HE’S the Hollywood hunk tipped to take over from Daniel Craig as the next James Bond – but unlike 007, he only has eyes for one woman.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (33) has been in a relationship with his 24-year-old director wife Sam since 2008, when she cast him in the Beatles biopic Nowhere Boy.
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Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly ‘officially landed’ the role of James BondCredit: Getty
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The actor, 33, and wife Sam, 57, went public with their romance in 2009. Credit: Getty
Their romance has regularly hit the headlines over the years, with the Kick-Ass star dubbed Sam’s “red carpet boy toy” when they first went public.
The couple, who married in 2012, remain madly in love and have two children – Romy, 11, and Wylda, 13 – as well as two children from Sam’s previous marriage.
With Aaron set to sign on to play MI6’s most famous spy and ladies man, we take a peek into their heartwarming romance.
An unconventional meeting
The couple often described their romance as a fairy tale, and the way they met involved a beneficial twist of fate.
Aaron was due to audition for Sam’s feature film debut, the Beatles biopic Nowhere Boy, in 2008, but the only day he was available was when she was busy.
She had recently split from art dealer husband Jay Jopling of 11 years and was moving out of their marital home the day Aaron asked to audition for the role of John Lennon.
“It was so awkward,” Sam told The Times. “In the end I said: ‘OK, he will have to come to my house.’ I opened my door to John Lennon. I knew right away that he was the one.”
Aaron impressed Sam with how much research he did for the role, including studying the late singer’s voice and mannerisms.
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Prior to Nowhere Boy, Aaron found success with the blockbuster Kick-AssCredit: Alamy
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Sam and her ex-husband Jay Jopling, to whom she was married for 11 years Credit: Getty
She also left an impression on the actor, who years later said that he could still imagine how she looked at that audition in 2008.
“I remember it very, very clearly. I know exactly what she was wearing,” Aaron said. “This white shirt he still has, which I love. It definitely changed my life, though not in the way I expected.”
‘Intensive’ search
On set, Sam claimed there was an “intense connection” between them but insisted there were no cheeky antics, adding: “We were very professional throughout the film… It’s not funny at all.”
She added to Harper’s Bazaar: “As soon as we finished, he told me he was going to marry me. We’ve never been on a date, never even kissed.”
It was a brave move by Aaron, then 18, who, according to Sam, then 42, was the one who pursued her and took the initiative.
“He was very intense and absolutely determined,” she said, adding that while she was hesitant at first because of the age difference, it “wasn’t [for] a long time. Aaron was: ‘Don’t be afraid'”.
Speaking about their connection, Aaron said: “When I met Sam, I was already living a life that far exceeded that of most of my contemporaries.
“I haven’t connected with anyone my age. I just feel like we’re on the same wavelength.”
‘Toy boy from the red carpet’
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Aaron and Sam got engaged shortly after filming Nowhere Boy wrappedCredit: Getty – Contributor
When the couple went public, they faced backlash from people who were skeptical of their 24-year age difference.
Aaron spoke of having “a lot of negativity from other people”, but insisted: “It’s their problem and issues and how they see life.
“I live my life to the fullest and I work from my instincts and from my heart, and I try to be as open as possible.”
For him, their relationship was never in doubt, and the actor admitted: “With Sam, I knew right away that I had found my soulmate.”
I remember it very, very clearly. I know exactly what she was wearing. This white shirt he still has, which I love. It definitely changed my life, although not in the way I expected
Aaron Taylor Johnson
By 2009, they were engaged, and Aaron proposed “a year to the minute” after they met.
“I knew right away that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with that person,” he said.
“I knew I wanted a family with her, I knew I wanted children, and a month later she was pregnant with our first child.”
Sam admitted she knew some of her friends wouldn’t approve – but that didn’t affect how she felt.
“I could predict who would take a step back and who would say, ‘Are you happy? Great,’ she said.
“I didn’t really care… People could protest and I’d say ‘Whatever.’ I was deep into it.
“You may have noticed, I never care what anyone says. I have always been fearless in my work and in my relationships.”
‘Off the rails’
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Sam with Aaron and her children Angelica and Jessie Phoenix in 2011. Credit: Getty – Pool
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Aaron plays identical twins in the 2002 film Tom and Thomas Credit: Alamy
Aaron, who grew up in “a place with no connections” near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was relatively new to the limelight when he met Sam.
His first major breakout roles came in Kick-Ass and Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging, but he had been acting since the age of six.
Aaron’s first role was in a commercial for Persil, and two years later he starred opposite Rufus Sewell in the West End production of Macbeth as Macduff’s son.
After being cast as identical twins in the 2002 film Tom & Thomas, starring ten-year-old Sean Bean, he spent six months living in Amsterdam’s red-light district with his mum, who quit her job to accompany him.
In his teenage years, Aaron had small roles in the TV dramas The Bill and Casualty.
Like many young actors, he admits he had a “self-destructive moment”.
“Luckily, it all went under the radar. I started drinking very early,” he explained.
I just went a little fucking crazy. I blew a bunch of money and had two years that I can’t even remember… I was a ***** all my work and life
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
“I grew up in a remote small village, what else are you going to do? When I was 15, I went to clubs in London.
“Then I just went a little fucking crazy. I burned through a bunch of money, and I had two years that I can’t even remember… I was screwed my whole job and my life.
“It was a terrible, dark moment. I had a bit of a problem, a transition, understanding why I was so… the one who was so… successful maybe.”
Luckily, this streak ended shortly before Nowhere Boy, which Aaron was thankful for as he got it out of his system and could move on.
“If I hadn’t done it then, I would be broken now. I wouldn’t be able to raise a family, or be in control, or feel responsible enough to do what I do,” he admitted.
Cute nickname
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The couple renewed their vows in 2022 – with Aaron describing Sam as his ‘world’Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson
Sam and Aaron welcomed the first of their two daughters – Wylda Rae – in 2010 and Romy Hero in 2012. They married later that year.
Aaron is the devoted stepfather of Angelica and Jessie Phoenix from Sam’s first marriage.
He previously revealed that his family has always been his priority and he is reluctant to film back-to-back projects to ensure he spends enough time with them.
Although he still managed to win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for 2017’s Nocturnal Animals and successful roles in Marvel’s Kraven The Hunter and Bullet Train opposite Brad Pitt.
“My whole thing, my priority, is my family, my children and my wife. That’s my future. I don’t really care what the next role is,” Aaron said.
“I wanted, purely, to be with my babies… I didn’t want to be taken away from them.
My friends call him Benjamin Button because he is so young on the outside and so wise and composed on the inside
Sam Taylor-Johnson
”I enjoy normal things, everyday things. Getting my kids ready in the morning, taking them to school and to activities – that’s enough. It feeds my soul.”
Sam told The Guardian: “The great thing about Aaron is that he’s happy not to work and to be at home with the kids while I’m working.
“He says, ‘No, no, I like being a stay-at-home dad, cooking and driving to school.’
“What happens next depends on what comes up, whether Aaron decides to make another blockbuster or independent film.”
Sam said her friends call Aaron ‘Benjamin Button’ – the character played by Brad Pitt who ages backwards – because “he’s so young on the outside and so wise and composed on the inside”.
“He doesn’t like parties. He likes to be at home and cook for the family. He likes to walk the dogs,” she said.
“He loves his chickens – he collects the eggs and makes breakfast for everyone.”
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Aaron has gained a new legion of fans since posing for Calvin Klein last year Credit: Mega
Timeline of James Bond actors
There have been seven actors who have played 007 over the years.
The first James Bond film was made in 1962, and here’s who has played the lead role over the years:
- Sean Connery – The late star was the first actor to play Bond, and he reprized the role in seven films.
- George Lazenby – The star played Bond only once, but was the youngest actor ever to play the spy.
- Roger Moore – The late movie star spent 12 years making seven movies in the famous franchise.
- Timothy Dalton – The suave actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and License to Kill.
- Pierce Brosnan – the handsome star played Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002.
- Daniel Craig – The British star was the first blond James Bond and the sixth actor to play the role in 2005.
Matching tattoos
The couple regularly pour out their love online – including a 2022 post in which they renewed their wedding vows after 10 years, with Aaron calling Sam his “world” and “soulmate”.
Other snaps on social media show the pair’s fun side, including one of them both doing a handstand, with the caption: “When you’re lucky enough to find someone as angry as you. I love you.”
In 2021, the couple flaunted the same chest tattoos to commemorate their love – Aaron had her name inked just above his heart and Sam had her name engraved on her collarbone.
Last week, to mark Sam’s birthday, Aaron posted: “You are an extraordinary woman, there really is no one like you.
“I couldn’t be more proud and excited about the year ahead.”
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The couple have the same tattoos Credit: Instagram/@_dr_woo_
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Online Aaron wrote about feeling lucky to ‘find someone as crazy’ as himself Credit: Instagram/@aarontaylorjohnson
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Source: HIS Education