Theo James admits celebrating his milestone 40th birthday was ‘existentially seismic’ because of Hollywood’s obsession with ageing

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Many people believe he’s a much stronger contender than other actors being considered to take over the role of James Bond after Daniel Craig.

When Craig debuted as James Bond in Casino Royale, he was 38 years old. Daniel Craig, at 40, possesses the classic good looks expected of a Bond actor and seems perfectly suited for the role.

The actor, originally from Oxford, says he became anxious as he neared his fortieth birthday last year, knowing the entertainment industry often values younger performers.

He admitted he didn’t expect turning 40 to be so impactful, saying it caused a surprisingly profound personal shift. He told Sunday Times Style that he initially thought he wouldn’t be bothered by it, but he was wrong.

Our world is becoming increasingly focused on visuals. Everything, including people, seems to be presented in a polished or filtered way, and it’s something that definitely makes you think.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always believed people connect with authenticity. We’re drawn to seeing a life lived on someone’s face – those lines, both the natural aging process and the expressions etched by experience, really tell a story. It’s not just about how someone looks, but the personality and history those features reveal – it’s incredibly compelling!

James quickly became well-known thanks to roles in popular TV shows like The Time Traveller’s Wife and The White Lotus. He then solidified his reputation as one of Britain’s top actors with the lead role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series, The Gentleman.

Despite all he’s achieved, James – who turns 41 on December 16th – emphasizes that he doesn’t take anything for granted. He wants to teach this same attitude to his two young children, whom he shares with his wife, actress Ruth Kearney.

He admitted it sounds cliché, but emphasized that it’s important to remember it’s okay to fail, even though you don’t always feel that way when it happens. He’s experienced this himself many times.

I really want my children to understand that winning isn’t everything. It’s important to learn from both successes and failures, as they both help you grow as a person.

It’s also possible that a lot of success can make you lose touch with what’s real, though maybe I’m just saying that to justify my own experiences.

James, discussing his character Cameron on The White Lotus, explained that many believe success automatically creates opportunities. However, he pointed out that even after achieving wealth, people are still constantly working hard to get ahead.

Even landing the role in The White Lotus wasn’t easy – I really had to prove I was right for it. It’s a constant negotiation between what I’m aiming for as an actor and what people in the industry expect from me.

James felt Cameron’s outward confidence actually masked a deep insecurity, and that’s what made the character so compelling to him.

I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities within people. It’s our imperfections that truly make us interesting, and I think that applies to everyone.

The actor is being considered for the next James Bond, but his age could be a disadvantage. If Amazon, the new owner of the franchise, decides to go with a younger actor, he might not get the part.

According to a source close to the show, while Daniel’s departure was dramatic, it created some issues because his character’s death is still recent and impactful for viewers.

They can’t ignore what happened, so they’re re-examining his past, looking at him as a young man living in a different time.

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2025-11-10 11:06