Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Sam Taylor-Johnson’s relationship and family have captivated many, stemming from an unlikely romance that began in 2008 on a movie set and blossomed into a strong partnership, overcoming significant age differences and complex personal journeys. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of careers in film and art, four daughters, and a steadfast commitment to putting their blended family first.
The Unusual Start of an Enduring Partnership
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, best known for his roles in films like ‘Nowhere Boy’ and ‘Nosferatu,’ first met Sam Taylor-Johnson when he was 18 and she was 42, during the filming of ‘Nowhere Boy’ in 2008. The movie, which was Sam’s directorial debut, saw Aaron portraying a young John Lennon—a role that proved pivotal for both of them. Their connection was immediate, and despite a 23-year age difference, the pair became engaged just a year later and married in 2012. Together, they welcomed two daughters—Wylda Rae in 2010 and Romy Hero in 2012—solidifying their growing family.
Addressing questions about their age gap, Aaron has stated,
“I don’t really analyze our relationship,”
—Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Actor. He emphasized his confidence in their bond, saying,
“I just know that it works. I just feel secure and loved and safe. We have this very deep connection. We’re just in sync.”
—Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Actor. Their marriage is frequently described as unconventional, yet it is grounded in mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.
Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Career as a Director
Sam’s professional journey soared with her 2008 directorial debut, ‘Nowhere Boy,’ which featured Aaron as the lead. The film, inspired by John Lennon’s early life and based on a biography written by his half-sister Julia Baird, performed well at the box office and firmly established Sam as a director to watch. In reflecting on her casting decision, Sam explained,
“It wasn’t about, ‘Oh this guy looks like Lennon,’”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director. She added,
“Because I think, as you said, by the time you finish watching the film it doesn’t matter that Aaron’s not identical to him. He’s sort of embodied the spirit of him, which I think was much more important to try and get across.”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director.
After the success of ‘Nowhere Boy,’ Sam went on to direct a string of notable films, including ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’ ‘Back to Black,’ and ‘A Million Little Pieces.’ Her skills have earned her both critical and commercial recognition, positioning her as a leading voice in contemporary cinema.
An Accomplished Artist Beyond Directing
In addition to her filmmaking, Sam is a talented photographer and sculptor. Her art has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions such as ‘Fragile Beauty’ at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Over the years, she has photographed celebrities like Daniel Craig, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Keira Knightley for publications including Interview Magazine. After experiencing creative challenges during the adaptation of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’ Sam reflected on her artistic identity, stating,
“This was her book and she had a very particular vision of how she wanted to see this film. And I had a diametrically opposed vision,”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director, referencing E.L. James.
“Where we got to is where we got to. The success of it was great, but the experience of it was tough.”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director.
After this challenging period, Sam shared the effects on her confidence:
“It took me about four years to regain my confidence and composure. I’m going back to being an artist where I can make all my own decisions, answer to myself and present the world with something that I’ve created.”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director. Her return to art has allowed her continued self-expression on her own terms.
Previous Marriage and Family Roots
Before her relationship with Aaron, Sam was married to British art dealer and gallerist Jay Jopling in 1997. At the time, they were both central figures in the London art scene. Their marriage ended amicably in 2008 after 11 years. When announcing their separation, the couple’s representative stated,
“Jay Jopling and Sam Taylor-Wood are saddened to announce that, after 11 years of marriage, they have agreed amicably to separate,”
—Representative for Jay Jopling and Sam Taylor-Johnson. The representative added,
“For the sake of their two daughters, who are their number one priority, they have asked that their privacy be respected.”
—Representative for Jay Jopling and Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Sam and Jay share two daughters: Angelica, born in 1997, and Jessie, born in 2006. Following her divorce, Sam and Aaron expanded the family with two more daughters, Wylda Rae and Romy Hero, strengthening the family unit that now forms the couple’s main focus.
A Family Life Centered on Parenthood
Sam is deeply devoted to being a mother to all four daughters—Angelica, Jessie, Wylda Rae, and Romy Hero. Aaron has openly spoken about how his priorities shifted after their family formed, expressing,
“My whole thing, my priority, is my family, my kids, and my wife,”
—Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Actor. He elaborated on this sentiment, stating,
“That’s my future. I don’t really care about what role is next. I don’t live to act, to go from job to job … I live for my wife and my kids and I wake up to them and that’s what I enjoy.”
—Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Actor. The significance that both Aaron and Sam place on parenting echoes throughout their professional and personal lives, influencing the choices they make and the work they pursue.
Overcoming Cancer with Resilience
Sam’s life has not been without hardship. Shortly after giving birth to Angelica, she was diagnosed with colon cancer requiring major surgery that removed a portion of her colon. About three years later, she was diagnosed again, this time with breast cancer, which led to a mastectomy. Sam transformed her health struggles into creative output, notably with her photographic work titled ‘Self Portrait in a Single Breasted Suit with Hare.’ Recalling her recovery and life changes, Sam commented,
“I stopped drinking, I stopped partying,”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director. Her journey through illness strengthened her resolve and altered her perspective, fueling her creativity and commitment to her family.
The Dynamic at Home: Wisdom and Balance
Despite demanding careers, Aaron and Sam put their family above all else. Sam has often described Aaron as having an “old soul,” attributing the family’s stability to his grounded nature. She said,
“My friends call him Benjamin Button because he has—on the outside—such youth, and on the inside, he is so wise and settled,”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director. She went on to highlight his nurturing qualities:
“He likes being at home and cooking for the family. He likes walking the dogs. He loves his chickens—he collects the eggs and makes breakfast for everyone.”
—Sam Taylor-Johnson, Director. This everyday routine, centered around home life in London, underlines the couple’s dedication to cultivating a secure and nurturing environment for their children.
The Legacy of an Unexpected Love Story
The story of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Sam Taylor-Johnson’s relationship and family demonstrates that unconventional beginnings can lead to lasting bonds, creative collaboration, and a fulfilled family life. Despite public scrutiny and personal obstacles, their focus remains on their daughters and each other. As both continue to achieve in their respective fields—Aaron on screen, Sam behind the camera and in the art world—their partnership and commitment offer a powerful example of resilience, love, and devotion in the face of challenge and change.
