Daniel Craig: From Bond to Cowboys and Aliens

The Life and Career of Daniel Craig

Just call him Craig. Daniel Craig. Learn more about the life and career of Daniel Craig.

Early Days

Daniel Wroughton Craig was born March 2nd, 1968 in Chester, England. By the age of six, he was already acting in school plays, and quickly fell in love with the theater. At age 16, he moved to London to join the National Youth Theatre, and eventually he graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1991.

First Films Appearances

It was just the next year that Craig made his film debut as an antagonistic South African solider in “The Power of One.” Some television appearances followed, and then he took a role in the 1995 family film, “A Kid in King Arthur’s Court.”

Important British Roles

His profile in Britain was raised after his appearance in the 1996 BBC miniseries, “Our Friends in the North.” The ambitious project chronicled the lives of four friends across thirty years. In 1998, Craig took on a role that was important to his career: he appeared as the lover and muse of Irish painter, Francis Bacon in the award-winning biographical film, “Love is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon.”

Elizabeth

Over the next few years, he expanded his portfolio with a number of film and TV roles, including a small part in the 1998 period piece “Elizabeth.”

Tomb Raider

His acting skills were recognized in 2000 when he won a British Independent Film Award for Best Actor for portraying a schizophrenic man in “Some Voices.” However, his first spot in a high-profile Hollywood production was in the 2001 blockbuster “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” alongside Angelina Jolie.

More Hollywood Films

This kicked off a string of Hollywood films. In 2002, he played opposite Paul Newman and Tom Hanks in “Road to Perdition.” The next year, his co-starred with Gwyneth Paltrow as troubled real-life couple Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath in “Sylvia.”

Leading Man

Also in 2003, he received acclaim for his portrayal of a man who has an affair with a daughter as well as her mother in “The Mother.” However, it was only in 2004 that Craig made his debut as a leading man in “Layer Cake.”

Rumors About 007

It was around this time rumors began to circulate that this British actor was being considered for the role of 007 in the next incarnation of James Bond films. He was officially revealed to have won the coveted role just prior to the release of his next film. This was Steven Spielberg’s 2005 film about the 1972 Olympic massacre, “Munich.”

James Bond

Next came Craig’s first turn as James Bond. Some critics suggest the actor was too old or too blond to play the role, but 2006’s “Casino Royale” proved he was up to the task. Craig’s reinterpretation of the character was praised, and the film earned over $594 million around the world.

Between Bond Films

In 2007, it was revealed that Craig would portray the British spy until at least the 25th Bond movie. Between Bond films, Craig took on other roles as well. That year he also appeared in two films with Nicole Kidman. First came “The Invasion,” which was loosely based on the 1956 film “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Following this was the fantasy-adventure movie “The Golden Compass.”

Quantum of Solace

He then played a washed-up actor in 2008’s independent film “Flashbacks of a Fool,” and reprised the role of 007 in that year’s “Quantum of Solace.” He completed his busy year by starring in the World War II film, “Defiance.”

Cowboys & Aliens

Craig’s next big blockbuster came in 2011 when James Bond and Indiana Jones teamed up for the science fiction Western “Cowboys & Aliens.” He also starred in the English-language remake of the popular Swedish film, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” as well as a Spielberg’s 3D animated movie “The Adventure of Tintin: the Secret of the Unicorn” that same year.

Personal Life

While Craig has worked his way to the A-list, he has notoriously avoided the spotlight. However, he has had some high-profile romances nonetheless. He has been linked to Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and in June 2011 he married his “Dream House” co-star Rachel Weisz.

A Hot Name in Hollywood

This actor was plucked from relative anonymity to become a bankable leading man with one simple role. However it was his skills and range as an actor that have made Daniel Craig one of the hottest names in Hollywood.