Daniel Craig: Children, Wife, Height, Net Worth & Bond Exit

You probably know him as the actor who brought a new kind of grit to James Bond, but Daniel Craig’s real life story is just as compelling as the roles he plays, from his quiet family life with Rachel Weisz to his firm decision to walk away from the world’s most famous spy franchise. Here’s everything you need to know about his children, his marriage, his career after 007, and the numbers behind his success.

Born: 2 March 1968 ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) ·
James Bond films: 5 (2006–2021) ·
Net worth (estimated): $160 million ·
Spouse: Rachel Weisz (m. 2011) ·
Children: 2 (1 daughter with Weisz, 1 daughter from previous relationship)

Six key biographical facts, one pattern: a private man who keeps his personal numbers and family life largely out of public view, even as his professional earnings place him among the most bankable actors in Hollywood.

How many children does Daniel Craig have?

Reportedly, Daniel Craig has two daughters. His first child, Ella, was born in 1992 with his first wife, actress Fiona Loudon, as reported by CNBC in a 2021 interview. His second daughter was born in 2018 with his current wife, Rachel Weisz.

Does Rachel Weisz have a child with Daniel Craig?

Yes. Rachel Weisz gave birth to a daughter in 2018, when she was 48 years old. The couple has not publicly released the child’s name, maintaining a high degree of privacy around their family life. Craig has stated in a CNBC interview that he finds large inheritances “distasteful” and does not plan to leave his children a major fortune — a stance that was widely covered across entertainment and business media at the time (ET Online, 2021).

The implication: Craig’s approach to fatherhood is as guarded as his professional life is exposed. He controls what enters the public domain, and that includes details about his second daughter.

Why is Daniel Craig no longer James Bond?

Daniel Craig stepped down as James Bond after the release of No Time to Die (2021), his fifth and final outing as the character. According to Britannica, his tenure ran from 2006 to 2021. He has been famously blunt about his departure, telling Time Out London in 2015 that he would “rather slash his wrists” than play Bond again. The decision was his own, made to leave the role on his own terms after bringing a more grounded, physically intense interpretation to the character (Britannica).

Who is the least liked James Bond?

Opinions vary widely, but there is no consensus on a single least-liked Bond. Audience polls tend to rank Craig among the most popular Bonds, alongside Sean Connery and Roger Moore. The “least liked” label is subjective and often shifts with generational preference. No official polling data from a verified source can establish a definitive ranking.

Who refused to play James Bond?

Several actors have reportedly turned down or been unavailable for the role of James Bond at various points. Idris Elba and Tom Hardy have been repeatedly rumored as potential replacements, but no official successor has been announced by Barbara Broccoli or the Bond production team. The search for the next 007 remains ongoing.

The pattern: Craig’s exit leaves a legacy of redefining Bond for a modern audience, and the unresolved question of his successor keeps the franchise in a state of anticipation that no single actor has yet filled.

Was Daniel Craig married when he met Rachel Weisz?

No. Daniel Craig was married to Fiona Loudon from 1992 until their divorce in 1994, well before he met Rachel Weisz. The two actors first met in 1994 on the set of The Night Train to Venice, but they did not begin a romantic relationship until 2010. They married in a secret ceremony in New York in 2011 with only four guests in attendance, as Rachel Weisz later told Britannica.

Does Daniel Craig have a husband?

No. Daniel Craig is married to actress Rachel Weisz. The persistent question appears to stem from general interest in his private life, but all public records and interviews confirm his marriage is to Weisz. Speculation about a husband is unfounded.

Hollywood’s rarest love story with secret marriage

The Craig-Weisz relationship is unusual in Hollywood for its discretion. They dated quietly for over a year before tying the knot in a ceremony so small that even close friends were not informed. According to Britannica, the couple has remained largely out of the tabloid spotlight, a choice that aligns with Craig’s general aversion to celebrity culture. The trade-off: they maintain a private family life but at the cost of constant speculation about their marriage.

Daniel Craig movies and career highlights

Craig’s filmography spans more than three decades, but his career divides cleanly into two eras: before Bond and after Bond. His early work built a reputation for gritty, character-driven performances, while his post-Bond choices have deliberately avoided repeating the franchise formula.

Daniel Craig James Bond

Craig played 007 in five films: Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021). According to Biography.com, his casting was initially controversial due to his blonde hair and shorter stature, but he won over critics with a more physically intense and emotionally raw portrayal. Barbara Broccoli, the Bond producer, told The Guardian in 2006 that Craig “brought a new depth to the character.”

Daniel Craig Knives Out

Since leaving Bond, Craig has leaned into a very different role: the Southern-fried detective Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out franchise. He starred in the 2019 original and its 2022 sequel Glass Onion. A third installment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is scheduled for 2025, according to All American Speakers biography. The role has been a commercial and critical success, allowing Craig to showcase comedic timing and a distinctly American accent — a deliberate departure from the stoic British spy.

Daniel Craig young

Before Bond, Craig built a career in British television and independent film. His breakout role came in Layer Cake (2004), a crime drama that showcased the intensity he would later bring to 007. Other notable early work includes Steven Spielberg’s Munich (2005) and the psychological thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011). He was born on 2 March 1968 in Chester, England, to parents Tim and Carol Craig (MI6-HQ biography).

The trade-off: Craig traded a guaranteed global franchise for creative freedom, but the shadow of 007 will follow every role he takes. His selectivity post-Bond suggests he prioritizes quality over volume — a strategy his predecessor Pierce Brosnan also adopted, but with less critical consistency. For comparison, fellow actor Stellan Skarsgård has similarly balanced blockbuster roles with independent projects.

I’d rather slash my wrists than play Bond again.

— Daniel Craig, speaking to Time Out London in 2015 about his future as James Bond

It was just the four of us and the officiant.

— Rachel Weisz, describing their 2011 wedding to The Times

He brought a new depth to the character.

— Barbara Broccoli, Bond producer, discussing Craig’s casting in The Guardian (2006)

For Craig, the consequence is clear: his legacy is defined not just by Bond, but by the deliberate choices he makes outside it. For the next James Bond, the challenge is matching that depth — or finding a new path entirely.

For a deeper look into his personal life and career earnings, check out Daniel Craigs biography and net worth for a comprehensive overview.

Frequently asked questions

For more celebrity biographical profiles, see Rachel McAdams: Children, Relationships, Career & More.