Who Was Daniel Craig’s First Wife? A Look Back at the Bond Star’s Early Marriage

While Daniel Craig is best known for portraying the suave and unshakable secret agent James Bond, few fans know much about his early personal life, particularly his first marriage. Yes, Daniel Craig’s first wife was Fiona Loudon, a Scottish actress with whom he shared a brief but meaningful relationship long before international fame came calling. Though their marriage was short-lived, it marked an important chapter in Craig’s journey from young British theatre actor to global film icon. Their union, as well as their shared role as parents, offers a glimpse into the more private, grounded side of one of Hollywood’s most reserved stars.

Who Is Daniel Craig?

Daniel Wroughton Craig was born on March 2, 1968, in Chester, England. Raised in a creative and hardworking family, he discovered his passion for acting at a young age. He attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he honed his craft before making his professional debut in stage productions and British television dramas.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Craig steadily built his reputation in the entertainment industry, appearing in stage plays and smaller roles on TV. His breakthrough came with the 2004 crime thriller Layer Cake, which showcased his intensity and screen presence. Just two years later, he became the sixth actor to play James Bond in Casino Royale (2006), a role that redefined the iconic spy franchise and catapulted him to worldwide fame.

However, long before the fame, tuxedos, and martinis, Daniel Craig’s personal life was far simpler—and it was during those early, humble years that he met the woman who would become his first wife.

Daniel Craig’s First Wife – Fiona Loudon

Daniel Craig’s first wife was Fiona Loudon, a Scottish actress who, like Craig, had an early passion for the stage. She was active in London’s theatre community during the early 1990s, when she and Craig first crossed paths. Both were young, ambitious, and immersed in the world of performing arts. Their connection was immediate and, in 1992, they decided to marry.

At the time, Craig was still carving out a place for himself in the acting world, taking roles in theatre and television to support his budding career. Loudon was also pursuing acting projects, though she preferred to remain out of the limelight. Their marriage took place long before Craig’s global fame and well before he landed the role of James Bond, which makes their relationship one of genuine companionship and shared struggle rather than stardom.

Later that same year, the couple welcomed their daughter, Ella Craig, marking the beginning of Craig’s journey into fatherhood.

A Short Marriage Built on Early Dreams

Although their marriage began with promise, Daniel Craig and Fiona Loudon’s relationship was relatively short-lived. They divorced in 1994, just two years after tying the knot. By then, Craig was entering a phase of rapid professional growth, balancing demanding acting work and new career opportunities. Both he and Loudon were in their twenties, still finding their footing both personally and professionally.

In later interviews, Craig described the split as a mutual and amicable decision. He acknowledged that their youth and differing life paths at the time contributed to the end of their marriage. Despite the separation, the two remained connected through their shared commitment to raising their daughter, Ella.

Loudon chose to step away from the public eye following the divorce, focusing instead on family life and personal growth. She never capitalized on her connection to Craig, choosing privacy over publicity—a trait that mirrors Craig’s own guarded approach to fame.

Daniel Craig as a Father

Craig’s relationship with his daughter, Ella Craig, has remained one of the most consistent and cherished parts of his life. Born in 1992, Ella grew up largely out of the spotlight, shielded from the media by both her parents. As she got older, however, she began pursuing a career in the arts herself.

Ella studied at New York University and followed her parents’ creative footsteps into acting. She has appeared in independent films and theatre productions, earning recognition for her talent and authenticity. On social media, she occasionally shares photos with her father, showing glimpses of their close bond.

Daniel Craig has spoken in various interviews about his pride as a father, emphasizing the importance of family and privacy. He has always been extremely protective of his personal life, particularly when it comes to his children. For him, fatherhood came long before fame, and that grounding experience has shaped his approach to both work and life.

Life After Divorce – Craig’s Later Relationships

After his marriage to Fiona Loudon ended, Craig went on to have several long-term relationships, including a notable one with Heike Makatsch, a German actress best known for her role in Love Actually. The two were together for several years, from the late 1990s until 2001, and remained on good terms after their breakup.

Craig’s career continued to flourish throughout the 2000s, culminating in his casting as James Bond. The role transformed him into a global superstar, but he continued to maintain a reputation for discretion and professionalism, rarely discussing his personal relationships.

In 2011, Craig married Rachel Weisz, the Oscar-winning actress known for her performances in The Constant Gardener and The Mummy. The two had known each other for years before their relationship turned romantic while working together on the film Dream House (2010). Their marriage took place in a small, private ceremony attended by only four guests, including Craig’s daughter Ella and Weisz’s son from her previous relationship.

Since their marriage, the couple has kept their relationship extremely private, focusing on their family life and careers without public drama. In 2018, they welcomed their first child together, a daughter, marking Craig’s second time becoming a father.

Fiona Loudon’s Life Today

Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, Fiona Loudon has consistently chosen to live away from public attention. She has continued to pursue creative endeavors on her own terms, though details about her current work are limited. Loudon has reportedly remained in the UK and has devoted much of her life to supporting her daughter and maintaining her independence.

Her decision to remain private has earned her quiet respect from fans and media alike. While some might have sought fame through association, Fiona Loudon’s dignity and discretion reflect the same qualities that Daniel Craig himself values most.