‘James Bond’ actor Daniel Craig highlights that the price of fame can be ‘terrible.’
Craig, at 56, reflects on the darker aspects that accompany celebrity status, offering insights on its profound impact on people in the public eye.
“Celebrity kills you. Really, it’s a terrible, terrible thing that can happen, and I think you’ve got to really fight against all of the things that it throws in your face, because it’s so easy to be tempted,” Craig revealed in a candid discussion with The New York Times.
His reflections come in the wake of singer Chappell Roan’s own battles with “stalking and harassment,” which she bravely shared during her ascent to fame.
“Celebrity kills you. Really, it’s a terrible, terrible thing that can happen, and I think you’ve got to really fight against all of the things that it throws in your face, because it’s so easy to be tempted.”
Just last month, Roan confronted a “disrespectful” photographer at a Los Angeles movie premiere, a nod to her ongoing struggles with public scrutiny.
During the tumultuous 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Roan had a heated moment when a photographer audibly told her to “shut the f— up.”
Roan’s provocative red carpet appearances highlight her challenging journey, frequently marked by accusations involving fans’ stalking and “predatory” behavior featured prominently in her posts.
Craig has recognized Roan’s bold stance, expressing admiration for her courage in airing her grievances.
“I really admire the guts to say those things,” he acknowledged.
As he prepares for his role in the film “Queer,” Craig articulated the pressure to transform into a marketable “brand” instead of merely being acknowledged as an accomplished actor.
“Am I a brand? You have to do social media, and I can’t do that. I even regret emails I send,” he confessed.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Craig noted that had he been offered the part in “Queer” a decade prior, he would have prioritized his iconic Bond role.
“I wouldn’t have done it,” he explained. “I was so wrapped up in Bond and what that was, I would have been terrified of doing something like this. Especially early on with Bond, I was like, ‘This is enough. Stay in my lane.’”
In sharing insights into his latest character, Craig expressed a keen interest in portraying vulnerability in traditionally strong personalities.
“I know lots of tough men in this world who are vulnerable,” he stated. “And I like to portray that in movies. That truth is interesting to me.”
In a moment of humor, the actor rolled his eyes when queried if there could ever be a gay James Bond.
Craig smiled and simply replied, “I mean, really.”
The director of “Queer,” Luca Guadagnino, playfully urged a more adult discourse, stating, “Guys, let’s be adults in the room for a second.”
“Thank you,” Craig concurred with a slight smirk.
Craig wrapped up his era as James Bond with “No Time To Die” in 2021, and now leaps into his role in “Queer,” exploring the life of a drug-addicted gay man who finds love in Mexico during the 1950s.
In pondering the complexities of fame, Craig’s candid revelations remind us of a harsh truth: Behind the glitz and glamour lies a human experience often riddled with loneliness, insecurity, and the quest for genuine connection. Fame carries a heavy weight, and not everyone is equipped to bear it gracefully. Each moment they share, every story they tell, contributes to the larger narrative of life under the spotlight, where every smile can mask deeper struggles, and every spotlight can cast long shadows.
