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Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s union with Sam Taylor-Johnson has lasted longer than many Hollywood marriages. Nevertheless, the pair have attracted criticism for various reasons, particularly their significant age difference of 23 years. This gap, along with how quickly their relationship progressed, has sparked much public discussion.
Their relationship began when Aaron was just a teenager and Sam was a mother of two still in her previous marriage. Following her divorce, the couple quickly got engaged and welcomed a child within two years of meeting. Many online comments highlighted their rapid progression, but the couple was undeterred, demonstrating their commitment by marrying shortly after the birth of their second daughter.
Despite the age gap, Aaron embraced his role as a stepfather to Sam’s daughters, with one being only a few years younger than him. They are noted for their close-knit family dynamic, which some find peculiar as they prefer to be together constantly, yet they remain unapologetic about their lifestyle. Their unconventional relationship has endured scrutiny, but they have remained united against negativity.
Aaron was a teenager when they met Sam, who was 41
Aaron, born in June 1990, was only 18 years old when he met Sam Taylor-Johnson in 2008 during auditions for her directorial film “Nowhere Boy.” At that time, Sam was 41. They kept things professional during filming, but once the project was completed, romantic feelings emerged. Aaron later noted that everyone on set could sense their chemistry.
The couple went public with their engagement at the U.K. premiere of the film in late 2009, with Aaron still being a teenager. The public was critical of their age difference, particularly due to Aaron’s youth. However, they have defended their relationship as Aaron emphasized his mature experiences from working in the film industry early on. Sam noted that the age difference usually concerns outsiders rather than affecting their bond.
Fast-paced development of Aaron and Sam’s relationship
After just one year of knowing each other, Aaron proposed to Sam. He recounts that exactly one year after their first meeting, he asked her to marry him, fulfilling a promise he made even before their first date. Sam also recalled how he had declared his intention to marry her before they even started dating or shared a kiss.
They didn’t delay their family planning either; within months of their engagement, they welcomed their first daughter, Wylda Rae, in July 2010. At that time, Aaron was just 20 years old and Sam was 43. Their quick progression into parenthood was evident as they soon added to their family again.
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Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson: A Unique Relationship
About six months after celebrating the birth of their first daughter, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Romy, in January 2012. They tied the knot in June of the same year, with both Sam and Aaron adopting the last name Taylor-Johnson.
People had plenty of opinions on the rapid progression of their relationship. Aaron expressed his frustration over the public’s judgement on their timeline. In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone U.K., he remarked that it’s odd for others to dictate how one should experience life’s pace.
Close Companionship
Unlike most couples who value personal time apart, Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson maintain a strong bond and prefer each other’s company. In a conversation with Harper’s Bazaar, they mentioned that during their decade together, they’ve only been apart for a few days, which they described as the worst times of those ten years.
Sam explained to The Sunday Times in 2017 that they’re so in sync that they avoid even measuring their time apart. However, due to their busy careers, they did experience a separation in late 2022 when Aaron had to work in Australia while Sam stayed back to focus on a biopic. Both found the experience challenging and agreed to avoid simultaneous projects in the future.
Unconventional Family Dynamics
Upon marrying Sam, Aaron became a stepfather to her two daughters from her previous marriage. This unique situation means that Aaron is only six years older than his stepdaughter, Angelica, highlighting the unusual family structure.
Despite the minor age difference, Aaron has embraced his fatherly role. In a heartfelt Instagram post for Jessie’s birthday in October 2024, he shared sweet messages showcasing their close bond. His transition into fatherhood coincided with the teenage years of his stepdaughters, a period he has navigated, along with raising younger children later.
Early Connections
When Sam was casting for “Nowhere Boy” in August 2008, she was still married to Jay Jopling. Shortly after, they announced their separation, clarifying that no one else was involved in their decision to split. However, when Aaron first met Sam, she was still technically married. Aaron described the instant connection he felt, which led to their proposal a year later, ensuring there was no infidelity involved.
Jay Jopling has since remarried, with his relationship facing less scrutiny compared to Aaron and Sam’s. Nonetheless, both couples are now happily pursuing their paths.