Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 36, and his wife Sam Taylor-Johnson, 59, defiantly embraced in a passionate kiss at Wimbledon today, sending a clear message to their critics. The couple, who have faced persistent public scrutiny over their 24-year age gap, appeared deeply in love as they attended the championships on day nine.
Relationship timeline and public perception
The couple began dating when Aaron was 18 and Sam was 42. Within a year, they confirmed their relationship, got engaged, and announced they were expecting a child—all under intense speculation due to the maturity gap. Over the years, both have defended their relationship. According to E News, Sam, the director of Back to Black, said: 'He was very intense and absolutely made up his mind (about us dating).' Aaron told The Sunday Independent: 'I'm an old soul and she's a young soul.'
Family and previous marriage
Sam was previously married to art dealer Jay Jopling for 11 years, with whom she shares two daughters, born in April 1997 and 2005. The couple split in 2008. Aaron and Sam have two daughters together, Wylda and Romy.
Other notable attendees at Wimbledon
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch was spotted in the royal box, watching the action on Centre Court. Author Bernardine Evaristo, 67, also attended, wearing a colourful dress and headband alongside her agent Emma Paterson. Evaristo made history in 2019 as the first black woman and black British person to win the Booker Prize for her novel Girl, Woman, Other.
Newlywed actress Arden Cho, star of K-pop Demon Hunters, also took a seat in the royal box. She arrived in the UK shortly after marrying Christopher Lee in Florence, Italy. Cho shared a video on Instagram of her and her husband travelling to Wimbledon, calling it a bucket-list item for Lee.
Weather and attendance
Temperatures are expected to hit 30°C, offering some shelter in the royal box. However, several seats in direct sunlight were empty on Monday as ticket-holders skipped British wild card Arthur Fery's match against Grigor Dimitrov, which Fery won to reach the quarter-finals.
