Over the span of three decades, Rachel Weisz has solidified her position as one of Hollywood’s most esteemed and cherished actors. Renowned for her versatile performances in both blockbuster hits and thought-provoking indie films, Weisz has consistently showcased her exceptional talent. Whether it’s her memorable roles in “The Mummy,” “The Constant Gardener,” “The Lobster,” “The Fountain,” “The Favorite,” or “Black Widow,” she has left an indelible mark on cinema. With two Oscar nominations and a win already in her repertoire, she is on a trajectory to become an iconic figure in the industry, even as she continues to grace screens well into her 50s and beyond.
Born in London in 1970, Weisz exhibited a remarkable presence from a young age. After pursuing both modeling and academics at Cambridge, she pursued acting with unwavering determination, quickly finding success. By the age of 22, she had already secured her debut television role, according to Britannica. By 29, she was captivating audiences as a lead in “The Mummy.” Since then, she has gained recognition for her nuanced performances in independent cinema and her advocacy for feminism within the entertainment world. Additionally, she is recognized as the spouse of none other than James Bond himself, actor Daniel Craig. Interested in delving deeper into Weisz’s journey from a London schoolgirl to a Hollywood luminary? Here’s the captivating transformation of Rachel Weisz.
#1 Rachel Weisz is the daughter of two Jewish refugees
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Rachel Weisz was born to George and Edith Weisz, whose backgrounds were steeped in resilience and perseverance. Her father, a Hungarian medical inventor credited with designing the ventilator, and her mother, a psychotherapist from Vienna, had fled Europe during the tumultuous 1930s era of rising fascism. Recounting her mother’s experiences of being ostracized and marginalized by former friends overnight, Weisz shared poignant insights into the hardships her family endured.
Growing up, Weisz was influenced by her parents’ emphasis on education and their multilingualism, particularly in German. While acknowledging the profound impact of her parents’ past on her own life, she has expressed weariness regarding the persistent media fascination with their immigrant origins. In a candid interview with The Guardian in 2017, she expressed a sentiment of being “English, but with refugee parents,” questioning the ongoing interest in her family history.
#2 She was a bit of a tomboy as a child
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Rachel Weisz, known for her impeccable appearance in glossy magazine spreads, has a surprising backstory that reveals her childhood tomboyishness. Despite her current polished image, Weisz was once a far cry from the glamorous woman we see today, preferring to climb trees and shun dresses while ignoring her hair care routine altogether. According to her “Disobedience” co-star Rachel McAdams, Weisz’s youthful tendencies still linger, as she maintains an affinity for keeping things messy and unpredictable.
Confirming this sentiment, Weisz herself acknowledges her enduring tomboy spirit, emphasizing her preference for jeans and sneakers over formal attire. In a 2008 interview with Today, she candidly admitted that her tomboyish nature remains ingrained within her, suggesting that the desire for adventure and spontaneity never truly fades.
#3 The actress won a modeling competition at 14, fell in love with theater
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As a teenager, Rachel Weisz stood out with her distinctive features, which helped her win a modeling competition at just 14 years old. Despite embellishing her height to secure her entry into the modeling world, she ultimately declined her first film opportunity due to her father’s disapproval.
However, Weisz’s trajectory took a significant turn when she discovered her passion for acting after witnessing a production of “King Lear” at London’s National Theatre. Despite initially feeling reserved and lacking in talent, she began participating in school plays, gradually finding inspiration and confidence in her late teens.
Her early roles, including parts in “Alice in Wonderland” and “Antigone,” were met with self-criticism rather than acclaim. Nonetheless, Weisz quietly nurtured her determination to pursue acting, even when external validation was scarce.
#4 She was a rebellious teen
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During her teenage years, Rachel Weisz, known for her intellect, experienced a shift in focus, particularly around the time of her parents’ divorce when she was 15. At this juncture, she found herself drawn more towards socializing and partying in Camden with friends rather than dedicating herself to academics. Reflecting on this period, Weisz admitted to The New York Times that she had become rebellious and was not fully engaged in her studies.
Her rebellious streak led to her being asked to leave two private schools, a fact she humorously embellished by claiming she was expelled. However, it was at her third school, St. Paul’s, where Weisz encountered two influential teachers, Miss Gough and Miss Evans, who reignited her academic drive. Describing Miss Evans as “magical” and “very feminist,” Weisz credited their guidance for helping her refocus on her studies. By her final year of school, she had managed to achieve commendable grades, earning her a coveted spot at Cambridge University.
#5 Weisz started a theater company at Cambridge University
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While studying English at Cambridge University, Rachel Weisz’s passion for acting remained undiminished. Despite facing rejections in auditions, she refused to be discouraged. Instead, she took matters into her own hands and founded her own theater company, Talking Tongues. Reflecting on this period, Weisz fondly reminisced about the camaraderie and creativity that flourished within the company, describing it as “great times.”
Under Weisz’s leadership, Talking Tongues showcased productions at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival three times, marking a pinnacle of creative fulfillment for the budding actor. Her dedication and talent were recognized when one of the shows earned her the prestigious Guardian Award. Shortly after completing her studies at Cambridge, Weisz’s perseverance paid off as she secured a role in “Design For Living” in London’s West End, signaling the beginning of her professional ascent in the acting world.
#6 The Mummy was her big break
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Following her appearances in films like “Swept from the Sea,” “I Want You,” and “Chain Reaction,” Rachel Weisz catapulted into Hollywood stardom with her breakthrough role in “The Mummy.” By this point, she had already established herself as one of the most promising actresses of her generation.
“The Mummy” not only elevated Weisz’s status in the industry but also provided her with newfound financial independence. Proudly discussing the opportunities it afforded her, she revealed to the BBC how it enabled her to finance her own projects, such as the low-budget independent film “Beautiful Creatures.” Despite her rising fame, Weisz remained steadfast in her commitment to her craft, eschewing the label of a superstar in favor of focusing on her development as an actress.
Her performance in “The Mummy” garnered critical acclaim and served as a catalyst for her career. Subsequently, she landed roles in notable films like “About a Boy,” alongside Hugh Grant, and “The Constant Gardener,” further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.
#7 She moved to the US and had a child with Darren Aronofsky
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Rachel Weisz embarked on a high-profile relationship with acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky, which spanned from 2001 to 2010. Their romance blossomed after meeting backstage at a London theater, leading Weisz to relocate to New York City in 2002 to be with Aronofsky. Expressing their happiness, Weisz disclosed to New York Magazine their contentment with their relationship.
Their collaboration on the film “The Fountain” further solidified their bond, culminating in an engagement and the birth of their son, Henry, in 2006 when Weisz was 35. Motherhood prompted a shift in Weisz’s approach to her career, as she opted for roles that allowed her to balance work with parenting responsibilities. Reflecting on this adjustment, she revealed to Marie Claire her desire to ease back into work gradually, choosing roles that accommodated her new role as a mother.
However, navigating the transition from full-time actress to mother-and-actress posed its challenges, as Weisz candidly shared with Reuters. Despite the difficulties, she persevered, adapting to the demands of motherhood while continuing her career in the entertainment industry.
After nine years together, Weisz and Aronofsky ended their relationship in 2010, following a period of engagement that lasted at least five years, as reported by the Daily Mail.
#8 The actress soon became known for more complex roles
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In 2005, Rachel Weisz experienced a career-defining moment with her portrayal of Tessa in “The Constant Gardener.” The film, along with her stellar performance, garnered widespread acclaim, culminating in her winning the prestigious Best Supporting Actress Oscar the following year.
Her collaboration with esteemed actor Ralph Fiennes in the film not only showcased her talent but also opened doors to more nuanced and challenging roles. Reflecting on her career trajectory post-Oscar win, Weisz acknowledged the impact it had on the offers she received, noting a significant increase in opportunities to work with esteemed directors on more complex projects. In a statement to Reuters a few years after her Oscar triumph, she attributed her newfound career prospects to the recognition garnered by the prestigious award.
In the wake of “The Constant Gardener,” Weisz’s filmography expanded to include a series of captivating roles in films such as “The Fountain,” “My Blueberry Nights,” “The Lovely Bones,” and “The Deep Blue Sea,” among others. These projects underscored her versatility and solidified her reputation as a formidable talent in the industry.
#9 Rachel Weisz tried directing and writing in 2010
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After years of acting, Rachel Weisz ventured into scriptwriting and directing in 2010 with her debut short film “The Thief,” featuring Joel Edgerton and Rosemarie DeWitt. This endeavor provided valuable insights into the filmmaking process and helped her understand her own passions within the industry.
Reflecting on her experience, Weisz shared with Stylist that while she enjoyed the writing and directing aspects, she found post-production tedious and unfulfilling. The meticulous attention to detail and control required in directing proved challenging for her, as she realized she may not possess the necessary assertiveness for the role. Despite her love for the experience, she recognized that directing might not be her forte, admitting to Mandatory in later years that she had no plans to pursue directing again.
Acknowledging her strengths and preferences, Weisz affirmed her identity as an actor-producer, emphasizing her enjoyment of collaborating with actors while leaving the directorial duties to others.
#10 The thespian married actor Daniel Craig in 2011
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Following her split from Darren Aronofsky, Rachel Weisz found love with actor Daniel Craig. The couple’s romance blossomed quickly, with a discreet wedding ceremony just six months after their first date, attended by only four guests. Interestingly, Weisz and Craig had crossed paths years earlier in 1994 while working on “Les Grandes Horizontales” at the National Theater Studio, though their initial meeting went unnoticed due to their relative anonymity at the time.
Despite knowing each other for over a decade, their relationship didn’t turn romantic until they reunited on the set of “Dream House” in 2010. Following their hush-hush nuptials, the couple remained fiercely private about their personal lives. When questioned about their decision to maintain privacy, Weisz simply affirmed that they had both agreed on it. Similarly, Craig, when pressed for details about their marriage, emphasized the importance of keeping it private to protect their relationship from unwanted attention.
Their commitment to privacy underscores their desire to safeguard their personal lives from public scrutiny, prioritizing the intimacy and sanctity of their relationship above all else.
#11 She made her Broadway debut in 2013
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In 2013, Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig reunited on stage for the Broadway revival of Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal,” marking a significant moment in both their professional and personal lives. Having initially met during a play in 1994, the couple’s return to the stage together garnered immense attention and proved to be a massive success. The production’s popularity soared, with The Guardian reporting a staggering $17.5 million gross during its 14-week run, making it the standout non-musical hit of 2013 in New York.
Despite their joint involvement in the play, Weisz and Craig maintained a deliberate separation between their personal and professional lives. Craig emphasized this boundary, stating to Vulture that they preferred to remain “separate entities professionally” and avoided being labeled as a “professional couple.”
For Weisz, her Broadway debut provided a fascinating insight into American theater culture. She observed the audience’s enthusiastic response to famous personalities on stage, even in the midst of a scene, reflecting on this phenomenon during an interview with Graham Norton.
Their collaboration in “Betrayal” not only showcased their talent but also highlighted their commitment to maintaining a balance between their public personas and private relationship.
#12 Rachel Weisz loved turning 40
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Rachel Weisz’s perspective on aging defies societal norms, as she embraces each passing year with enthusiasm and grace. Rather than dreading milestone birthdays, she welcomes them with open arms, expressing excitement about turning 40 and looking forward to reaching 50. According to her close friend Rose Garnett, Weisz is poised to become a “****ing fabulous older woman,” embodying confidence and self-assurance.
While Weisz maintains a natural approach to aging by forgoing Botox, she prioritizes self-care through visits to a facialist who specializes in holistic treatments like cranio-sacral therapy. Additionally, she stays active with regular Pilates sessions and other moderate exercises, preferring a balanced approach to fitness to avoid becoming overly muscular.
Weisz’s positive outlook on aging is not new; she has long embraced the passage of time, finding greater enjoyment and fulfillment as she grows older. Reflecting on her earlier years, she admitted that her 20s were challenging, but with age, life has become more enjoyable and meaningful. Embracing her increasing wisdom and experience, she finds confidence and fulfillment in her journey through the decades.
#13 She soon turned her focus to independent female-led films
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Weisz’s breakthrough in Hollywood came with roles in blockbuster films like “The Mummy,” which provided her with financial freedom to pursue more independent projects. Her Oscar-winning performance in “The Constant Gardener” marked a turning point in her career, leading to offers for more complex roles.
In addition to her acting career, Weisz has ventured into writing and directing, although she discovered that directing may not be her natural calling.
As she has matured, Weisz has embraced aging and remains passionate about promoting female-driven stories in the film industry through her production company.
#14 Weisz had her first child with Daniel Craig at the age of 48
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In a surprising announcement in 2018, Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig shared their joy with fans, revealing that they were expecting a baby. “Daniel and I are so happy,” she joyfully expressed to The New York Times. At the age of 48, Weisz embraced impending motherhood with excitement.
Their daughter, whose name remains undisclosed to the public, arrived later that year. Despite having experience as a mother of a previous child born in 2006, Weisz found this pregnancy to be a bit different. “I’m more tired than I was last time, this car has more miles on it,” she humorously remarked to Harper’s Bazaar. Nonetheless, she found immense joy in the experience, considering it a true blessing. Surprisingly, she discovered herself to be more patient and flexible this time around, reflecting on the changes motherhood brings.
While Weisz took some time off after her first child, she dove straight back into work after the birth of her second child, landing a role in Marvel’s “Black Widow.” Admitting that the prospect was daunting, she acknowledged the physical challenges postpartum. “I didn’t have my core, shall we say,” she candidly confessed. “I was really weak and quite flabby. It was a good incentive to do some Pilates and dance cardio.”