Entertainment Movies Jennifer Connelly Reveals How Husband Paul Bettany Won Her Heart: 'He Started Playing Guitar and It Was All Over' "I've never been this close to someone that beautiful before," Bethany recalled of meeting Connelly By Jodi Guglielmi Jodi Guglielmi Writer-Reporter, PEOPLE People Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 7, 2023 11:54AM EST Photo: Getty When Jennifer Connelly and husband Paul Bettany locked eyes for the first time while filming A Beautiful Mind nearly 15 years ago, they both felt an immediate connection. "I remember meeting him at the first read through," Connelly, 44, told Entertainment Tonight. "I thought, 'Hmm, he's really good that guy.'" And Bettany, 44, couldn't help but notice Connelly's undeniable beauty, admitting he was a bit intimidated by the actress at first. "I've never been this close to someone that beautiful before," he gushed. "I remember thinking, 'I bet every man you ever met has tried to flirt with you." The two started dating shortly after filming wrapped and eventually got married in 2003. Together they have two kids, Stellan, 12, and Agnes Lark, 4 – Connelly also has a son, Kai, 18, from a previous marriage. But just how did Bettany manage to win Connelly over all those years ago? "He started playing guitar and it was all over," she admitted. It must have really worked, because the two have been inseparable ever since. The couple have worked on four films together since meeting, including their latest project Shelter in which Bettany makes his directorial debut. And while working with a romantic partner can be challenging at times, Connelly says it only strengthened their relationship, bringing them closer together. "I feel very creatively aligned with him," Connelly – who stars in the film – said. "We are drawn to similar types of films and filmmaking." RELATED: Kendra Wilkinson Says ‘Giving up Our Marriage Is Not Even a Question’ Shelter tells the story of a drug-addicted woman struggling to live on the streets of New York City with her husband (Anthony Mackie). The film hits theaters Nov. 13. After completing the film, Connelly said she would 'absolutely' act under her husbands direction again. "I felt I had a lot of freedom to explore. Because he's my husband and I trust him so much, I felt very safe."