Celebrity
Daniel Craig Opens Up About Family's Struggle with His Bond Fame
2024-12-11
Daniel Craig, the renowned actor, recently shared candid insights into the profound toll that portraying one of Hollywood's most iconic characters had on him and his blended family. His revelations offer a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of fame.
Unveiling the Emotional Struggles of a Bond Superstar
Initial Hesitation and the Allure of Fame
Daniel Craig, at 56 years old, spoke at the British Film Institute in London on Monday night. When asked about his experience playing James Bond from 2006 to 2021, he expressed a mix of emotions. "I did. I loved every second of it," he said. "But some of it was tough and weird and strange and emotionally kind of difficult for everybody, including my family. The fame is weird." He recalled how he had a bit of fame before joining the A-list and could still go anywhere. However, the celebrity status that accompanied the iconic role sparked some hesitation in him.It wasn't just about the glitz and glamour; it was about the changes it brought to his life and the impact on his loved ones. His ex-wife Fiona Loudon and he share a 32-year-old daughter, Ella. After marrying The Mummy actress Rachel Weisz in 2011, they have a 6-year-old daughter, Grace. Rachel also has an 18-year-old son, Henry, with director Darren Aronofsky.The Adaptation to Celebrity Life
Despite the initial challenges, Rachel Weisz explained in a 2023 interview with The Guardian how they have adapted over the years. "Celebrity — it really doesn't mean anything to me. And it's no work at all to keep not showing up at events. It's no work at all to keep a private life," she said. She continued, emphasizing that life in a family can be complicated, but they have found a new level of comfort with celebrity.For example, when someone recognizes Daniel in public, it's just a part of life. They are usually nice and express their admiration. It's not a difficult or oppressive situation anymore.The Emotional Toll and Career Choices
Daniel revealed that he put an immense amount of energy into playing the famous spy, which left him emotionally exhausted at the end of his 15-year run. "I was so exhausted at the end of a Bond it would take me six months to recover emotionally," he told The Sunday Times. "I always had the attitude that life must come first, and when work came first for a while, it strung me out."He also shared that he nearly turned down the star-making role as he was already satisfied with his career wins. "There wasn't a script at the time, so again, my arrogance was unbelievable, but I was just like, 'Well until I see a script, I couldn't possibly make a decision,'" he said. And it was fear, exactly what you're talking about, of that thing and many others, how it would flip his life. He continued, "I was making a pretty good living at the time, so if I spent my life doing what I was doing at the time, I would've been more than happy."Daniel Craig's story is a testament to the complex nature of fame and its impact on personal lives. His honesty and openness provide valuable insights for both fans and those in the entertainment industry.