Rachel Weisz's Early Romance with Death in Paradise Star Ben Miller Uncovered
British actress and film producer Rachel Weisz, renowned for her Oscar-winning performances and blockbuster roles, has a romantic history that includes a forgotten relationship with Death in Paradise star Ben Miller. As Weisz takes the lead in Netflix's provocative new series Vladimir, her personal journey from Cambridge University to Hollywood stardom reveals intriguing connections.
Netflix's Vladimir and Weisz's Leading Role
Vladimir premieres on Netflix on March 5, 2026, as an eight-episode limited series adapted from Julia May Jonas' novel. The show follows a university lecturer, portrayed by Weisz, who becomes dangerously obsessed with a younger male colleague played by Leo Woodall. Weisz's character, known simply as M, showcases her dramatic range in this spicy psychological drama.
The 55-year-old English actress, married to James Bond star Daniel Craig since 2011, has accumulated numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. Her films have collectively earned over $3.5 billion (£2.6 billion) globally, cementing her status as one of Britain's most successful acting exports.
Cambridge Connections and Early Romance
Weisz studied English at Cambridge University, where she was part of a remarkable cohort that included future stars like Sacha Baron Cohen, Alexander Armstrong, Emily Maitlis, Sue Perkins, Mel Giedroyc, Richard Osman, and Ben Miller. It was during this period that she had a brief romantic involvement with Miller, who would later gain fame as Detective Richard Poole in BBC's Death in Paradise.
Miller recalled their relationship in an interview with the Daily Mail, stating: "I joined the Footlights drama club and met a lot of creative, witty people, including Rachel Weisz, who was my girlfriend for a time. Footlights gave me enormous confidence, and being around people who were so funny and clever was wonderful."
Family Background and Early Career
Born in Westminster, London, Weisz comes from an accomplished family. Her father George was a Hungarian Jewish mechanical engineer who gained recognition for pioneering a specific type of ventilator. Her mother Edith, originally from Vienna, Austria, transitioned from teaching to psychotherapy. Scholar and social activist James Parkes assisted her mother's family in escaping Austria for England before World War II.
Weisz has a younger sister, Minnie, who works as a visual artist. Their parents, who cherished the arts, actively supported both daughters in pursuing creative ambitions. Recognized as an "English rose," Weisz began modeling at age 14 before shifting her focus to acting during her university years.
Professional Breakthrough and Major Relationships
Weisz's acting career launched in the early 1990s with notable performances in Design for Living and The Mummy films. In February 2026, she confirmed her return as beloved character Evelyn O'Connell in a fourth Mummy installment scheduled for release in May 2028.
Regarding her personal life, Weisz entered a significant relationship with American filmmaker Darren Aronofsky in 2001 after meeting backstage at London's Almeida Theatre during her run in The Shape of Things. The couple moved to New York City in 2002, became engaged in 2005, and welcomed a son the following year. They announced their separation in November 2010 but remained close friends committed to co-parenting.
Marriage to Daniel Craig and Family Life
In December 2010, Weisz began dating James Bond actor Daniel Craig, a long-standing friend with whom she had previously collaborated on Dream House. The couple married in an intimate New York ceremony in June 2011 with only four guests in attendance. Craig later told GQ magazine: "We got away with it. We did it privately. And I've got a lot of people to thank for that. But that was the point. We did it for private reasons."
The couple welcomed a daughter in September 2018. Weisz revealed to the Evening Standard that marriage had never been part of her life plan before meeting Craig: "I never thought that I would get married. It was not an ambition of mine. It was the opposite. I couldn't relate to romantic comedies – marriage seems to be the whole point of them. Then it just happened, happily, at a more mature moment."
As Vladimir debuts on Netflix, Rachel Weisz's multifaceted career and personal history continue to fascinate audiences worldwide, blending her early Cambridge connections with her current status as one of Britain's most celebrated actresses.
