Daniel Craig: Snapshot

Name
Daniel Craig
Date of Birth
March 02, 1968
Birth Place
Chester, England
The name's Craig, Daniel Craig! And long before landing the coveted role of James Bond, he was toiling in London theater and winning small, yet memorable parts in films, like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Road to Perdition.

But it was his star-making turn as a charismatic coke dealer in 2004's Layer Cake that caught the eye of Bond producers (who were looking to replace Pierce Brosnan). At first, Craig admitted he "wasn't deeply enthusiastic" about the role – preferring highbrow fare like Sylvia and Munich. What helped change his mind? A few kind words from Brosnan, who told him, "Go for it – you'll have the ride of your life."

Despite the initial backlash, 2006's Casino Royale became the highest-grossing Bond film ever–until 2008's Quantum of Solace. Craig – who has a daughter with ex-wife, British actress Fiona Loudon – gave marriage a second chance in 2011 when he secretly tied the knot with actress Rachel Weisz.

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Daniel Craig: Five Fun Facts

  1. After filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Angelina Jolie called Daniel Craig "one of the best kissers" in the biz. "I'm honored," he told the U.K.'s Marie Claire. "She's not bad herself."
  2. Daniel Craig initially turned down the role of 007. "I wasn't deeply enthusiastic," he told the Guardian. "They didn't have a script and I can't say yes without a script."
  3. In 2006, Daniel Craig was named the world's best-dressed man by Esquire.
  4. Daniel Craig got his start in theater, but he has no interest in doing Shakespeare. "Too many lines!" he told Interview.
  5. Daniel Craig was in legitimate pain as he was whipped (while naked!) during Casino Royale's brutal torture scene. "Once in a while I'd hear Daniel scream [for real]," the movie's villain, Mads Mikkelsen, told PEOPLE. "That meant, Uh-oh, I better take a step back."

Daniel Craig: Biography

1991

Theatrical Roots

After leaving home at age 16 to pursue acting full time in London, Craig graduates from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and makes a name for himself on the London stage, appearing in the Pulitzer-prize winning Angels in America. In 1993, he marries actress Fiona Loudon, with whom he has a daughter, Ella. In 1994, they divorce. Two years later, things look up – at least professionally – when Craig makes his big break in the 1996 BBC mini-series Our Friends in the North.

2001

Daniel Craig

Bored By Angelina

After a few low-profile roles, Craig gets the chance to romance Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. But the actor insists the experience working on a Hollywood blockbuster was far from enjoyable. "I had a horrible time," he tells EW. "It was f---ing boring." Still, his turn as the ruggedly handsome Alex West brings his first widespread recognition.

2002

Daniel Craig

In Good Company

Craig plays an unhinged mobster in Road to Perdition, costarring fellow Brit Jude Law and screen legends Paul Newman (left) and Tom Hanks. It brings Craig his first glimpse of superstardom. "You go out to dinner with Tom Hanks and the food is brought in massive quantities," he tells PEOPLE. "It's mad. There are 800 dishes. The chef comes out and just starts cooking at your table. Things you didn't even order!"

Read More on Daniel Craig's Life

Photo Credits

Top Left: PR Photo

BIOGRAPHY (top to bottom): Everett Collection; Everett Collection

Edited by Janet Mock and Julia Wang

Daniel Craig

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