I knew something was up when Focus Features sent us some promotional stuff for Anna Karenina and they listed Aaron Johnson’s name as “Aaron Taylor-Johnson”. Focus Features had the name change in a hurry, because at the same time the Anna Karenina trailer was getting a big PR push, Aaron and his baby-mama announced that they had gotten married. It happened last Thursday. And both changed their named – he is now Aaron Taylor-Johnson (I wonder if he’s officially changing his SAG name too?) and she became Sam Taylor-Johnson. They are the Taylor-Johnsons. I don’t know… I think that’s kind of wonderful and feminist. I like when the rare dude changes HIS name too.
But I guess I should say something about the age difference and all of that. Aaron and Sam got together when she was 40 years old and he was 18 years old. By the time he was 19, she was pregnant and they were engaged. She had two baby girls in a row – first Wylda Rae (she turns 2 next month) and then Romy, who is just 5 months old. Aaron is now 22. Sam is 44. And now they are legally wed.
Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson have taken their romance to the next level.
The couple, who have been together since meeting on the set of Taylor-Wood’s directorial debut Nowhere Boy and got engaged in October 2009, were married on Thursday in Somerset, England, they confirm to the Associated Press.
Taylor-Wood wore a dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, while Johnson wore a suit by Tom Ford. Both husband and wife will now use the surname Taylor-Johnson.
Johnson, 22, who starred in Kick-Ass and will next appear in Anna Karenina, and Taylor-Wood, 45, are parents to two daughters together – Romy, 5 months, and Wylda, 2 next month.
Of their age difference, Johnson has said, “I’m an old soul and she’s a young soul. We don’t see an age gap, we just see each other.”
This is the second marriage for the director, who also has two daughters with ex-husband Jay Jopling.
Yeah. I mean, I’m happy for them. I’m glad they’re still together, because usually when an 18 year old and a 40 year old get together, it doesn’t last – regardless of which gender is 40. Sam’s oldest children are closer in age to Aaron than she is. But… whatever. Hopefully, they’ll be the exception to the rule. And maybe Sam just thinks, “Hey, even if this only lasts for five years, it will be an amazing five years.”
What bugs me is that she seems to be putting an enormous amount of psychological pressure on this kid. Last year, she said in an interview, “Aaron, almost before anything started between us, said he wanted kids. He was very clear about wanting a family. We hardly go out now – it’s just us. Aaron has brought a set of values I didn’t even know I was looking for – family values. He is more grounded. He has been getting work offers which he has turned down because he wants to be here for the crucial first months of Wylda’s life.” THAT is pressure. Yes, it’s cool that he’s taking responsibility and maybe he was the one to talk Sam into having those babies… but he was 18 years old, for God’s sake!!! What you do and say when you’re 18 years old should not define who are for the rest of your life. But good luck. Mazel tov!
Photos courtesy of WENN.
he is so beautiful!!! good god, that face. but congrats to them! i mean, men can date women half their age, so more power to this lady for doing the same, it really shouldn’t matter. good luck to them!
“i mean, men can date women half their age, so more power to this lady for doing the same, it really shouldn’t matter.”
Instead of congratulating the woman on abhorrent behavior simply because men do it, maybe we should admonish both genders when they take advantage of someone so much younger who possess significantly less life experience.
why? she did not force him he went willingly. He is of legal age, it is his choice to take on the responsibility that older adults take. If and when he realizes that maybe it was a mistake to get married so young and have kids, at the end of the day it is his choice. She did not force him, con him or duped him.
Agreed! Whenever I see stories about them I feel awful for his parents!!
If I had an 18 year old kid and some woman over twice his age got involved. With him, I’d want to throttle her!
i kind of agree, at that age, he may be of legal age but who the hell knows what they want at that age. It’s a time to experiment and discover who you are as an individual.
How does he know what he wants if he’s never had the chance to experiment? He also deserves to know what it feels like to stand on his own two feet emotionally, financially, and grow with his friends. He’s now at a different place than most 22 year olds.
Age Gap relationships are fine but i think it’s different if a 20 year old dates a 40 year old vs a 30 year old dating a 50 old. Cause the twenties are different from the thirties, developmental wise.
But i don’t think it’s abhorrent. Maybe they’re genuinely happy. Maybe they’re really good to each other. My ideals may not apply to others.
When you’re old enough to have conceived the person you are with, somebody’s got issues.
no kidding! she was old enough to have finished her college years when he was born, it’s not right, it seems predatory..and the excuse of “guys do it all the time” doesn’t make it right..And no, he wasn’t forced into it but still, it’s creepy as hell..
Ha, ha! I could’ve been the star of Pre-Teen Mom had a franchise like that existed when I was twelve. Aw, my little stigma.
Also icky to me, however the age difference represents itself, either him or her WAY older. Not that I’m a good example. I’m 35 and felt guilty about having a crush on a 25 yo. Then again, 45 yo guys are also icky to me, they were adults when I was entering puberty and getting my 1st period.
That must mean that my boyfriend (or I) have issues then because there’s an 18 year age gap between us (I’m the younger). But I love him dearly, as he does me, and we’ve been together happily for years. He treats me better than any other boyfriend – the others were all around my age.
He worries about the age gap because he wonders whether someday my head is going to be turned by some gorgeous young man, and he doesn’t want me to stay with him just because I feel I have to. But honestly, it would be hard for anyone to live up to him, and I think he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.
I think it’s lovely that he loves her so damn much. Yeah, he’s pretty as a girl…and yeah, she kinda looks like she should neigh…but, it’s sweet to see the passion and adoration between them. It’s in ever picture I’ve seen of them together. The way he looks at her, the way she looks at him, the way they look at each other. Who cares if it lasts 5 years or 50 (yeah, she’s be tappin on 100’s door). Anyhoo, congrats, Taylor-Johnsons! Now, pop out another baby, cause you’re a pretty pregnant lady, Sam.
Yeah, pretty much what you said. It’s beautiful, and I’m jelly! I wish them a lot of happiness.
I think the best part of all this judgement is the fact that many of the same people who are so scandalized by this relationship and are projecting control issues, etc., support gay marriage.
So, when it’s two legally consenting adult men, it’s not your business, let them do what they want, but when it’s a legally consenting man and woman, it’s soooo icky! HYPOCRITES.
I can only agree, I can’t imagine that a 18 o r 19 year old ‘boy’ (doesn’t matter if he’s an old soul) can make such a decision. I mean he hasn’t gained that much experience before he met her! I’ m glad if it really works out and if he’s happy but it still seems like she takes advantage of him. Just doesn’t seem ideal.
I love the name Wylda. Far prettier than Maxwell.
he is beautiful.
Especially in profile, he does have the look of a lutenist who just tumbled out of a Renaissance painting. Does anyone else think that he’ll entirely realise his potential if starts wearing a doublet or a ruff and sing about all things melancholy under a weeping willow?
He’s a living painting isn’t he? He’s truly beautiful.
He’s beautiful – Del Sarto would have been all over him.
He has a beautiful face you are right. A little bit of background on her though. Two time cancer survivor. (had a breast removed I think) Also she is filthy rich. I personally would not choose to date/marry someone half my age, but you don’t choose who you fall in love with. I do think he is an old soul in a young man’s body so maybe they will last.
ii don’t get it. he’s young and beautiful. idk their relationship but if they’re both happy then oh well lol the age difference is going to play a big part in the future regardless of what they’re saying right now.
He’s gorgeous, It’s a bit weird with the age difference but honestly who cares? As long as they’re happy that’s all that matters, they seem like a good couple.
P.S I can’t WAIT to see Anna Karenina X_X
I feel the same way. Love is love!
Oh my god yes he is divine. I think good on them too. She has lived quite a life and must be a fascinating lady. I think good on them. They are not hurting anyone and look so happy. Wish them all the best
i won’t judge – they seem happy.
also, i love that he’s changing his last name too. my husband and i took on a hyphenated last name when we married 9 months ago :). some friends and family were curious and a little confused by it, but we enjoy it.
She is a pedophile and he has very serious and strong mommy issues.
Gross. (Btw I think the same whent it is the other way around = older men with very young women.)
Seriously. This is all kinds of wrong.
She is one selfish woman, and as the more mature one of the two, should have known better.
(And I have the same opinion when the male is the elder of two people in a “couple” who are separated by such divergent life length and experience.)
Flame on, people.
You may not like their relationship bit it’s not fair to call her a paedophile.
No kidding. An 18-year old is not a child. Besides, is there evidence that she exclusively chases 18-year olds? I doubt it.
And isn’t a ‘pedophile’ someone who likes prepubescent children? There is another term for those who prey on young teens exclusively, I’m too lazy to google it.
He was 18–his adult choice, his to regret later.
pedophilia. hardly.
She’s not a pedophile. Not even close.
Throwing words like ‘pedophile’ ignorantly is just stupid. At 18 I’m sure he been through period. He obviously had the body of a man, so there is nothing disgusting about her attraction to him.
Agree, Sam…pedophile? Really? Do you even know what an actual pedophile is? Cut the hyperbole.
He was eighteen when they got together and they’re still together years later. Odds are it won’t last – people change so much during their twenties and plus the famous lifestyle. But it might, and I can relate with being an old soul.
@Kat, I hope you’re not talking about Aaron being an old soul, because using this term to describe someone like him is disrespecting.
I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘ephebophile’…or jailbait.
WOW. Pedophile? Really?
No, he was 18. I really don’t have any opinion on their relationship, but throwing around the word pedophile when he began the relationship at 19 is so reactionary and distracts from actual, real cases of pedophilia. Get a grip.
The age of consent in the UK is 16, so apart from being a ridiculous comment, you were a couple years off anyway.
@grossed-out, sorry you sound like a bitter fan girl. She’s not a pedophile. He’s legal and age 16 is the legal consent in the UK.
@grossed out – Seriously, if you read the news over the past few days (ie Penn State and Horace Mann), you calling this woman a “pedophile” is totally inappropriate. You should be ashamed. If this guy didn’t want to be with this woman, he wouldn’t be with her.
He’s too pretty for my taste. I mean, he looks more feminine than she does!
he always looks like he just finished crying, to me. and his ‘Mona Lisa’ smile kinda bugs. hmmm, what else…
OH YA! I can’t wait for Anna Karenina, too!! it looks yummy 🙂
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen this couple at the BAFTAS a few years ago. I could have sworn he was gay. His demeanor was very effeminate. I wish this couple a lot of luck; they will probably need it, but then again what couple doesn’t nowadays.
He does seem effeminate, but it may just be that androgyny that some young people have.
The age difference itself doesn´t bug me that much, but that they started dating when he was still a teen and then within a year she got pregnant; it would be different if he was 25 and she 47. I think being a dad and stepdad of 4 children is too much responsibility for a 22 year old guy.
I´ve seen interviews with this kid and I don´t buy this old soul- new soul bullsh*t.
If it was reversed gender we would call the 41 year old guy who knocked up a 19 year old all kinds of names. It is creepy.
I am really curious how long this will last, for the sake of their kids and themselves I hope they live happily until death does them part, but I have my doubts.
I just hope he doesn´t regrets it one day that he missed out on his youth.
+1
Even though I’ve been w/hubby since I was 18 and we knew early on we were going to build a life together, we held off on marriage until 25. People change and what you want at 18 will evolve by 25, 30… Let’s see what happens when the 7 year itch hits, especially since they’ve had little alone time together with her popping out kids right away.
…she’s had enough kids. jayzus.
My 2cents: She’s survived two types of cancer, plus is at the wrong end of natural viable fertility. It’s a miracle she’s able to have kids at all.
Yes, I’ve read the blogging up until I saw what you said…and I agree w/you. Yes, they are consenting adults now. When he was 18, he was a, (to me) BARELY consenting adult.
If they want to be together, ok, fine. But what bugs me is that right away they began a family. It’s one thing to be just responsible for yourself, quite another when you’re bringing in new life to this world.
In the long run, I don’t see this working…for the basic reason Kaiser mentioned…the pressures being heaped upon this young guy. I HOPE I prove to be WRONG…I really do. But I can’t help but say I think Sam Taylor-Wood is selfish and greedy. She’s mapped this guy’s life out for the rest of his life, when he’s barely an adult. I don’t care that he was “in agreement.” This woman is OLD ENOUGH to know that what an 18, 19, even 20 year old may say could be a bit capricious. But she went w/it hurriedly, regardless. Whatever.
I like them together but I can’t think of how they got that way when reading some comments about her being his boss.
Apparently HE chased after HER so I don’t want to think she “abused” her power. And for the record, he was definitely 18 when he started dating her (Nowhere Boy production began in August 2008 which would make him 18 since his birtday is in June).
Second, when you survived cancer and aren’t a spring chicken anymore, I can understand that when a young man chases you and wants your babies, you are at least flattered.
What I don’t condone is her giving up her marriage with Jopling so soon after she had a second child with him and running off with somebody from work (as if she didn’t cheat). Whatever age or gender, not cool and very immature.
They might have been madly in love and you might live from day to day due to some life changing events BUT to bring a child so soon in a relationship with such a young man, I find that a bit odd to say the least.
I don’t think it’s her “artist” brain that makes her and him do the things they do but the money that makes it easy to make irresponsible decisions. They don’t have to worry about a thing and being in the showbusiness, there is always that aspect of not growing up normally and always staying a bit of a child that is coddled and treated like something special.
I don’t think they are both very mature considering she was somewhat shocked that he was going to give up some work to raise the children. It’s obvious they (or she) didn’t think this quite through because for a 40+ year old woman, you expect her to have at least some more clarity about how you and your partner are going to raise a child. There are also a few photographic examples of how they can both be quite childlike at times and not in the endearing way :).
He’s not an old soul and his image shifted when he started seeing Taylor-Wood. Above everything, I see him as an actor and actors are Drama.
Last thing, I find them both very attractive and aesthetically they fit in my eyes.
You make a lot of good points, NM. Yes, may be they are just being rich and eccentric. My view is that that’s their right, their lives, so more power to them if they can handle it.
A lot of mindless platitudes being tossed around… “what you want changes in your twenties…” “you need to figure out who you are…” “he is not old enough for parenting responsibility…” bla bla bla.
News flash, people are different. Maybe this will work, maybe it won’t. But it is hardly inconceivable that with the billions of people in the world, some might be happy in this scenario. The rest of the population can feel ‘normal’ and ‘safe’ in their same age-same age relationships with a perfectly equal power dynamic. Eyeroll.
I think what really underlies the discomfort with this couple is that the woman just does not seem to have the physical attractiveness that we would expect from an older woman with a younger man. If she looked gorgeous and sexy (like some modern day Anna Karenina rather than horsey) then the reaction would probably be more admiration or awe rather than discomfort. Not saying that’s right, but that’s probably what’s going on.
Nope. It is the underlying power dynamic as exhibited by her interview.
For me it’s not that but the power dynamics at work. The older adult/younger adult dynamic already creates an odd power dynamic but add in where and when they hooked up and it becomes distasteful to me.
When they met and hooked up he was not only a barely legal teenager but she was his boss on a film set. And within months after that she was pregnant with their first child. This isn’t some situation where they met through mutual friends and attraction/connection swept them away. I don’t know, the initial boss/employee situation plus the life experience difference just sort of makes this situation feel off for me.
If 40+ year old Michael Bay hooked up and impregnated one of the 18-20 year old actresses from one of his films people would rightly rip him a new one. It’s the power dynamics at play that makes this situation feel off for me, not their physical attractiveness.
I totally agree with you.
I’m not against age difference, no matter what gender..but you shouldn’t be 18 when you start the relationship with someone who’s that much older. I’m sure there will be a time where he needs to make up the time he missed with 18.
Hey more power to them! He sure is pretty I bet ther kids are gorgeous.
He always appears vaguely snobbish in these photos, I don’t know what the deal is. In contrast she always appears relaxed and engaged.
love it that he changed his name too! but i still find them sort of creepy as a couple. what in the world do you talk about with a 22 year old? call me ageist. 🙂
The older I get, the more I see that people these days really don’t change,
internally, that much as they age. Last night at a dinner party I met old friends of my SO, all in their 50’s, who behaved & talked like young adults. People don’t change! Having said that, when you build a life with someone considerably older than you, you are most likely going to have to deal with physical aging issues, which ain’t fun when you’re younger, whether in a parent or partner!
you’re right, i have friends too who have sort of stopped growing mentally and emotionally in college, and they’re in their 30s now. who knows.
i swear i never know who’s famous and why anymore. must be old age.
I have the same reaction to them as I do to Ashton and Demi, George and Stacy, Harvey and Georgina, Michael and Catherine, Woody and Soon-Yi and that is Yuck. What could these two ever have in common, except Aaron is good at getting Sam pregnant. Where is this kid’s (he is a kid) close friends and family to guide him out of this. I predict a few more years and then divorce, when Aaron gets more mature.
It’s so gross how judgmental people are. My husband is 24 years older than we constantly deal with stares and rude comments. Get a life! These people have been together for 4 years and have two kids. Why shouldn’t they be married? You don’t know what kind of relationship they have. Not everyone who dates a much older person has mommy/daddy issues or is a gold digger. And not everyone who dates someone much younger is a pedophile or taking advantage.
It’s not the age gap people are up in arms about, it’s the preditorial nature of the relationship. If this was a high school senior sleeping with one of his teachers, and said teacher got pregnant right away, it would make the 10 o’clock news. I know people that had kids young and most are no longer with the child’s other parent. Then they tried to live the life they should have had in their 20s and the ones suffering are the kids. I can’t imagine being 22 and having 4 kids!
22 years older, when one is in their teens (such as 18) is too much … whether it is the man or the woman who is older then their counterpart. MAYBE if the younger is in their late 20’s or early/mid 30’s a 22 year age difference wouldn’t be so, dare I say, shocking and predatory?
IMHO anything over 15 years of age separation becomes too generational. and is inherently a set up for failure (as if Hollywood/celeb marriages actually last anyway). Say a man is 35 and the woman is 45-50 (or vice versa) should not hold such a stigma. I mean perhaps the older party is settled, content, has children and such and maybe the younger party connects with that better then their own age group? Maybe the younger doesn’t want children of their own but is content to be part of the older party’s world that may have children, perhaps even grown? I don’t know I just don’t have the hang up about older/younger relationships of younger/older relationships between reasonable people. Shrug.
I don’t see how having a relationship with a legal adult could be considered predatory.
There is a 20 year difference between my husband and I. I was 28 and he was 48 when we got married. I married for love. We have two wonderful children and he is a great dad and sweet husband. It is now 12 years later and there are issues or problems as a young woman in my 20’s I did not think about. We definitely are starting to live separate lives. There are lifestyle issues and he has some medical issues. We have struggled to find couples we both can hang with. So if I had to give advice about a 20 year difference, especially to someone in their 20’s is not to do it. There is too much of a generational difference.
I wasn’t the marrying type in my 20s but it’s funny how I loved older men in my 20s – I would date no one who was less than 5 years older and was interested in men up to late 30s in my early 20s.
Now the thought of an older man makes me ill. I think nursemaid and daddy. I do have daddy issues but my dad is OLD, I’m 43 he is 91 so 65 is not quite dad for me.
Still had I been the marrying type in my 20s, I can totally see myself in your situation. Now that I’m older I want someone who has similar memories so being 43 – 38-48ish. It’s narrow I know but I think its worth it at my age.
Hear, hear. She had cancer and obviously wanted kids. He was prepared to live this life, he wanted it. Young people often do have strong feelings. He loves her for who she is. If they get divorced in 7 years (thy have already been together for 4 so prob not) so what? People get divorced alllll the time. Especially celebrities and actors etc. Its the way of things. Why not get married and provide yr kids the security that offers for their youngest years.
Just because many people get divorced it’s not getting better – especially for the kids.
Empress: I agree that people are gross in their blatant judgement. I experienced the same feeling growing up. I was adopted by white parents and my siblings and I are all black. This was in the mid 70’s way before Jolie made it cool. So while my scenario was different than yours, I know all about the goofy open mouthed stares. I say let them stare, it’s more of a reflection of their issues than your relationship. Age is just a number. I know very mature 25 year olds and infantile 50 year olds. And those people that expect the world to fit inside their narrow view can stay inside there without me. I’m much happier outside the box.
he is so HOT as a blond!
Ok, I’m going to be honest for a minute here, get mad. I think that age difference of 20 years is normal IF the man is older one, and could list a number of reasons for that. This, however, gives me the creeps.
Why. It’s OK if the man is older but not the woman? Please, I thought sexism was supposed to be dying out.
I’m not saying, it could well be just that- sexism on my part (where I grew up would certainly confirm that) but I think women in most cases mature earlier and are ready for parenting and marriage sooner then men. Besides, I find it somewhat normal for a woman in relationship to reach for “protection” and that sheltered, protected feeling we usually find in older, more mature men with bigger life experience.
Well, it’s really not sexism as much as reality. Men are all about 15, whatever age they are. Women run circles around them maturity-wise. Just the way it is.
@bluhare: you should’nt have take time to bother answer to such an ignorant and backward comments, some women still live in the 16th century, trying to communication with them is just a waste of time and energy… but kuddos to you to have try to enlight some of them 😉
@Lafairy, people have different opinions, no need to be snippy. 😉
@lafairy that’s a low blow. I don’t understand why you have to insult me just because our opinions differ you passive aggressive internet bully
Well thinking that the fact that some women have really backward thoughts on age gaps… is well my opinion too! I also have the right to think that women who are ok when the men is way older but all judgy in case if it is the woman who is older, are living in middle-age…is not bullying, just my opinion too!
and I state it again: totally backward thoughts, and when it is women who stated such sexist comments I am also very saddened by how are gender loves to shoot itself in the foot!
MY opinions!
@lafairy. exactly. Your feelings which you are entitled to without being jumped on rudely. Get the difference? 🙂
@mewmow: I actually had perfectly weighted my words, my EXACT feelings: I find women who are insanely pushing to perpetrate this “age gap” double standard treatment not so bright and living in the middle-age, since they put are whole gender backwards with being that sexist as women!
You took offense with that statement?How about WE as a whole gender can we take these awfully sexist ones?
This is my opinion: women who are actively involved to perpetrate sexism are not so bright or that educated.
@lafairy, um, exactly where did I say I took offense to what you said as apposed to how you said it? As they say, bless your heart, but please read what I wrote before bitching. So done. 🙂
@mewmow:I had…. but then again, thanks for stopping by.:-)
He is pretty. Beautiful, even. As his looks mature he’ll become handsome. They have kids together and they’re in-love, so why not marry? The age difference is (or isn’t) an issue for them, not me. I admit I probably wouldn’t feel indifferent if my 18 year old started dating a 40 year old, but if he/she is already living on his/her own (I’m assuming he was) then I’d have to figure out a way to deal with it.
I like that they both changed their names and I want to see a good dynamic there. She seems less desperate and clingy than someone like Demi Moore, who is obsessed with staying young. But there *is* an odd vibe to this relationship. He is very young and already a stepfather, father and husband. You’re a different person as you get older and while he seems more mature than most 20 somethings, he was a teenager when he began dating someone old enough to be his mother. That’s a serious power dynamic.
congrats! happy for them
Personally, I would kill for his hair.
40 year old and an 18 year old are gross no matter which gender is which. However, apart from that my serious issue is the children thing. It’s fine to date someone so much younger but she has irrevocably changed his life at a young age. How can he use this time to get to know himself when he is taking care of another human being apart from the fact he is also cutting his career short by turning down offers.
I can’t believe he is the one who is in a rush to have children when it’s her biological clock ticking.
+1 all the way
exactly
Agree. I don’t understand the argument that this shouldn’t be a problem because he was 18, a legal adult, when he hooked up with her. Being 18 qualifies for being an adult legally only. It does not mean all 18 year olds are capable of making life altering decisions as in this case. One should not equate being 18 = being worldly wise, especially when it’s not the case with her as a 40 year old. I mean, at 40, she’s supposed to more responsible just as an older man should be when hooking up with an 18 year old girl.
I guess I’m in the minority here, but I don’t find him atttactive. At all.
Agree totally! So angular and feminine
Perfect description! 🙂
he’s considered hot? never would have guessed
@sup, I know, right? Yuck! 😉
Good God he’s gorgeous! I just saw Chatroom on TV the other day and he just steals the scenes every time. And its obvious the cameras love him.
“but he was 18 years old, for God’s sake!!! What you do and say when you’re 18 years old should not define who are for the rest of your life. ”
I couldn’t disagree more. Sometimes you know who you are, and there is no point in holding off your life based on the way other people lead their lives. I always knew that I would have children, it was the greatest desire of my life. I HAD to wait until I was 33 due to circumstances, but if I had the means I would have wanted to start at 20. He has the means, he has his youth, his health, his relationship, why wait? Not everyone needs to sow their wild oats, even if they are pretty.
This times a million.
Congratulations! Four years together (and children) is already lot more than many people ever manage. Hope they have many more wonderful years together.
Aww, that’s such a nice thing to say, Nan. Very kind words. 🙂
I too wish them all the best, whatever floats their boat, hope they’re both very happy.
Creepy and I would say the same if the roles were reversed, agree with the people saying she’s predatory and he has serious mommy issues. Don’t find either of them attractive either.
I would love to see 8 years into their future. She’ll be post menopausal, and he’ll be boning some pretty young girl and going after what he missed out on.
+1. Hopefully she understands that, which I kinda think she does. Not every relationship is built to last forever.
because… the only quality a woman can have is her oestrogen ratio right?
Considering a woman only throughout her eggs stock and her fertility appeal is quite lame, especially nowadays and even more when it is done by a woman!
Let these “menopausal” women be! let them seduce and embrace their love life! menopause is not big deal it’s just another step of life, why this hard try to make it a source of shame?
Do anybody torture men that much over andropause (men’s “menopause”)??? not so much…
Post-menopausal, which you will go through, isn’t the end of your sexuality. Its just another stage of your life-cycle. I’ve seen a lot of fit post-menopausal women, in better shape than current young women. Honestly, some of them have better bodies than a lot of overweight 20 somethings.
I don’t even know who they are???
He’s an aspiring actor, the lead in Savages and Anna Karenina, films who will come out soon.
I don’t know who she is, though.
In the hierarchy of Art, she’s way up there. She does/is many things. Very interesting human being.
She’s the one that did the “Crying Men” shoot (famous actors crying), it’s beautiful. Even Penn is in it! She also did something with the infamous Lennon and Yoko Ono picture.
Got it:
http://youngbritishartists.wordpress.com/sam-taylor-wood/
Shot by Leibovitz.
I also love another picture of her in the air with a chair :).
He doesn’t quite have the name recognition in the states, but he is a name in UK. He is getting BIG parts without having to move to LA which is a big deal.
His past catalogue is interesting. He was the lead in standard teen fare like ANGUS THONGS AND SNOGGING, and KICK ASS as well as these two films that are about to come out. I think if he hadn’t detoured to start a family with sam, he would be a bigger name. it’s not a question of if, but when. I do not put him in the ‘aspiring’ category at all.
She is a huge star in the Art World, and she’s hugely wealthy. My favourite pieces of hers are the suspended self potraits where she appears to be suspended in mid air without strings and David Beckham sleeping video – sidenote, that man is beautiful, even asleep!
I loved him in Kick-Ass, didn’t get the film though. Moretz was awesome in it too.
I find it amazing that Taylor-Wood has the career she has and made very good money of it. Can’t imagine how tough that road must have been but in interview her “can do” attitude is inspiring.
And no, Aaron is definitely (in the UK) not an aspiring actor, he’s basically A-list through talent alone and his marriage makes him even more of an enigmatic artist.
I should know who these people are?
I’m happy for them, and I think it’s sweet that he changed his last name, but damn they moved REALLY quickly. Marriage and 2 kids at 22? I couldn’t imagine.
My goodness! She has been through colon & breast cancer. What parts of her body remains? She must be utterly fascinating. And her movie & video of him are beautiful.
“What parts of her body remains?”
Her reproductive system. 😀
I don’t think this is a generic case… Some people just have an unusual path and I definitely don’t feel sorry for Aaron who got lucky and met an extraordinary woman so early in his life. As far as her is concerned, I doubt that after two bouts of cancer she is still making 5 year plans… She celebrates today, and she has done and experienced more in her 44 years than dozen of regular people. Bottom line, I can’t judge her by a regular standard.
this makes sense … i dont think i knew or remembered the survivor-component here. thats a very powerful part of the story.
“As far as her is concerned, I doubt that after two bouts of cancer she is still making 5 year plans… She celebrates today”
Really?
What about the children’s futures?
I might be in minority here but I don’t see it as an irresponsible action. I do think that having kids should stop being a pragmatic decision, but rather be viewed as a result of love or I dunno – some divine intervention – sorry for getting all spiritual here 😉 She gave them life, hopefully they’ll inherit not only her money but also her talent and resilience, they have a father and sisters. Who knows, may be they have a step-mother in their future, may be they don’t. I’m a deep believer that kids are miracle, and if they are born, there are ways to bring them up.
P.S. Both of my parents were born during the war, plus Germans were still on the territory of their countries at that time. Still both grandmas made a decision to keep children. I’m very grateful for it 😉
@ another nina – that is so beautiful.
Thank you, LAK 🙂
They look like mother and son. It squicks me out.
Colon and breast cancer treatments and then pregnant at 44. The odds of that are literally through the roof. Not buying it.
My theory is that she froze her eggs pre-chemo and was then desperate to find someone to fertilize them. Just a theory.
“She endured a six-month course of chemotherapy and then fought her way back to health with a combination of acupuncture, a hardcore no-meat, no-dairy diet and sheer willpower. She refused a course of drugs, because they would have made her infertile, and was rewarded with another baby, Jessie, now 17 months old.”
http://jpetrenko.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/self.html
She doesn’t seem the type to pretend to be anybody else in public than she is in private.
Sometimes, miracles do happen.
Stop infantilizing him. Nothing in that statement you quoted infers that he’s under any psychological pressure from her and after hearing him talk about her and their relationship he knows what he wants. I doubt that they’ll have many regrets no matter how long this lasts.
+1000
He’s so hot.. and I can’t believe he already has 2 kids at 22. It’s insane!
Seriously, she met him during filming Nowhere Boy in 2008 BEFORE he was 18. They probably were dating during filming but didnt come out in the press until he turned 18. Everyone would be jumping all over this if it was a male director in his 40s jumping the bones of a 17 year old actress. LOL
I think age of consent is different in England then here in the US. Anyways I think it is creepy that everyone talks like they know this couple when it quite clear none of you do, not even me. So how do we know that he is bullied or taken advantage of or to immature to make decisions for himself? I remember when I was his age I knew exactly what I wanted and how I was going to get it. I know many people that were like me as well. But I do understand for some, it takes a lifetime to think about anything beyond themselves and many end up having regrets. Alot of people out there understands that you get no guarantee that you will see tomorrow and they just live for today. I think many people forget that.
True it’s 16 in England, no problem there. Well said KatJo, most people don’t think or behave like a child in their late teens.
Humans aren’t 1 size fits all. They seem happy. We should refrain from judging them. I don’t get an immature vibe from him. Now if this were Justin Bieber I’d say this has disaster written all over it
lol i think there’s more behind these two.. bizarre.
As long as they’re happy consenting adults, I’m happy for them. But I can’t help it, when I see photos of them I get the creeps. In 6 years, he won’t even be 30 yet and he’ll be married to a 50 year old. You can’t tell me that isn’t going to make for some strong, bizarre marital issues.
the exact same bizarre issues that will bruce willis experience with his wife or that Michael Douglas can have with catherine Zeta Jones and that bizarrely nobody points out…
That’s not necessarily so. Lots of men get raked for their penchant for romancing young women.
-Leonardo Di Caprio
-George Clooney
-Hef, of course
-Woody Allen’s just biding time until poor girl he pursues is legal
-Harvey Firestein
-Rod Stewart
-James Woods
-Wilmer Valderama
-Gerard Butler
-Jerry and Shoshanna was as big of a story as was Cher and the bagel boy
-Mick Jagger
-Jack Nicholson
It goes on. It’s not equal, but people (women) don’t exactly embrace the craddle-robbing efforts of some pretty illustrious hasbeens by default, it’s just that women get branded as jealous haters for their opposition.
I love to point out CZJ and Michael Douglas. She and I are (allegedly) the same age. I just said I would never date a child or an old geezer.
When I think of a pervy old geezer, MD is who I think of. Even if the rumors of CZJ being in her 50s are true, he looks like her dad and he’s totally creepy. He’s been creepy as long as I’ve known about him back when I was a teen and I guess he was 40 and making movies about Romancing a Stone because Greed is Good and there is just such a Fatal Attraction (how old is he anyway?)
The point is she looks like a female MD.
With the difference being neither of the above gentlemen.hooked.up with teenagers.
I see what you’re saying, but none of the people you just mentioned were teenagers when they got together. It’s not the age difference that gives me the creeps about these two so much as how old they both were when they got together. Just doesn’t make me automatically think mentally healthy relationship on either side, but hey, seems to be working for them. I hope they prove me wrong.
@ jo ‘mama” besser:
sure but none of the men you listed took as much crap as any women in a relationship with a way younger man.
Nobody question the marital issues then can go trhoughout or if they younger wives will get it on with a way younger partner will be when they go trhoughout andropause
Nobody question the fact that the women they are with were ” attracted” to them, or nobody question
So yes when the women are the oldest in these relationships they take way much hate, look at the posts involving theses women here.
while most of men in these kind of relationships have accolades
The men you have listed are criticised mainly because they are not liked, so their relationship is just another element to criticize them and not being really critical toward the fact they are dating way younger.
Most men got a free pass for dating a woman who can be their daughter (liam neeson, gary oldman,Bruce willis) or granddaughter (al pacino?)
@lukie:
Well Woody Allen was with her when she was a teen… and underage!Let alone the fact that she was his partner’s daughter and his son’s sister.
Plus in most of european countries 16 is the age of consent (16 in England)15 in France, 14 in netherlands and 13 in spain and northern europe countries.
and in all these countries at 18 you are an adult.
and finally why at 18 you can perfectly enroll yourself in the army and fight and sometimes die for your country but oddly can’t be considered as an adult when it comes to relationships?
You know, life is short and if you find someone – albeit much younger but legal haha – you truly connect with and want to be with, then I say it’s a blessing. She is a young 44 and he is an older 22, spiritually. It can happen. I think it’s great — it really turns the tables on all the men with MUCH younger wives, doesn’t it? Maybe that’s why many people are a little threatened by this.
I know we see the reverse of it all the time. I know if he wasn’t dating her he’d be dating some other older woman…but it still disturbs me…
I would love to rub my face in his hair……he is beautiful. Congrats to the couple. Not all men are the same, some mature mentally and emotionally early. Either way its his life…he likes older women, so what
I see that many of the comments here are on about the fact he was only 18 at the start, and that he was barely legal. I know in the US that most states are 18 but in the uk the legal age is 16, I mean in Scotland you get married at 16 without your parents consent and at 17 in England. I don’t see the big deal, he had a say in it, it’s not as if she tricked him into it.
I have no problem with the age difference,but there is definitely a double standard when it’s an older woman and a younger man. She’s called a “cougar” and he’s a lucky man to have her. If this were an older man and a younger woman people call him a pervert or a dirty old man and the younger woman would be called a gold digger or she has “daddy issues.” Maxwell Caulfield married Juliet Mills when he 21 and she 38 and they are still together. Hopefully it works out for them too.
Okay, part of me wants to bow down to Sam and chant: “Teach me master, teach me!” the other parts want to wish them all the happiness and luck they deserve. 🙂
Aaron is going to have to get used to getting the side eye from people when he walks around with a partner who is old enough to be his mother. But I think you’re right, Kaiser, even if it only lasts five years it could be a great five years. Personally I think it’s unrealistic to think that you’re going to stay with someone for the rest of your life anyway, so why even make the likelyhood of that happening a factor in your decision about whether or you should get with someone?
I agree with you on a lot the problem is they brought children into the mix sooo soon. Without the kids, yeah, great five years, he might learn a lot from a more mature human being but when he get’s bored he won’t be able to just walk away or atleast he shouldn’t since he has kids.
God that is a great looking man! And from the looks of things the past few years, he’s only going to get better looking.
I’m a year younger than her and EWWWWWW!
1. To me he looks like a child.
2. She looks a lot older than I or my friends do.
3. I’m not compelled to date a 65 year old either. UGH!
RANDOM:
How many of you are old enough to remember James Woods? He was some old creepy perv in the 80s who wanted to date girls my age at the time (I turned 20 in 1989). He was old (45?) and most definitely creepy and has said things like once a woman is over 25 she is used up (or something like that – its been a while).
Most of them went insane. One very (at the time) famous instance was a then talented young actress in her mid-late 20s named Sean Young (Blade Runner). She may be the last woman over 25 he dated. She’s still nuts and now in her 50s – she showed up at the Oscars this year and did something weird.
However, I seem to remember the one after Sean who was younger and not famous also went nuts.
Anyway – I was going to say this lady reminded me of Michael Douglas but no, she reminds me of James Woods. Creeeeee-peeeee
Saying women are used up by 25 is a shitty thing to say. Age isn’t a huge deal to me. But one thing I can’t abide is the idea of any woman I’m with having been used by a “player”. I hate those superficial slick talking fks and I can spot them a mile away and I’d really struggle to live with the idea of any woman I was with having ever been duped by one. It’s like I can see these fks for what they are why can’t you?
End rant.
I remember that well. James Woods is a creep, although I do enjoy some of his acting. I think Sean Young was already a bit “off” before him. Did he push her over the edge? Probably. I think he the women he pursued were already fragile and unstable beforehand, easier to take advantage of.
More power to them.
I still believe in 10 yrs time he’ll look back and say “Who am I? What the f–k happened to my youth?” Everybody does.
Not that he won’t love his family but…
I try to like them together and be open, but it just creeps me out! She seems so creepy for getting pregnant so soon, seems she wanted to make him stay. I hope he is happy, I really do.
Why has no one pointed out they have the same slanting down blue eyes?
They TOTALLY look related.
I think it’s very interesting how partners look like each other.
I love Sam Taylor Wood and I can definitely see her appeal to a much younger man.
And I LOVE their mutual name change.
Yeah and I looked at the Miley and Liam thread and people were screaming they were too young to get married and have kids. He and Liam are the same age. So what is the difference.
Why is one man ready and another doing something to throw away is youth.
very interesting.
He is so cute! She looks pretty good for her age, I hope they last for the sake of those girls.
LUCKY BITCH!
More power to them. it may be rare, but I hope it works for them and if not, I hope they have the grace and maturity to end it before it gets ugly and the kids are hurt by it. He may be an old soul, but I would have waited a few years on the baby thing to give him time to think about it. His career is on the upswing. There’s potential for some serious emotional damage here, but then again, aren’t most relationships like that?
If that was my son.. I’d go out and give that woman a beating.. cancer or no cancer… I’m sorry…but that’s just delusional.
I approve.
+1
He’s obviously very attractive, but I find her to have a bit of a horsey face in some of those pictures. I also find it gross that they started dating at 18. 18 is an adult in name only. Kind of makes me feel weird. I wonder how their relationship will turn out. Probably badly when he realizes that he’d barely lived his life when he gave it to some one who’d already lived half of hers. Not saying you can’t have a life once married with children, but I am saying you can’t live the absolutely selfish and experimental / independent life anymore.
Also, who are they? Never seen or heard of them before.
Holy overreaction- they’re consenting adults. Sure they might be making a big mistake but loads of people the same age who get married do as well. Nobody’s committing any crimes and they look happy. Nothing to see here.
Good luck to them, and it’s nice they made the commitment to marriage too.
To me however, that’s way too much of an age difference, especially considering how young he was when they got together. She’s had a vast amount of life experience that he hasn’t yet had the chance to have, and it has to create a big imbalance in their relationship.
As time goes on I find myself rooting for this couple. I hope they prove the naysayers wrong (including myself) the age difference doesn’t bother e but I can’t help but wonder why it’s going to be like in 20 more years. She’s already had cancer twice, I hope he really meant it when he sad till death do us part. But plenty of people with a more “normal” age difference get divorced everyday.
And he still has his youth. Just because he chose a lifestyle with more responsibility doesn’t mean his youth was sucked right out of him. Like I said in another post, having children doesn’t end your life, it just changes it.
oy vey. They look really into each other. Regardless how many wonderful years they will have together (5? 10?) I agree it’s a lot of pressure, but he’s legal, it’s legal. As gross as anyone with a 20y age gap getting together may seem, it’s within (seemingly ridiculous) reason. Haters gonna hate, and all that. Hope the kids grow up well and adjusted. That’s all.
I don’t question the authenticity of their affection and relationship, but the truth is that age does matter in the long run and the things you want and believe in when you’re twenty are not likely to stay the same ten years later. I’m not saying that getting married that young can’t work–of course it can, but I’ve seen more couples getting divorced than staying together. I really do hope they stay together, because like I said, they seem to genuinely care for each other, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t.
Interesting… they seem to have almost identical eyes. As for the age diff, sure why not, as long as she doesn’t have to put him on the payroll to keep him there (unlike so many May/Dec celeb relationships we hear about). I have a tough time believing it will work forever but you never know…
I have a friend that pursued a 36 year old woman, when he was 18. He pursued her. Went out of his way, even though she repeatedly told him no, he relentlessly pursued her.Told us she was the ‘one’ and he knew it as soon as he saw her. They have been married now for 20 years, and still going strong. They’re one of the happiest couples I know. My friend truly adores his wife. You just never know. Some people are just cut from a different cloth and know what they want. Hope it really does work out for them. The majority of Hollywood marriages fail, regardless of age differences. You could say of any couple that marries in Hollywood “what are you thinking” because most them won’t succeed. This couple has just much of chance as any celebrity couple to make it. So good-luck to them and much love.
I had the same thing with a guy 17 years younger than me, totally all over my business, while it didn’t go long term it is fantastic for the memoirs and I regret not a minute of it.
It sounds by all accounts that STW was the the chased, not the chaser. And it sounds like he is really into being a dad… some guys are. I don’t see some weird power play on her side. I’m facinated by these two. Good for them, they look totally happy.
And I don’t know how to put this to everyone, but lots of marriages end and lots of marriages don’t. Just because you married someone, “age appropriate”, “same race”, “similar upbringing” doesn’t mean that they will never change or leave. I truly admire this leap of faith by two people in love. They seem way more compatible and into it than many age appropriate couples I know.
Why do some people think older men = more mature?
I have met older men who have been more immature than an 18 year old.
And what’s with the “if he was the one who was the older one, it would be ok” – Sexist much? And no, girls do not mature faster than boys, i’m sick of that excuse.
I’m Aaron’s age and the way people excuse it by “you are a girl, you are more mature” is disgusting and it has made older men think they can hit on you or sexually assault you because hey! you’re my equal! No, i’m not! I am just as immature as guys my age!
I don’t want an old man, I want someone my own age! I don’t want a father, i have a father so stop with the “well, women need protection that only older men can provide for them” Bullsh*t! And this is coming from other WOMEN!
Can you believe that? We have women spewing this bs to other women! It really makes me frightened that there are women out there with these sexist, primitive thoughts.
Thank you so much!!
I am 24 and I absolutely can’t agree more with all your points!
This sexism makes me sick and all those cliché on the supposed earlier maturity of females are just giving a stronger hand in building this blatant sexism… and shockingly this is coming from other WOMEN!!
Again thank you for being way more well-spoken than I am!
I think it is disgusting when men do it and I think it is disgusting when women do it. An 18 year old is half a child and as a 40 year old you are clearly in another place and unlike your 18 year old partner you know exactly what you are doing. Whoa…disgusting
Honestly, everybody is going to have an opinion on this. But when I read the interview where he said he was an “old soul” and looking at her looking rather lively and vibrant for a 44yr old, I actually thought more power to them. Yes, perhaps debatably people will always think of it as predatory. But unlike demi and ashton, I don’t think this woman is with him for the ego boost/insecurities that come with being an aging sex symbol. I think it’s that they clicked and fell in love. Period. He didn’t have his hands shackled behind his back, and still doesn’t. I prefer seeing this to the older sugar daddy with the 20-something, because that situation reeks of ‘absent daddy’ issues and can just come across as being so creepy.
Good for them. . . My guy is 17 years older than me and nobody gives me crap about it. It’s the older woman/younger man combo that people seem to have a problem with. However, it looks like she’s smothering him in those pictures. . . like she’s holding onto him for dear life because she knows its not gonna last forever. . .
Nothing is going to last forever. To avoid things because they’re going to end is to avoid life.
Thank you, Chris. Another one on top of that:
You miss 100 % of the shots you never take.
And i think that is never more true than when it comes to love.
Céline Dion was 12 and René Angelil was 40 when they first met and look at them now !
To quote Forrest Gump, ”…and that’s all I have to say about that”
Ugh…bad example…..Rene always gave me the creeps, even before he left his family for Celine.
As unlikely as they may seem and as much as I find her obnoxious, I wish them the best of luck and congratulate them on their happiness. So it’s not conventional, who cares?! If this was the other way around, we wouldn’t even bat an eyelash.
For better or worse, they do seem to really love each other and know what they want from the relationship. Not many people can say as much.
Congrats, Aaron and Sam!
The heart wants what the heart wants, whether it be for a lifetime or a day.
Yeah … she must give like, crazy good BJs.
He has a beautiful head of hair.
Dear Lord, that man is beautifully hot. If I was her, I would have been all over that too. That said, there is no way anyone is staying married that got together with someone at his age – especially getting with someone older. If I was her,I wouldn’t care though…whatever amount of time would be fine with me 🙂
I don’t know that I have an opinion about the age difference but I will say I silently scold myself for thinking about rocking his cradle until his milk teeth fall out and I’m 28.
I love the two of them together and I wish them all the best. I admire them for not giving a damn about what others might think about their relationship. Yes, it may not work out. A lot of relationships don’t work out, age gap or not. The older I get, the more I tend to think that fifty-fifty is just the usual score for any relationship. It may work out or it may not – The End.
I’d rather have them be happy and raise their kids with a lot of love which I’m pretty sure they do.
once he gets more famous he will find a woman his own age. I dont think she is the weird one (who wouldnt want a sexy younge husband) I think he is nuts for going after a 44 year old woman….u watch they will split soon after anna karinina
THIS IS ALL KINDS OF WRONG.
F^cking creepy. Sorry just is. It’s not the age difference, it’s the age HE was when they got together. He was by all means a child. If you’re 25-30 yrs old and wanna date someone 22 years older than you go right ahead. She was 40 YEARS OLD and thought it’d be cool to get it on with a boy. That’s is more than a little weird. No one could tell me otherwise. Liked him in Kick Ass and I don’t even really who she is but everytime I see them I just think ‘ick’. Hope things work ok for the kids though..
I’m sorry but if it was an 18 year old girl and a 40 year old guy people who likely not be saying Congrats and how lovely it is that they are so in love. People would be icked out and it’s not different when it’s a woman with a boy and yes, at 18 he’s still really a boy.
Granted, usually a much older man with a young girl is more about wanting arm candy whereas an older woman with a young guy has emotionaly issues and maybe maturity issues. Strange how many of these types of unions we’ve been seeing in the news lately with older female teachers and young male students.
I have two sons who are 21 and 23 and both still say things or make choices that make me realize that although they seem grown up and mature most of the time, they really are still so young and naive.
I wonder about his background and childhood that he seemed to crave a family with traditional values, children and maybe a Mommy-figure in his life at 18. Did he have a dysfunctional childhood? Often when someone has a very unstable home life as a child they can crave a solid type of traditional family for themselves and will try to create it and marry early and have children early and so on.
I want to say that I’m happy for them and I do hope that it truly is a love relationship but if a 40 year old woman latched on to one of my sons I’d be beyond furious and icked out!