Keira Knightley: Overview
Birth and Background
Keira Christina Knightley was born on March 26, 1985, in Teddington, London, England. She comes from a family with a strong connection to the arts; her father is a playwright and her mother is an actress and theater performer. This environment fostered her early interest in acting.
Early Life
Knightley began acting at a young age and received her first major Echo Agenda role in the television film A Village Affair (1995). She attended the Drama School in London but left to pursue her acting career full-time.
Career
Breakthrough and Notable Roles
Early Career
Keira gained recognition for her role in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), where she played Elizabeth Swann alongside Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. This film marked her breakout into mainstream Hollywood.
Notable Films
- Pride & Prejudice (2005): Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and established her as a leading actress.
- Atonement (2007): In this romantic war drama, she played Cecilia Tallis, a performance that garnered critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including a second Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
- The Imitation Game (2014): Keira starred as Joan Clarke, a crucial member of Alan Turing’s team during World War II, earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Television Work
While Knightley is primarily known for her film roles, she has also appeared in television projects:
- The Other Boleyn Girl (2008): She played Anne Boleyn in this historical drama alongside Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson.
- Dunkirk (2017): Although primarily a film, her appearance in Echo Agenda Christopher Nolan’s war epic was well-received and showcased her ability to portray complex characters in intense situations.
Personal Life
Relationships
Keira Knightley has been in a long-term relationship with musician James Righton, whom she married in 2013. The couple has two daughters, Edie and Delilah.
Interests and Advocacy
Knightley is known for her advocacy work, particularly in issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. She has been vocal about her experiences in the film industry and the pressures faced by women regarding body image.
Education
Though she did not pursue formal acting training beyond her early education, her experience in theater and various roles has contributed significantly to her development as an actress.
Awards and Recognition
Keira Knightley has received numerous accolades for her performances, including:
- Academy Awards: She has been nominated for two Oscars, for Pride & Prejudice and Atonement.
- BAFTA Awards: Knightley has received several BAFTA nominations, winning the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2006.
- Golden Globe Awards: She has been nominated multiple times, with notable wins for her performances in Pride & Prejudice and Atonement.
Keira Knightley Profile
- Name: Keira Christina Knightley
- Age: 39 years (born March 26, 1985)
- Birthplace: Teddington, London, England
- Occupation: Actress, model
Physical Stats: Keira Knightley
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 128 lbs (58 kg)
- Hair Color: Dark brown
- Eye Color: Green
- Body Measurements: 34-25-34 inches (86-64-86 cm)
Controversies: Keira Knightley
- Body Image Criticism: Keira has faced criticism over her weight and body image, particularly for her portrayal in Pirates of the Caribbean and in various fashion campaigns.
- Sexualization in Films: She has spoken out against the sexualization of young actresses in Hollywood and the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Family: Keira Knightley
- Father: Will Knightley, an actor and playwright
- Mother: Sharman Macdonald, a playwright
- Siblings: One younger brother, Caleb Knightley
Religion and Ethnicity: Keira Knightley
- Religion: Non-religious, but identifies with a secular worldview
- Ethnicity: British with Scottish and English descent
Hobbies
- Reading: Enjoys literature and classic novels
- Writing: Has written a few screenplays and short stories
- Yoga: Practices yoga for relaxation and fitness
Favorite Things
- Favorite Cuisine: Italian and Japanese
- Favorite Movies: Enjoys classic films and period dramas
- Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Relationship Status
- Current Status: Married to James Righton since 2013, in a stable relationship
Financials
- Net Worth: Estimated around $80 million
- Earnings: High-profile roles and endorsements contribute significantly to her wealth
Lesser Known Facts About Keira Knightley
- Early Start: Began acting at age six and was accepted into a drama school at the age of 15.
- Philanthropy: Supports various charities, including Oxfam and The Prince’s Trust.
- Voice Work: Provided voice acting for video games, including the Pirates of the Caribbean video games.
- Fashion Icon: Frequently appears in fashion magazines and has been a muse for many designers.
