposite Gwyneth Paltrow as Sylvia Plath in the biographical film Sylvia (2003), which depicts the romance between the two poets.[54] In the same year, he appeared in The Mother as a man who engages in an affair with the much older mother (played by Anne Reid) of his lover and best friend.[55][56]

The crime thriller Layer Cake, directed by Matthew Vaughn, starred Craig as an unnamed London-based cocaine supplier known only as "XXXX" in the film's credits.[57] Kevin Crust, writing for the Los Angeles Times, praised Craig's "stunningly suave performance", while Roger Ebert thought he was "fascinating" in the film.[58][59] Craig next starred as a man who is stalked by a stranger (played by Rhys Ifans) after they witness a deadly accident together in Enduring Love (2004).[60][61]

Craig appeared in three theatrical films in 2005, all of which were supporting roles. His first release of the year, was the thriller The Jacket starring Adrien Brody and Keira Knightley.[62][63] He then made a brief appearance in the Hungarian film Fateless as a United States Army Sergeant who takes a liking to a teenage boy who survives life in concentration camps.[64][65] Craig's third and final role of the year was in Munich, directed by Steven Spielberg, as a South African driver who is a part of a covert Israeli government assassination mission against 11 Palestinians allegedly involved in the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics.[66][67] Also in 2005, Craig starred in the BBC television film Archangel – based on Robert Harris' novel – as an English academic who stumbles upon a notebook believed to have belonged to Joseph Stalin.[68][69]

2006–2021: James Bond and worldwide recognition

[edit]
Craig at the Quantum of Solace film premiere in New York in November 2008

According to various sources, EON Productions had become aware of Craig and begun to consider him as a future Bond candidate because of Our Friends in the North in 1996[70] or Elizabeth in 1998.[71]

In 2004, Craig first met longtime Bond co-producer Barbara Broccoli at the funeral of casting director Mary Selway, who had cast Craig in Love Is the Devil.[71] Broccoli asked Craig to join her for "a cup of tea" at EON's Piccadilly office, and offered him the role of James Bond.[71] Initially, he was unsure about the role and was resistant to the producers' overtures. "There was a period of trying to woo him", Broccoli later commented in 2012.[70] During this period, Craig sought advice from colleagues and friends, of whom "most of us said to him ... 'there is life after Bond'".[72] He asked Pierce Brosnan at an event for advice and Brosnan told him, "Go for it. Just go for it."[71] He stated he "was aware of the challenges" of the Bond franchise, which he considered "a big machine that makes a lot of money". He aimed at bringing more "emotional depth" to the character.[73] Born in 1968, Craig is the first actor to portray James Bond to have been born after the Bond series started and after the death of Ian Fleming, the novels' writer.

Craig's casting as Bond caused some controversy due to his physical appearance. Some fans considered the blond-haired, 5-foot-10-inch-tall (1.78 m) Craig to not fit the image of the taller, dark-haired Bond portrayed by the previous actors.[74] Throughout the entire production period, Internet campaigns expressed their dissatisfaction and threatened to boycott the film in protest.[75] Although the choice of Craig was controversial, numerous actors publicly voiced their support. Most notably, four of the five actors who had previously portrayed Bond – Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton – believed his casting to be a good decision.[76][77] Connery notably shared his thoughts on Craig's casting as Bond in 2008, describing him as "fantastic, marvelous in the part". The other actor to have previously played Bond, George Lazenby, has also since voiced his approval of Craig.[78] Clive Owen, who had been linked to the role, also spoke in defence of Craig.[79]

Craig's debut as James Bond came with Casino Royale, premiering on 14 November 2006 and grossing US$594,239,066 worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Bond film until the release of Skyfall in 2012.[80] Upon the film's release, Craig's performance received critical acclaim.[81][82] Additionally, he lent his voice and likeness as James Bond to both the Wii game GoldenEye 007, an enhanced remake of the 1997 game for the Nintendo 64, and James Bond 007: Blood Stone.[83] Craig appeared in two further films in 2006: the drama Infamous as mass murderer Perry Edward Smith and as the voice of the lead character in the English-language version of the French animated film Renaissance.[84][85][86] In 2006, Craig was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.[87]

Craig starred opposite Nicole Kidman in the science fiction horror film The Invasion in 2007, the fourth film adaptation of the novel The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney, which was met with a negative reception.[88] He portrayed Lord Asriel in The Golden Compass, the 2007 film adaptation of Philip Pullman's novel.[89][90] In March 2007, Craig made a cameo appearance as himself in a sketch with Catherine Tate who appeared in the guise of her character Elaine Figgis from The Catherine Tate Show. The sketch was made for the BBC Red Nose Day 2007 fundraising programme.[91] In 2008, in addition to Quantum of Solace and its accompanying video game, Craig starred in the drama Flashbacks of a Fool alongside Emilia Fox, as a washed-up Hollywood actor who reflects on his life; although the film was received negatively, Craig's performance was praised.[92][93] In his final release of 2008, the war film Defiance, Craig starred as Tuvia Bielski, the leader of the Bielski partisans, fighting in the forests of Belarus during World War II, saving 1,200 people.[94]

Wax statue of Craig as James Bond at Madame Tussauds in London

He co-starred with Hugh Jackman in a limited engagement of the drama A Steady Rain, on Broadway, which played in autumn 2009 at the Schoenfeld Theatre, for which he gained positive reviews.[95][96] In 2011, Craig starred as investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist in David Fincher's 2011 adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.[97][98] The next year, he took up a leading role in Dream House, a psychological thriller directed by Jim Sheridan and co-starring Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts and Marton Csokas.[99] It garnered mostly negative reviews and low box office results. Craig then co-starred with Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde in Cowboys & Aliens, an American science fiction Western film, based on Scott Mitchell Rosenberg's 2006 graphic novel of the same name.[100][101] The same year, Craig provided his voice to Steven Spielberg's animated film The Adventures of Tintin in 2011, playing the villainous pirate Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine and his ancestor Red Rackham in a dual role.[102][103]

The planned 19 April 2010 release of Craig's third Bond film was delayed, because of financial troubles; the film, titled Skyfall, was eventually released on 23 October 2012.[104][105] The same year, he appeared as James Bond in the short film Happy and Glorious, in which he escorted Queen Elizabeth II to the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.[106][107] He and his wife Weisz starred in a Broadway play titled Betrayal, which ran from October 2013 to January 2014.[108][109] Despite mixed reviews, it grossed $17.5 million, becoming the second highest earning Broadway play of 2013.[110] Craig's fourth Bond film, Spectre, began filming in December 2014 and was released on 26 October 2015. His first four Bond films have grossed $3.5 billion globally, after adjusting for inflation.[111]

Prior to the inaugural Invictus Games held in London in September 2014, Craig, along with other entertainers and athletes, read the poem "Invictus" in a promotional video.[112] He made an uncredited cameo appearance as a stormtrooper in the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.[113][114] Craig appeared in a modern production of William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello at the Off-Broadway New York Theatre Workshop throughout late 2016 and early 2017. The production starred David Oyelowo as the titular character and Craig as the main antagonist, Iago.[115] Diane Snyder of The Daily Telegraph praised his "chilling" portrayal of Iago in the play.[115]

In 2017, Craig co-starred in Steven Soderbergh's comedy Logan Lucky, about two brothers who pull off a heist during a NASCAR race.[116][117] Craig starred alongside Halle Berry in the drama Kings set during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The film premiered in September 2017 and was distributed by the Orchard the following year.[118] In 2019, Craig starred in Rian Johnson's black comedy murder-mystery Knives Out as Benoit Blanc, a detective investigating the sudden death of a family patriarch.[119] It premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, and was theatrically released that November.[120] Knives Out earned critical praise and found success at the box office.[121][122][123] He earned a Golden Globe Awards nomination for his performance.[124]

After experiencing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Craig's fifth and final Bond film, No Time to Die, was released in September 2021 and received favourable reviews.[125][126] Craig says No Time to Die was his last film as James Bond.[127][128] Two days before the film's release in the US, Craig was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame which is located at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard (a reference to Bond's code number "007"), and next to the star of fellow Bond actor Roger Moore.[129]

2022–present: Post-Bond work

[edit]
Craig in Venice in 2024 for the premiere of Queer

In 2022, Craig starred in a contemporary revival of Macbeth opposite Ruth Negga on Broadway. Variety described his performance writing "Craig has some strong moments but does not capture the transformation of Macbeth into a power-hungry tyrant."[130] The Guardian's Alexis Soloski rated the production 3/5, stating, "... Craig's burly Macbeth, clad handsomely in Suttirat Larlab's modern dress costumes, is every inch a man of action and a soldier, even in a silky bathrobe, entirely convincing in motion, less persuasive when zipping through Macbeth's equivocations."[131] Craig also starred in Glass Onion, a sequel to Knives Out directed by Johnson.[132]

In 2024, he starred as William Lee in Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of William S. Burroughs novel Queer.[133] The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.[134] Craig's performance was praised by critics.[135][136][137][138][139] Craig stated "The reason I wanted to get into cinema was because of movies like this. ... Scripts don't come around like this very often, directors don't come around like this very often. I didn't know what the end result would be, but I knew the journey was going to be something else. And that's really what appealed to me, to be working with such a wonderful person, the most creative and exciting people."[140]

Craig will next star in a third Benoit Blanc film titled Wake Up Dead Man,[141] with Johnson to direct again.[142]

Charity and humanitarian work

[edit]

In 2007, Craig and British Prime Minister Tony Blair took part in the United Kingdom's Comic Relief charity fundraiser, ultimately raising more than USD $90 million. Craig made a cameo appearance as himself in a sketch with Catherine Tate who appeared in the guise of her character Elaine Figgis from The Catherine Tate Show, for the BBC Red Nose Day 2007 fundraising programme.[143] Craig participated in the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraising 8 December 2009, raising $1,549,953 in the 21st annual Gypsy of the Year competition, from six weeks of curtain appeals at their hit Broadway drama, A Steady Rain.[144] Craig starred in 2011 in a short film narrated by Judi Dench, which was produced for International Women's Day.[145] The next year, Craig worked with Orbis International in Mongolia to raise support and awareness of the Orbis medical team and their Flying Eye Hospital.[146]

He is involved with multiple charities including S.A.F.E. Kenya, which uses street theatre to address social issues.[147] He is also involved with the Opportunity Network, which provides access to education for low-income students in New York.[148] In 2011, he collaborated with Dame Judi Dench to highlight gender inequality for International Women's Day.[149] In August 2014, he added his name to a letter to British broadcasters calling for better representation of ethnic minorities.[150] In 2015, Craig appeared in the film Comic Relief: Behind the Bond for the BBC Red Nose Day 2015 fundraising programme.[151]

In April 2015, the United Nations appointed Craig the first global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards.[152] The role involves raising awareness for the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and political and financial support for the cause. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Craig: "You have been given a licence to kill, I'm now giving you a licence to save."[152] In 2019, Craig appeared in a video with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and launched the UNMAS Safe Ground campaign to turn minefields into playing fields.[153]

Political views

[edit]

In 2012, Craig expressed a dislike and distrust for politics and politicians in general, being quoted as saying, "Politicians are shitheads. That's how they become politicians, even the good ones. We're actors, we're artists, we're very nice to each other. They'll turn around and stab you in the fucking back".[154] He was particularly scathing about former Labour Party Prime Minister Tony Blair, comparing the friends of Blair with the Faustian protagonist of Klaus Mann's anti-Nazi Exilliteratur novel Mephisto. Craig has also expressed a reluctance to involve himself with politicians, arguing that by doing so "you immediately are aligning yourself with a political party."[155]

Craig supported Barack Obama in the 2008 and 2012 US presidential elections.[156][157] He was outspoken about his opposition to Brexit before the 2016 EU membership referendum. In 2016, he was pictured wearing a "Vote Remain" t-shirt which was adorned with the words, "No man is an island. No country by itself."[158]

Craig came out against the concept of inheritance in 2021, calling it "distasteful".[159][160] He claims his philosophy is "get rid of it or give it away before you go".[161]

Personal life

[edit]
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Commander Daniel Craig, following Craig's appointment to the honorary Royal Navy rank of Commander in September 2021

In 1992, Craig married actress Fiona Loudon; they had a daughter, Ella, before divorcing in 1994.[162][163] Ella Loudon is an actress and model who has publicly expressed pride in Craig's work.[164]

Craig later began a relationship with German actress Heike Makatsch that lasted for seven years until 2004.[162][165] He subsequently dated film producer Satsuki Mitchell.[166][162]

Craig's friend Mark Strong speaks fluent German,[167][168] and in 1997 provided the German dubbing for Craig's voice in Obsession when "German with an English accent" was required.[169] Strong and Craig previously lived together, became friends, and co-starred in the BBC drama Our Friends in the North.[170] Craig is also the godfather of Strong's son Roman.[171]

Craig and actress Rachel Weisz had known each other since working together on Les Grandes Horizontales (1994).[172] They began dating in December 2010, and were married in a private ceremony in New York City on 22 June 2011 with only four guests in attendance, including Craig's daughter and Weisz's son.[173][174] It was reported on 1 September 2018 that their first child together, a daughter, had been born.[175]

In January 2018, Craig purchased a house in Brooklyn, New York, for an amount in excess of $6 million.[176] He is an avid fan of Liverpool F.C., and is also a fan of rugby, having travelled to Australia in 2013 to watch the British and Irish Lions tour.[177] In 2019, Craig announced he had obtained American citizenship.[b][179] He was made an honorary Commander in the Royal Navy in September 2021, matching the on-screen rank of James Bond.[180] Craig was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to film and theatre, matching the CMG of James Bond.[181][182]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1992 The Power of One Sergeant Jaapie Botha
1995 A Kid in King Arthur's Court Master Kane
1997 Obsession John McHale
1998 Love and Rage James Lynchehaun
Elizabeth John Ballard
Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon George Dyer
1999 The Trench Sergeant Telford Winter
2000 Some Voices Ray
Hotel Splendide Ronald Blanche
I Dreamed of Africa Declan Fielding
2001 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Alex West
2002 Ten Minutes Older: The Cello Cecil Thomas
Road to Perdition Connor Rooney
Occasional, Strong Jim Short
2003 Sylvia Ted Hughes
The Mother Darren
2004 Layer Cake XXXX
Enduring Love Joe
2005 The Jacket Rudy Mackenzie
Fateless American Soldier
Munich Steve
2006 Renaissance Barthélémy Karas Voice
Infamous Perry Edward Smith
Casino Royale James Bond
2007 The Invasion Ben Driscoll
The Golden Compass Lord Asriel
2008 Flashbacks of a Fool Joe Scot Also executive producer
Quantum of Solace James Bond
Defiance Tuvia Bielski
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People Himself Cameo
2011 One Life Narrator Voice; documentary
Cowboys & Aliens Jake Lonergan
Dream House Will Atenton / Peter Ward
The Adventures of Tintin Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine / Red Rackham Motion capture
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Mikael Blomkvist
The Organ Grinder's Monkey Bubbles Short
2012 Happy & Glorious James Bond
Skyfall
2015 Spectre Also co-producer
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Stormtrooper FN-1824 Uncredited cameo [183]
2017 Logan Lucky Joe Bang
Kings Obie Hardison
2019 Knives Out Detective Benoit Blanc
2021 No Time to Die James Bond Also co-producer
2022 Glass Onion Detective Benoit Blanc
2024 Queer William Lee
2025 Wake Up Dead Man Detective Benoit Blanc [184]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1992 Anglo-Saxon Attitudes Gilbert Stokesay 3 episodes
Boon Jim Parham 1 episode
Covington Cross Walkway guard 1 episode
1993 Zorro Lieutenant Hidalgo 2 episodes
Drop the Dead Donkey Fixx Episode: "George and His Daughter"
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles Schiller Episode: "Palestine, October 1917"
Between the Lines Joe Rance Episode: "New Order"
Heartbeat Peter Begg Episode: "A Chilly Reception"
Screen Two Lt. Guth Episode: "Genghis Cohn"
Sharpe's Eagle Lt. Berry Television film
1996 Our Friends in the North Geordie Peacock 8 episodes
Tales from the Crypt Barry Episode: "Smoke Wrings"
Saint-Ex Guillaumet Television film
Kiss and Tell Matt Kearney
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders James "Jemmy" Seagrave
1997 The Hunger Jerry Pritchard Episode: "Ménage à Trois"
The Ice House DS Andy McLoughlin Television film
1999 Shockers: The Visitor Richard
2001 Sword of Honour Guy Crouchback
2002 Copenhagen Werner Heisenberg
2005 Archangel Prof. Fluke Kelso
2012–2021 Saturday Night Live Himself (host) / various / cameo 3 episodes (2012, 2020 & 2021)
2017 Comrade Detective Father Anton Streza Voice; 2 episodes

Theatre

[edit]
Year Title Role Theatre Ref.
1993 Angels in America Joe Pitt Royal National Theatre, London [185]
1994 The Rover Blunt Women's Playhouse Trust, London
Les Grandes Horizontales Performer National Theatre Studio, London [186]
1997 Hurlyburly Mickey The Old Vic, London [187]
2002 A Number Bernard 1 & 2 / Michael Black Royal Court, London [188]
2009 A Steady Rain Joey Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Broadway [189]
2013 Betrayal Robert Ethel Barrymore Theatre, Broadway [190]
2016 Othello Iago New York Theatre Workshop, Off-Broadway [191]
2022 Macbeth Macbeth Longacre Theatre, Broadway [192]

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Voice role Ref.
2008 007: Quantum of Solace James Bond
2010 GoldenEye 007
James Bond 007: Blood Stone

Commercials

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2012 Heineken Crack the Case James Bond [193]
Sony Mouse & Cat [194][195]
2015 Heineken The Chase
2020 Heineken Daniel Craig vs James Bond James Bond / Himself
2022 Belvedere Vodka Presents Daniel Craig Himself [196][197]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Daniel Craig

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Daniel Craig

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daniel Wroughton Craig (born 2 March 1968) is an English actor renowned for portraying James Bond in five Eon Productions films: Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021). Born in Chester, Cheshire, to Timothy John Wroughton Craig, a steelworker-turned-broker, and Carol Olivia Craig, an art teacher, Craig trained at the National Youth Theatre and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before beginning his career in theater and television in the 1990s. His breakthrough role came in the crime thriller Layer Cake (2004), which led to his casting as Bond despite initial controversy over his appearance diverging from predecessors' taller, darker-haired profiles. Craig's tenure as 007 emphasized a psychologically complex, physically demanding interpretation of Ian Fleming's spy, contributing to the series' highest-grossing entries, including Skyfall, which earned over $1.1 billion worldwide. Beyond Bond, he has starred in detective roles like Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out films (2019, 2022) and received recent acclaim for his performance in Queer (2024), earning nominations for Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Awards. Married to actress Rachel Weisz since 2011, Craig maintains a private personal life focused on family and selective projects post-Bond.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Daniel Wroughton Craig was born on 2 March 1968 in , , , to Timothy John Wroughton Craig, a steelworker who later became a pub landlord, and Carol Olivia (née Williams), an art teacher. He has English, as well as Irish, Scottish, and Welsh ancestry through his parents. Craig was the younger of two children in his , with an older sister, Lea, born in 1965; he later gained a younger half-brother, Harry, born in 1991 to his father. His family was working-class, with his father's occupations reflecting shifts from industrial labor to pub management at establishments like the Ring o' Bells in and the Boot Inn in . Craig's parents divorced in 1972 when he was four years old, after which he and his sister primarily lived with their mother in the area, including the . His mother's involvement in exposed him to theater early on; she took him and his sister to performances at venues like the Everyman Theatre in , and many of her friends were , fostering his initial interest in performance. During childhood, Craig attended primary schools in and , , followed by Hilbre High School in , . He began participating in school plays at age six, debuting in a production of Oliver!, which marked his entry into acting, though he developed a deeper interest in serious drama by age 14 through roles like . At 16, Craig left school to pursue acting training, joining the in .

Education and formative influences

Craig attended primary school in , where he made his acting debut at age six in a production of Oliver!. His early interest in performance was nurtured through school plays and exposure to Liverpool's Everyman Theatre, where he was introduced to professional acting. A drama teacher from his time at schools on the later described him as a "natural talent" with evident charisma and stage presence during his teenage years. His mother's encouragement played a key role, as she took him to theater productions and had friends in the acting profession whose rehearsals he observed, fostering his aspiration to pursue drama professionally. At age 16, Craig joined the in in 1984, gaining initial structured training and performing in youth productions that honed his skills. After several unsuccessful auditions for drama programs, Craig enrolled at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1988, completing a three-year course and graduating in 1991. There, under tutors including Colin Washbrook, he studied alongside future actors such as and , developing technical proficiency in voice, movement, and character work that formed the foundation of his career. These experiences, combined with his self-directed immersion in theater, emphasized discipline and versatility, influencing his later preference for physically demanding and psychologically layered roles.

Acting career

Early roles in theatre and television (1992–2005)

Craig's early stage work featured prominently at the Royal National Theatre. In November 1993, he portrayed Joseph Porter Pitt, a closeted Mormon lawyer grappling with his sexuality amid the AIDS crisis, in the UK premiere of Tony Kushner's Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and its sequel Perestroika, directed by Declan Donnellan. He also assumed supporting roles such as the Mormon Father and Europa in the production, which explored themes of politics, religion, and epidemic in Reagan-era America. On television, Craig debuted in 1992 with a minor role in the miniseries , adapted from Angus Wilson's novel about academic scandal and family secrets. He followed with guest appearances in British series, including Between the Lines (1993), a , and Heartbeat (1993), a period drama set in 1960s . In 1993, he also appeared in episodes of the American series Zorro and . Craig's television breakthrough arrived in 1996 with the miniseries , where he played Geordie Peacock across nine episodes spanning four decades of British history. His portrayal of the character's arc—from optimistic shipyard worker to morally compromised nightclub owner and corrupt councillor—drew praise for its depth and physical transformation, contributing to the series' Bafta-winning status for its ensemble depiction of Newcastle's socio-political changes. Subsequent television roles included the 2003 ITV miniseries , in which he starred as a British academic entangled in a Russian power struggle inspired by Robert Harris's novel, marking one of his final significant pre-Bond TV leads. These early appearances established Craig's versatility in ensemble dramas and character-driven narratives, honing his ability to convey internal conflict through subtle physicality.

Breakthrough films and rising prominence (2005–2006)

In 2005, Craig achieved a notable breakthrough with the U.S. theatrical release of on May 27, directed by , in which he portrayed an unnamed drug dealer navigating a complex criminal underworld. The film, adapted from J.J. Connolly's novel, garnered critical acclaim for its stylish execution and Craig's commanding lead performance, earning an 81% approval rating on based on 141 reviews. Its success in showcasing Craig's charisma and intensity as a protagonist helped position him for larger roles, with Vaughn later noting the project's role in elevating Craig's marketability. Later that year, Craig co-starred in Steven Spielberg's , released on December 23, 2005, playing , a young operative in an Israeli assassination squad targeting perpetrators of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. The ensemble drama received widespread recognition, securing five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, and highlighted Craig's versatility in a high-profile international production. These performances solidified his transition from supporting roles to leading status, drawing attention from major studios. Craig's prominence surged on October 14, 2005, when announced him as the sixth actor to portray in Casino Royale, a reboot of Ian Fleming's spy franchise, following weeks after wrapping . He signed a three-film contract, with principal photography commencing in January 2006 at locations including and . The casting decision, backed by producer for Craig's physicality and dramatic depth, marked his ascent to global stardom, though it initially sparked debate among franchise enthusiasts.

James Bond tenure (2006–2021)

Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond emphasized a rugged, psychologically scarred agent, prioritizing brutal physicality and emotional depth over the polished sophistication of prior incarnations. His tenure spanned five films produced by Eon Productions, revitalizing the series commercially and critically after a period of declining interest following Pierce Brosnan's entries. The films collectively grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, with Skyfall (2012) becoming the highest-earning installment in franchise history at $1.109 billion. Casino Royale (2006), directed by , marked Craig's debut and a franchise adapting Ian Fleming's novel. Released November 17, 2006, in the United States, it followed Bond earning his double-0 status and thwarting terrorist financier . The film earned $616 million globally on a $150 million budget, praised for its grounded action and Craig's raw intensity, achieving a 94% approval rating on . Quantum of Solace (2008), helmed by , continued directly from Casino Royale, depicting Bond's pursuit of Vesper Lynd's betrayers amid a global water scheme. Premiering October 31, 2008, in the , it grossed $589 million against a $230 million budget but faced mixed reviews (63% on ) due to a fragmented script influenced by the 2007–2008 Writers Guild strike, which Craig later described as a production "nightmare." Skyfall (2012), directed by , explored Bond's loyalty to under cyber-terrorist Raoul Silva's assault. Released November 9, 2012, it achieved $1.109 billion in worldwide earnings, surpassing previous Bond records, and garnered acclaim for its cinematography and performances, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Skyfall" by ). Craig intended Skyfall to be his final James Bond film, expressing a desire to exit the role at that point. Craig's third outing solidified his interpretation as both vulnerable and resilient. Spectre (2015), also by , reunited Bond with his past adversaries, culminating in a confrontation with the organization. The film, released November 6, 2015, earned $880 million but received divided responses (63% on ), with criticism centered on convoluted plotting despite strong action sequences. Craig expressed reluctance to continue , signaling fatigue with the role. Craig concluded his tenure with (2021), directed by , where Bond emerges from retirement to combat a bioweapon threat, resulting in his sacrificial death—a franchise first. Delayed by the , it released , 2021, in the United Kingdom, grossing $774 million and earning an 83% score for its emotional closure, though some debated the narrative finality. Initial resistance to Craig's casting, announced October 14, 2005, stemmed from his blonde hair and perceived mismatch with Bond's canonical dark-haired image, sparking fan protests dubbed "Craig Not Bond." This backlash subsided after Casino Royale's success, affirming his gritty reinvention amid broader debates on modernizing the character's Cold War-era origins for contemporary realism.

Post-Bond transitions and diversification (2022–present)

Following the release of No Time to Die in September 2021, Craig transitioned away from action-oriented roles by reprising his role as detective Benoit Blanc in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, directed by Rian Johnson and released on Netflix on November 23, 2022. The film, a whodunit sequel to 2019's Knives Out, featured Craig leading an ensemble cast including Edward Norton and Janelle Monáe, with Blanc investigating a murder among a group of tech elites on a private Greek island. Craig described the project as aiding his departure from James Bond, stating in a November 2022 interview that it allowed him to explore lighter, character-driven work after years of intense physical demands. The film received positive critical reception for Craig's Southern-accented performance, earning a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 400 reviews. In spring 2022, Craig returned to in a Broadway revival of Shakespeare's , directed by at the , co-starring as . Previews began on March 29, with the official opening on April 28, and the limited 15-week run concluded on July 10 due to low attendance and mixed reviews. Critics noted the production's stark, modern aesthetic—featuring fog machines, a bare set, and contemporary costumes—but faulted it for lacking cohesion, with Variety describing Craig's portrayal as "007-strong if forcefully one-note." echoed this, calling the staging "overthought" despite the star power. This marked Craig's first major role since 2004's A Steady Rain, signaling a deliberate pivot toward theatrical work amid his post-Bond schedule. Craig further diversified into independent drama with , a 2024 adaptation of ' 1985 novella, directed by and released in U.S. theaters on December 13 after premieres at film festivals. He portrayed William Lee, a fictionalized version of Burroughs as a gay, drug-addicted American expat in 1950s , developing an obsessive relationship with a younger man played by . The film, shot in and , emphasized psychological intensity over plot, earning a 77% score from 242 reviews, with praise for Craig's vulnerable performance but criticism for its deliberate pacing. Roger Ebert's review highlighted it as a "compelling turn" contrasting Craig's prior action-hero image. As of October 2025, Craig continues the Benoit Blanc series in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment directed by Johnson, which premiered at on October 8 and is slated for release on December 12. Co-starring , the film maintains the franchise's ensemble mystery format, with Craig's Blanc tackling a new case amid reports of production wrapping in June 2025. This project underscores Craig's commitment to selective, character-focused roles, avoiding the high-stakes action of his Bond era while leveraging established collaborations for creative control. In December 2025, Craig voiced Beignet Blanc, a Muppet rendition of Benoit Blanc, in the Sesame Street segment "Forks Out," released on December 2, in which the character investigates the theft of Cookie Monster's triple berry pie using deductive skills.

Theatre and stage work

Key productions and performances

Craig's early stage work included multiple roles in the Royal National Theatre's production of Tony Kushner's in 1993, marking one of his initial professional theatre appearances in . A pivotal performance came in 2002 when he starred opposite in the world premiere of Caryl Churchill's at the Royal Court Theatre, directed by , portraying the cloned sons in a play exploring identity and paternal cloning; the production ran from September to November and earned critical acclaim for its intensity. His Broadway debut occurred in 2009 with A Steady Rain, where he played Detective Joey Cicero alongside as Denny, in Keith Huff's drama about two cops; the production, directed by , opened on September 29 and ran for 349 performances. In 2013, Craig returned to Broadway in Harold Pinter's , directed by , portraying Robert in the reverse-chronological affair drama opposite his wife as Emma and as Jerry; previews began October 1, with opening night on November 3 at the , closing January 5, 2014, after 117 performances amid strong box office driven by the star casting. Craig portrayed in a 2016 revival of Shakespeare's at , opposite as and directed by , emphasizing modern racial tensions; the limited run from November 22, 2016, to January 18, 2017, received praise for his manipulative intensity but drew mixed reviews for the production's staging. His most recent major stage role was in a 2022 Broadway production at the , directed by , which opened April 28 and closed July 10 after 85 performances, hampered by poor reviews criticizing the celebrity-driven interpretation over textual fidelity despite sold-out houses from Bond fame.

Critical reception and personal reflections

Craig's early stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1990s, including roles in productions like , established him as a versatile performer capable of handling Shakespearean demands, though contemporary reviews emphasized his raw intensity over polished finesse. His return to Broadway in later years amplified scrutiny, with critics frequently praising his physical commitment and emotional depth while critiquing directorial choices or source material limitations. In the 2009 Broadway production of A Steady Rain, opposite , reviewers lauded Craig's portrayal of the flawed detective Denny for its conviction and chemistry, describing the duo's 90-minute duologue as intensely watchable despite the play's modest dramatic scope. The characterized the show as a "small, wobbly pedestal" elevating the stars' star power over substantive depth, yet acknowledged the audience's worshipful response to their gritty urban characterizations. The Los Angeles Times deemed the drama itself "mostly drizzle" but credited Craig and Jackman with generating "hurricane force" entertainment through their commanding presences. Overall, reception underscored Craig's ability to anchor underdeveloped narratives with authentic menace, contributing to the production's commercial success despite artistic reservations. The 2013 Broadway revival of Harold Pinter's , co-starring his then-partner , elicited divided opinions, with some outlets faulting the staging for diminishing the play's haunting subtlety into a "sexed-up" tale lacking Pinter's signature menace. The critiqued the production for shrinking the work to "minor" dimensions, though it noted Craig's adept handling of reverse-chronology betrayal dynamics. Variety and highlighted the script's accessible exploration of deceit and regret, attributing the revival's draw to the cast's personal chemistry rather than innovative interpretation. Critics agreed Craig embodied the emotional volatility required, yet consensus leaned toward viewing the effort as commercially potent but interpretively uneven. Craig's 2016 turn as in Othello at , alongside , earned acclaim for his "sizzling" duplicity and conviction in deception, reimagining the villain in a modern military context that intensified the tragedy's immediacy. Variety praised the high-concept update for its raw power in a compact 199-seat venue, with Craig's driving the production's visceral tension. Reviews from and others noted the inherent intensity of Shakespeare's text amplified by Craig's physicality, though some found the staging occasionally uncomfortable or uneven. The performance solidified his reputation for Shakespearean villainy, blending psychological depth with unyielding facade. In personal reflections, Craig has conveyed a mix of trepidation and fulfillment regarding stage work, describing Broadway performances as "terrifying" due to the live exposure and vulnerability absent in film. Following COVID-related cancellations of his 2022 run, he expressed regret over disappointing audiences, underscoring his commitment to the medium's demands despite physical and emotional tolls. He has emphasized theatre's role in honing craft through unfiltered audience feedback, viewing it as essential for shedding ego and prioritizing disciplined execution over stardom. These sentiments reflect a preference for stage rigor as a counterbalance to high-profile screen roles, prioritizing authenticity amid the format's unforgiving immediacy.

Public statements and controversies

Daniel Craig's casting as James Bond was announced on October 14, 2005, sparking immediate and intense backlash from fans and media critics who deemed him unsuitable due to his blonde hair, blue eyes, and perceived mismatch with Ian Fleming's original dark-haired, suave secret agent archetype. Critics labeled him "Blond Bond" and highlighted physical traits like his protruding ears and height of 5 feet 10 inches as disqualifying, with some outlets questioning his acting credentials beyond roles in films like Layer Cake. The controversy escalated with media frenzy, including a reported petition against his selection and public protests, leading casting director Debbie McWilliams to express sympathy for Craig amid the "extreme blowback." Craig later admitted in a September 2006 Empire magazine interview that he was unprepared for the vitriol, describing it as overwhelming pressure that tested his resolve before filming Casino Royale. Reflecting in a 2020 GQ profile, he revealed tearing up while recounting the hostility, noting how the scrutiny felt personal and intensified by the franchise's cultural weight. Despite the uproar, Craig focused on delivering a grittier, more vulnerable Bond, which debuted successfully in Casino Royale on November 17, 2006, grossing over $599 million worldwide and earning critical acclaim for revitalizing the series, ultimately vindicating the choice as subsequent films like Skyfall (2012) became the highest-grossing Bond entry at $1.1 billion. Bond-related debates during Craig's tenure centered on his reinterpretation of the character as psychologically scarred and emotionally complex, diverging from predecessors' debonair detachment, prompting discussions on to Fleming's vision versus modern audience expectations. Craig's 2015 remark expressing preference for over returning for ignited further controversy, interpreted by some as disrespecting the role, though he clarified it stemmed from exhaustion after four films. Post-No Time to Die (2021), debates persisted on whether permanently killing Bond aligned with the franchise's escapist ethos, with Craig defending the narrative closure as necessary for character evolution. On casting successors, Craig in 2021 emphasized creating better roles for women and actors of color rather than altering Bond's or , arguing against symbolic changes that overlook broader industry representation issues.

Comments on fame, politics, and industry issues

Craig has frequently described the intense scrutiny of Bond-era fame as burdensome, stating in December 2024 that the role was "emotionally difficult" despite his affection for it, and linking status to personal erosion by remarking that "being a kills you" amid discussions of faced by public figures. Following his 2021 exit from the franchise, he noted a reduction in fame's pressures, enabling pursuits like the 2024 Queer. On politics, Craig has voiced broad contempt for elected officials, labeling politicians "sh**heads" in a 2011 Men's Journal interview and clarifying he seeks no association with them. During production of No Time to Die (2021), he described challenges in omitting references to President Donald Trump, implying an intent to avoid politicizing the narrative with contemporary U.S. leadership. Regarding industry issues, Craig has critiqued traditional portrayals, asserting in 2015 that his Bond avoided the overt and of prior iterations. He revealed initial hesitation to accept the role due to the "construct of ," which he associated with toxic elements in 2024 reflections. On diversity in , Craig expressed in 2019 openness to altering Bond's race or for future adaptations but by 2021 opposed a female lead, arguing for original female characters over reimagining the male spy. He has also favored gay bars over straight venues to evade , highlighting preferences amid Hollywood's .

Political and social perspectives

Views on government and politicians

Craig has consistently expressed skepticism toward politicians, describing them in a December 2011 interview as "sh**heads" and backstabbers who gain power through self-serving tactics, while emphasizing his reluctance to align with any to avoid scrutiny of his personal finances or views. He criticized politicians for exploiting celebrity associations, particularly targeting former British for cultivating friendships with entertainers to bolster their image. In the same period, Craig voiced a broader aversion to political involvement, stating that actors risk oversimplifying complex issues and inviting partisan expectations upon engaging publicly. Despite this general disdain, Craig has shown selective support for certain figures. He has praised former U.S. President as an exception among politicians, aligning with characterizations of his leanings as liberal while maintaining criticism of the overall. In 2015, he donated more than $47,000 to U.S. Senator ' presidential campaign, indicating affinity for Sanders' policy positions on and healthcare reform. On specific issues, Craig endorsed the Remain campaign in the June 2016 membership , publicly backing continued membership alongside figures like David and just days before the vote. Regarding Brexit's aftermath and U.S. , he noted in a March 2020 interview that real-world events like the outcome and the inevitably influenced the film , despite efforts to preserve the franchise's escapist tone, as such geopolitical disruptions "are always there." This reflects his view that government actions and electoral outcomes permeate cultural narratives, even when unintended.

Philanthropic efforts and selective activism

Craig has engaged in primarily through targeted financial contributions and for specific humanitarian causes, rather than broad ideological campaigns. In November 2024, he donated £50,000 to Brimscombe Mill, a community hub in , , facing potential eviction, enabling it to remain operational as a local resource for families and events. Earlier, in February 2023, Craig participated in efforts that amassed over £100 million (approximately $120 million) for victims of the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes in and , leveraging his public profile to amplify donations for relief and recovery. He has also supported maritime safety by donating two limited-edition 007 x Triumph motorcycles in August 2024 to benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) during its 200th anniversary, with proceeds aiding search-and-rescue operations. His charitable giving extends to initiatives, particularly among youth. In October 2021, Craig contributed £10,000 to the "Three Dads Walking" challenge, organized by fathers who lost daughters to , to fund awareness and prevention programs. He has similarly donated £10,000 to , a charity focused on preventing young , and recorded a video message encouraging fathers to discuss openly with their children. Long-term support includes , a children's welfare organization, where he endorsed the "Never Give Up" campaign in 2007 and urged action against and hunger in a 2022 public appeal. Additional endorsements cover entities like for child helplines and for poverty alleviation, alongside corporate-linked efforts such as Orbis International's eye care programs via watch brand partnerships. Craig's activism manifests selectively through non-partisan, issue-specific roles, avoiding entanglement in domestic political debates. From 2015 to an unspecified conclusion around 2020, he served as the Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards, appointed by Secretary-General to promote demining and reduce civilian casualties from in conflict zones. In this capacity, he advocated for concrete outcomes like safer land clearance, distinct from broader rhetoric, and has highlighted targeted issues including stigma, anti-bullying measures, , and aid for disadvantaged youth without aligning to partisan agendas. Public statements indicate his reluctance to engage in , expressing disdain for involvement in electoral matters, which aligns with a pattern of centered on verifiable, apolitical impact over performative solidarity. This approach contrasts with more vocal Hollywood peers, prioritizing direct aid—such as his intention to bequeath none of his estimated £120 million fortune to his children in favor of charitable causes—over expansive social movements.

Personal life

Relationships and marriages

Craig married Scottish actress Fiona Loudon in 1992; the couple divorced in 1994 after two years. They share a daughter, Ella Loudon, born in December 1992. Following his divorce, Craig entered a relationship with film producer Satsuki Mitchell around 2004, which lasted approximately six years and included an engagement in 2007 before ending in late 2010. Craig met actress while filming Dream House and began dating her in December 2010. The pair married on June 22, 2011, in a private ceremony at a courthouse with only four attendees, including their respective s from prior relationships. They welcomed a in September 2018, whose name and details they have kept private. Craig and Weisz have maintained a low public profile regarding their marriage, avoiding joint red-carpet appearances and rarely discussing their family life in interviews.

Family, health, and lifestyle choices

Craig is the father of two daughters. His elder daughter, Ella Loudon, was born in 1992 to his first wife, Fiona Loudon. His younger daughter, Grace, was born in September 2018 to his second wife, ; Craig is also stepfather to Weisz's son Henry, born in 2006 from her previous relationship. The family maintains strict , rarely discussing or photographing their children publicly, with Craig noting that the intense fame from portraying proved emotionally challenging for his family dynamics. He has expressed intent to forgo leaving significant inheritance to his children, viewing such transfers as "quite distasteful" and preferring to donate his wealth during his lifetime. During his tenure as across five films from 2006 to 2021, Craig endured numerous physical injuries from performing stunts, including snapping his , fracturing his ankle (requiring in 2019), losing two teeth, tearing ligaments and muscles, and sustaining broken bones such as ribs and fingers. Despite these setbacks, he resumed rigorous training shortly after injuries, such as gym workouts post-ankle . Craig's lifestyle emphasizes physical discipline and health maintenance into his 50s, incorporating consistent gym sessions, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and a positive outlook to counteract the demands of action roles. A former heavy smoker, he quit cigarettes prior to filming Casino Royale in 2006 primarily for fitness requirements, though he has described resisting relapse as an ongoing "constant struggle" and occasionally indulges in cigars. The couple splits residence between a home in and properties in , prioritizing a low-profile existence amid professional commitments.

Legacy and assessment

Awards, honors, and professional impact

Daniel Craig received the honorary rank of in the Royal Navy on September 23, 2021, reflecting his portrayal of , who holds the same rank, and acknowledging his support for the service through visits to naval personnel and facilities. In the 2022 New Year's Honours list, he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), the same honorific order associated with Bond, for services to and theatre. These distinctions underscore the cultural resonance of his Bond tenure with British institutions. Craig's acting accolades include nominations for major awards, such as the BAFTA Award for for Casino Royale (2006), signaling early critical recognition of his franchise reboot. He earned Golden Globe nominations for in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for : A Mystery (2023) and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for (2025). Additional honors encompass the Britannia Award from BAFTA/LA in 2012 and a 2025 Dilys Powell Award from the London Film Critics' Circle for his body of work. Professionally, Craig's interpretation of from 2006 to 2021 reinvigorated the franchise, yielding five films that collectively grossed approximately $3.9 billion worldwide, with (2012) becoming the first entry to exceed $1 billion in global earnings. This era marked a shift to a more grounded, psychologically complex portrayal, contrasting prior installments and contributing to the series' sustained commercial dominance, which totals over $7 billion across all films. His commitment, including performing many stunts personally, elevated production standards and influenced subsequent action-hero depictions emphasizing physical authenticity over reliance on digital effects.

Critical evaluations and cultural influence

Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond from 2006 to 2021 received mixed critical evaluations, with Casino Royale (2006) widely acclaimed for revitalizing the franchise through its gritty realism and Craig's intense, physically demanding performance as a newly licensed 00 agent. Critics praised his embodiment of Ian Fleming's original conception of Bond as a hardened, psychologically scarred operative rather than a suave caricature, evidenced by the film's 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 286 reviews. In contrast, Quantum of Solace (2008) faced criticism for its fragmented narrative and underdeveloped villain, though Craig's vengeful Bond was noted for raw emotional depth amid the film's 64% score from 250 reviews. Skyfall (2012) garnered the highest praise in the era, with a 92% rating from 370 reviews, lauded for balancing spectacle and character vulnerability, positioning it as one of the top-grossing Bond films at over $1.1 billion worldwide. Later entries like Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021) drew mixed responses, with Spectre's 63% rating from 370 reviews citing formulaic plotting despite Craig's committed performance, and No Time to Die's 83% from 439 reviews critiqued for a convoluted villain and Bond's unprecedented death, diverging from franchise norms. Beyond Bond, Craig's acting has been evaluated positively for roles showcasing nuanced intensity, such as his breakout in (2004), where he played a smart, frustrated criminal earning acclaim for subverting tropes. In (2019), his detective Benoit Blanc was highlighted for charismatic wit, contributing to the film's 97% score and grossing $312 million on a $40 million budget. However, some assessments fault Craig's post-Bond choices for leaning into lighter fare, potentially diluting his dramatic edge, though his versatility across genres like The Mother (2023) Netflix thriller has sustained professional regard. Craig's Bond tenure culturally influenced depictions of espionage heroes by emphasizing psychological realism and physical authenticity over escapism, grossing over $3.9 billion across five films and drawing younger audiences through modernized stakes like personal loss and institutional distrust. His portrayal refashioned Bond's masculinity as muscular yet emotionally burdened—marked by shirtless training scenes in Casino Royale symbolizing raw prowess amid vulnerability from betrayals—shifting the archetype from invulnerable playboy to relatable anti-hero, aligning closer to Fleming's flawed protagonist as described in the novels. This evolution impacted media representations, prompting debates on spy genre grit, as seen in successors like The Gray Man (2022), while Craig himself later critiqued Bond's "construct of masculinity" as "laughable" and artificial, reflecting his reservations about hegemonic tropes during casting. Despite such self-assessment, his iteration boosted the franchise's relevance, with Skyfall alone influencing action cinema's blend of heritage and innovation, evidenced by its Academy Awards for sound editing and original song.

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  81. https://www.mi6-hq.com/news/index.php?itemid=3918
  82. https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/daniel-craig-casino-royale-cried
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  88. https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/daniel-craig-criticizes-fame-says-being-celebrity-kills-you
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  95. https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/daniel-craig-happy-james-bond-change-race-gender-203858832.html
  96. https://www.pearlanddean.com/daniel-craig-doesnt-believe-a-woman-should-play-james-bond/
  97. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/oct/14/daniel-craig-says-he-goes-to-gay-bars-to-avoid-fights-at-straight-venues
  98. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/daniel-craig-politicians-shitheads_n_1169851
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  102. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3651930/David-Beckham-backs-REMAIN-just-two-days-referendum-urges-voters-staying-children.html
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  144. https://people.southwestern.edu/~bednarb/methods/articles/cox.pdf
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