Daniel Craig, born on 02 March 1968, in Chester, England, is a British actor best known for his portrayal of James Bond in five films from Casino Royale (2006) to No Time to Die (2021). His take on the iconic spy reinvented the character with a grittier, more realistic edge, earning widespread acclaim for bringing depth and vulnerability to 007. Before landing the role, Craig had already built a strong reputation in British cinema and television, starring in films such as Layer Cake (2004), which helped establish him as a leading man.
Craig’s acting career began after training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from which he graduated in 1991. He gained early recognition through stage performances and British television series, including Our Friends in the North (1996). His transition to Hollywood was marked by notable roles in films like Road to Perdition (2002), where he starred alongside Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, and Steven Spielberg’s Munich (2005), in which he played a Mossad agent.
Although he was initially met with skepticism when cast as Bond—partly due to his blond hair and unconventional ruggedness—Craig silenced critics with Casino Royale, which became a massive critical and commercial success. His subsequent Bond films, Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021), further solidified his status as one of the best Bonds in history. Skyfall, in particular, became the highest-grossing Bond film and received several awards, including two Academy Awards.
Beyond Bond, Craig has showcased his versatility in a range of roles. He played journalist Mikael Blomkvist in David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), a Southern criminal in Logan Lucky (2017), and most notably, the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc in Knives Out (2019) and its sequel Glass Onion (2022). His portrayal of Blanc, with a distinctive Southern accent and sharp wit, has led to a successful new franchise.
Off-screen, Craig is known for his private nature and aversion to celebrity culture. He married actress Rachel Weisz in 2011, and they have a daughter together. He also has an older daughter from his previous marriage to Fiona Loudon. In addition to acting, Craig is involved in humanitarian efforts and has supported various charitable causes, including UN initiatives.
With a career that has spanned theater, television, independent films, and blockbusters, Craig has proven himself as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation. His ability to blend action-hero toughness with emotional complexity has left a lasting mark on cinema, particularly in redefining the role of James Bond for modern audiences.
