Daniel Cleaver is a major character from Bridget Jones's Diary book and film series. He was a love interest for Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones's Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. He faked his death in Bridget Jones's Baby so was absent from the film. He appeared in Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy as a helper for Bridget, occasionally taking care of her children - whom referred to him as ‘Uncle Daniel’.
He was also the friend of Mark Darcy until Darcy caught Cleaver having sex with his wife. The two had famous fight scenes in both Bridget Jones's Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
Biography[]
In the first movie, Daniel works at a book publishing company in London. He can be assumed to be a womanizer especially when he and Bridget Jones were both dating. Initially, he was Mark Darcy's friend in Cambridge and the best man at his wedding. But years later on Christmas Eve, he had betrayed him as he had sex with his Japanese wife. And, when Bridget finds a naked woman in the bathroom of his house while they are in a relationship, she discovers he has cheated on her. Eventually, he becomes a person whom Bridget and Mark dislike. This is until the fourth film, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, where Cleaver is a helper to Bridget and her children, being referred to as ‘Uncle Daniel’.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason[]
During his appearance at the beginning of the film, Daniel is warned by Bridget not to be involved with her ever again. However, Bridget must do her assignment in Thailand with him.
Unfortunately, when a sexy Thai woman reveals her lingerie in front of them, Bridget dumps him for good.
Before returning to London, Daniel abandons Bridget at the airport where she is arrested by the Thai police.
At the museum, Daniel is spotted by his infuriated nemesis, Mark. During the confrontation, he is questioned about Bridget's unpleasant incident in Thailand. Despite knowing the fact, he conceals his wrongdoing. Mark angrily starts the fight with Daniel again (just like in the first movie Bridget Jones's Diary) and drowns him in the fountain until he confesses his fault.
Bridget Jones's Baby[]
Although Daniel does not appear in the third movie, he is only mentioned.
Bridget attends Daniel's memorial service after finding out he was killed in the plane crash. At the memorial, Bridget discovers that he has some level of relationship with a number of other girls. However, at the end of the movie, it is later revealed that Cleaver was found alive 1 year later.
Trivia[]
- In Bridget Jones's Baby, the writers intended Cleaver to be Darcy's counterpart once again, however, Hugh Grant, Cleaver's actor, did not approve of an early version of the script and declined the part after the writers re-edited the script. Famous Grey's Anatomy actor, Patrick Dempsey's character Jack Qwant was created in Cleaver's place. Although Grant does not make an actual appearance in the movie his picture is used during the funeral service for Daniel Cleaver.