Daniel Craig is an English actor best known for playing the fictional British secret agent James Bond since 2006. Some of his most popular James Bond films include Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), and No Time to Die (2021).
Outside of the James Bond franchise, Craig has also appeared in films such as Road to Perdition (2002), Munich (2005), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), and Knives Out (2019). He has received multiple awards and nominations for his acting over the course of his career.
| Year | Notable Films |
|---|---|
| 1992 | The Power of One |
| 1996 | Saint-Ex |
| 1997 | Obsession |
| 1998 | Love and Rage |
| 2001 | Lara Croft: Tomb Raider |
| 2002 | Road to Perdition |
| 2003 | The Mother |
| 2004 | Layer Cake |
| 2005 | Munich |
| 2006 | Casino Royale |
Overall, Daniel Craig has had a successful and acclaimed acting career spanning over 30 years. His most iconic role has been James Bond, which he has portrayed in five films so far.
What is Daniel Craig’s background and early life?
Daniel Craig was born on March 2, 1968 in Chester, England. His mother, Carol Olivia Craig, was an art teacher, and his father, Timothy John Wroughton Craig, was a pub landlord and former merchant seaman.
Craig spent most of his childhood on the Wirral Peninsula just outside of Liverpool. He moved around often as a child due to his father’s job. By the age of six he had lived in over ten different places, including Liverpool, the Wirral, and areas along the Welsh border.
As a teenager, Craig attended Hilbre High School in West Kirby. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying rugby, football, cricket, and hockey. He was also interested in acting from a young age. At age 16, Craig left school to pursue acting full time.
| Year | Life Event |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Born in Chester, England on March 2 |
| 1970s | Moved frequently around England and Wales |
| 1982 | Attended Hilbre High School |
| 1984 | Left school at 16 to pursue acting |
| 1988 | Accepted into Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
Craig had no formal training as a young actor. In 1988 at age 20, he was accepted to the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He graduated in 1991.
How did Daniel Craig get his start as an actor?
After graduating from Guildhall in 1991, Daniel Craig began his professional acting career on the stage. Some of his early theater credits include:
- Angels in America (1993)
- A Number (2002)
- Hurlyburly (1997)
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1994)
Craig made his film debut in 1992, playing a minor role in The Power of One. However, his first major film role came in 1996 when he was cast as poet Ted Hughes in Sylvia.
Over the next decade, Craig appeared in supporting roles in various British television shows and films like Our Friends in the North (1996) and Obsession (1997).
In 2000, Craig was cast in his first major Hollywood role in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider alongside Angelina Jolie. Though the movie received negative reviews, it helped introduce Craig to American audiences.
Breakout Role in Layer Cake
Craig’s big breakout role came in 2004 when he was cast as a cocaine dealer in Layer Cake. His performance received high praise from critics and director Matthew Vaughn. This role is credited for helping Craig land the iconic role of James Bond shortly after.
| Year | Film/TV Credit |
|---|---|
| 1992 | The Power of One |
| 1996 | Our Friends in the North |
| 2000 | Lara Croft: Tomb Raider |
| 2004 | Layer Cake |
Overall, through persistant work in supporting roles, Craig was able to make a name for himself as a talented actor, leading to his career-defining James Bond casting.
When did Daniel Craig start playing James Bond?
In 2005, Daniel Craig was announced as the new James Bond, taking over the role from Pierce Brosnan. His first film as 007 was Casino Royale in 2006.
Craig was initially met with skepticism from Bond fans and critics due to his blond hair and rugged looks, which were a departure from previous Bonds. However, his performance in Casino Royale was highly praised and earned him a BAFTA award. Critics appreciated his darker, grittier, and more grounded portrayal of Bond.
| Film | Year |
|---|---|
| Casino Royale | 2006 |
| Quantum of Solace | 2008 |
| Skyfall | 2012 |
| Spectre | 2015 |
| No Time to Die | 2021 |
Craig has appeared as James Bond in a total of 5 films so far from 2006 to 2021. At 15 years, he holds the record for the longest tenure as James Bond in the franchise’s history.
No Time to Die, released in 2021, is Daniel Craig’s last appearance as James Bond. Overall, he revitalized and added depth to the iconic 007 role over his 15 year tenure.
What other major roles has Daniel Craig played besides James Bond?
In addition to playing James Bond, Daniel Craig has appeared in many high-profile films playing a wide range of roles:
Road to Perdition (2002)
Shortly after gaining recognition in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Craig played Connor Rooney, the unstable son of a mob boss in this acclaimed crime drama starring Tom Hanks.
Munich (2005)
Craig co-starred as a South African assassin in Steven Spielberg’s historical drama about the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Craig took on the role of journalist Mikael Blomkvist in David Fincher’s adaptation of the popular novel.
Logan Lucky (2017)
In a comedic turn, Craig played convicted felon Joe Bang in this heist film set in West Virginia. His over-the-top southern accent and look received praise.
Knives Out (2019)
Craig showcased his versatility playing eccentric detective Benoit Blanc in writer-director Rian Johnson’s smash hit mystery film.
Othello (2016)
Craig returned to his theater roots, starring alongside David Oyelowo in a successful off-Broadway production of Othello in New York.
What awards and accolades has Daniel Craig received for acting?
Some of the most significant awards and nominations Daniel Craig has received for acting include:
- BAFTA Award: Best Actor for Casino Royale (2006)
- Empire Award: Best Actor for Casino Royale (2007)
- Evening Standard British Film Award: Best Actor for Casino Royale (2006)
- Critics’ Choice Movie Award: Best Actor in an Action Movie for Skyfall (2013)
- Saturn Award: Best Actor for Logan Lucky (2017)
- Tony Award nomination: Best Actor in a Play for Othello (2016)
In addition, Craig has received multiple People’s Choice Award nominations for Favorite Movie Actor from 2012 to 2021.
| Award | Film/Production | Year |
|---|---|---|
| BAFTA Award | Casino Royale | 2006 |
| Empire Award | Casino Royale | 2007 |
| Saturn Award | Logan Lucky | 2017 |
Craig has been recognized by leading international awards organizations for his acting talents, especially for his defining portrayal of James Bond.
What is Daniel Craig’s net worth?
As of 2024, Daniel Craig’s net worth is estimated to be around $160 million dollars. The majority of his wealth comes from his time playing James Bond.
It’s been reported that Craig earned about $20 million dollars total for Casino Royale. His salary increased significantly with each subsequent Bond film. He reportedly earned $25 million for Skyfall and a staggering $100 million total for his final outing in No Time to Die.
In addition to the Bond franchise, Craig also earned sizable salaries for other hit films like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ($20 million) and Knives Out ($20-25 million). His production company, with partner Greg Williams, also provides additional income sources.
Outside of acting, Craig has done lucrative endorsement deals with companies like Heineken beer and Aston Martin. Overall, with smart business moves and by securing high salaries, Craig has amassed an immense net worth expected to grow in the years ahead.
Is Daniel Craig married and does he have children?
Daniel Craig has been married twice:
- Fiona Loudon (1992-1994): Craig was briefly married to Scottish actress Fiona Loudon in the early 1990s. They had one daughter together named Ella before divorcing in 1994.
- Rachel Weisz (2011-present): Craig married actress Rachel Weisz in 2011. Weisz has one son from a previous relationship. Together Craig and Weisz had a daughter in 2018.
So in total, Daniel Craig has two children: an older daughter Ella (born 1992) from his first marriage, and a younger daughter (born 2018) with Rachel Weisz.
Craig and Weisz maintain a very private personal life. They live in New York City and try to keep their children out of the spotlight. Overall, Craig remains focused on parenting and maintaining a low-key family life.
What is Daniel Craig doing now after his time as James Bond?
After departing the iconic James Bond role in 2021, Daniel Craig has been selective in choosing new roles:
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) – Craig will reprise his role as detective Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out sequel directed by Rian Johnson. Filming took place in summer 2021 in Greece.
- Othello (2022) – Craig is set to star alongside Ruth Negga in a new production of Othello opening on Broadway in spring 2022.
- Purity – Craig is an executive producer for this limited series based on the novel by Jonathan Franzen. It is currently in pre-production.
In addition to acting projects, Craig is also involved in charitable work:
- He and his wife Rachel Weisz are patrons of the Opportunity Network, which provides mentoring to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds seeking college and career opportunities.
- In 2020, Craig donated $10,000 to a COVID-19 relief fund for vulnerable youth put together by his Opportunity Network charity.
Overall, Daniel Craig is focused on producing projects, charitable endeavors, and spending time with family in the post-Bond era of his career. While not retiring, he is being selective about taking on new film roles after his 15-year tenure as 007.
Conclusion
In summary, Daniel Craig has become an iconic James Bond recognized for bringing depth and humanity to the character over his 15-year tenure. With his suave magnetism combined with a rougher edge, Craig reinvigorated the franchise and restored Bond’s relevancy for modern audiences.
Beyond playing 007, Craig has proven to be a versatile actor taking on diverse roles across independent films, blockbusters, and theater. He is selective about choosing projects that allow him to demonstrate his acting range.
While a globally renowned movie star, Craig strives to maintain a private life focused on family and charitable endeavors. At age 54 and after saying goodbye to James Bond in 2021, Craig is entering the next chapter of his acting career playing interesting roles that build on his talents and legacy.
FAQs about Daniel Craig
How tall is Daniel Craig?
Daniel Craig’s height is 5’10” (178 cm). His physique and height are on the shorter side for a James Bond actor. However, he makes up for it with his muscular build and intense physicality in action sequences.
What was Daniel Craig’s salary for James Bond films?
Craig’s Bond salaries were:
- Casino Royale (2006): $3 million
- Quantum of Solace (2008): $7.2 million
- Skyfall (2012): $17 million + backend points
- Spectre (2015): $25 million + backend points
- No Time to Die (2021): $25 million + backend points equalling $100 million total
So his salary increased dramatically from only $3 million to $100 million over 5 films.
How many James Bond films has Daniel Craig been in?
Daniel Craig has appeared as James Bond in a total of 5 films from 2006 to 2021:
Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021).
What James Bond actor played the role the longest?
With 15 years playing 007 from 2006 to 2021, Daniel Craig holds the record for the longest tenure as James Bond. The next longest serving was Roger Moore with 12 years over 7 films.
What is Daniel Craig’s training routine for James Bond?
To get into top physical shape for the action-packed Bond films, Craig trained up to 6 days a week for several months before filming. His routine included weight training, sprints, gymnastics, boxing and core exercises totaling 15-20 hours per week. He also followed a strict diet.