James Bond actor Daniel Craig has a rather unusual philosophy about wealth and inheritance. The actor, who earned millions playing the iconic British secret agent, has said he does not want his daughters to inherit a large fortune, describing the very idea of passing down substantial wealth as “distasteful”. Instead, Craig believes people should use their money or give it away during their lifetimes rather than leave enormous sums behind. His views are reflected in some of his charitable activities, including donating two limited-edition motorcycles associated with his Bond films to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). He has also supported United Nations efforts to clear landmines and explosive hazards around the world.
Why Daniel Craig consider inheritance ‘distasteful’
Craig first spoke about his inheritance philosophy in a 2020 interview with Saga Magazine, saying he did not want to leave large sums of money to the next generation. He repeated the position in an August 2021 interview with Candis Magazine, explaining that he preferred to give away his wealth before his death.The actor also referred to Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who gave away a substantial portion of his fortune to charitable causes. Craig estimated that Carnegie’s donations would amount to around $11 billion in today’s money.“Isn’t there an old adage that if you die a rich person, you’ve failed?” Craig said, before adding that he did not want to leave great sums to the next generation.“My philosophy is: get rid of it or give it away before you go,” he added.
Daniel Craig donates two James Bond motorcycles to charity
In October 2024, Craig donated two limited-edition Triumph motorcycles from his personal collection to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity providing lifeboat and lifeguard rescue services across the UK and Ireland.The motorcycles, a Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition and a Tiger 900 Bond Edition, were inspired by the bikes featured in his final James Bond film, No Time to Die. Both were signed by the actor and auctioned through Bonhams.The Scrambler sold for £28,000, while the Tiger fetched £32,000, taking the total raised to £60,000. The entire amount went to the RNLI to support its lifesaving work during its 200th anniversary year.Craig has maintained a long association with the organisation, having grown up near its lifeboat station in Hoylake, England. He has also previously visited lifeboat crews to experience their rescue operations firsthand.
How Daniel Craig helped raise more than $1 million for UN mine-clearance work
Craig’s charitable work has also extended to humanitarian efforts in countries affected by landmines and unexploded weapons. In 2015, then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed him the organisation’s first Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards.In the role, Craig helped draw international attention to the dangers posed by landmines and supported fundraising for the United Nations Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action. According to the UN, he helped raise more than $1 million for mine-action programmes during his tenure.One major fundraising initiative in 2019, organised with the United Nations Foundation and fundraising platform Omaze, generated $1.2 million. The money supported programmes in mine-affected countries, including Cambodia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mali and Nigeria.Craig also championed the UN’s Safe Ground campaign, which promotes converting land cleared of mines into places for community activities, sports and recreation. His eight-year tenure as Global Advocate concluded in April 2023.
Who are Daniel Craig’s daughters?
Craig has two daughters from his marriages. His elder daughter, Ella, was born in November 1992 during his marriage to Scottish actress Fiona Loudon. The couple married in 1992 and divorced in 1994.His younger daughter was born in September 2018 to Craig and his wife, actor Rachel Weisz, whom he married in 2011. The couple have largely kept their daughter’s identity and family life private.Craig is also stepfather to Henry, Weisz’s son from her previous relationship with filmmaker Darren Aronofsky.
