Name:Keira Christina Knightley
Date of Birth:26 March 1985
Place of Birth:Teddington, London
England
England
Keira Christina Knightley is an English actress and model. Keira Knightley began acting as a child and came to international notice in 2002 after co-starring in the film Bend It Like Beckham. From 2003 her appearances in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series took her to much greater prominence.
Knightley has appeared in several Hollywood films and earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. Two years later she again was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, as well as the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Atonement.
In 2008, Forbes claimed Knightley to be the second highest paid actress in Hollywood, having reportedly earned $32 million in 2007, making her the only non-American on the list of highest paid actresses.
Early Life
Knightley was born in Teddington, London, England, the daughter of Sharman MacDonald, an award-winning playwright, and Will Knightley, a theatre and television actor. Keira Knightley father is English and her Scottish mother is of half Welsh ancestry. Keira Knightley has an elder brother, Caleb. Knightley, born Kiera, switched her name to Keira to make it easier for international audiences to pronounce.Knightley lived in Richmond, attending Stanley Junior School, Teddington School and Esher College. Keira Knightley was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of six, but nevertheless was successful in school and was thus permitted to acquire a talent agent and pursue an acting career. Keira Knightley requested an agent as early as the age of three and got one when she turned six, from her mother as a reward for studying hard. Knightley has noted that she was "single-minded about acting" during her childhood. Keira Knightley performed in a number of local amateur productions, including After Juliet (written by her mother) and United States (written by her then drama teacher, Ian McShane, no relation to the actor of the same name). Keira Knightley focused on art, history, and English literature while at Esher, but left after a year to focus on her acting and she also turned down her spot at the London Academy of Music and Drama.
Career
1993–2004
Knightley at the 2008 BAFTAs.After getting an agent at 6, she did work mostly on commercials and small TV roles. Keira Knightley first role was "Little Girl" in Royal Celebration, a 1993 TV movie. A year later, she had a small role in the movie A Village Affair. Keira Knightley later starred in 1995's Innocent Lies and 1998's Coming Home. Keira Knightley was a princess in the 1996 movie The Treasure Seekers.Later in 1999, she appeared as Rose in Oliver Twist.Keira Knightley appeared in several television films in the mid to late 1990s—as well as ITV1's The Bill—before being cast as Sabé, Padmé Amidala's decoy, in the 1999 science fiction blockbuster Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Sabé's dialogue was dubbed over with Natalie Portman's voice. This was to hide the fact that the handmaiden Padmé (played by Natalie Portman) was actually disclosed as the real Queen Amidala at the end of the film. Knightley was cast in the role due to her close resemblance to Portman; even the two actresses' mothers had difficulty telling their daughters apart when the girls were in full makeup.
Knightley's first starring role followed in 2001, when she played the daughter of Robin Hood in the made-for-television Walt Disney Productions feature, Princess of Thieves. Keira Knightley trained for several weeks in archery, sword fighting, and horse riding.During this time, Knightley also appeared in The Hole, a thriller that received a direct-to-video release in the United States. Keira Knightley appeared in a miniseries adaptation of Doctor Zhivago which first aired in 2002 to mixed reviews but high ratings. In the same year, she also was in the movie Pure, in which she portrays a pregnant teenager who is a heroin addict and had a child taken by social services.
Knightley's breakthrough role was in the football-themed film, Bend It Like Beckham, which was a success in its August 2002 UK release, grossing $18 million, and in its March 2003 U.S. release, grossing $32 million. After Bend It Like Beckham's UK release raised her profile, she was cast in the big budget action film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (along with Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp) which was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and opened in July 2003 to positive reviews and high box office grosses, becoming one of the biggest hits of summer 2003 and cementing Knightley as the new "It" girl.
Knightley had a role in the British romantic comedy Love Actually, which opened in November 2003, which co-starred her childhood idol Emma Thompson. Keira Knightley next film, King Arthur, opened in July 2004 to negative reviews, however in preparation for the role she took boxing, fighting, archery, and horseback-riding lessons for four days a week for three months. In the same month, Knightley was voted by readers of Hello! magazine as the film industry's most promising teen star.Additionally, TIME magazine noted in a 2004 feature that Knightley seemed dedicated to developing herself as a serious actress rather than a film star.
2005–2008
Knightley at a London Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest premiere in July 2006.Keira Knightley appeared in three films in 2005, the first of which was The Jacket, alongside Adrien Brody. Keira Knightley next appeared in Tony Scott's Domino, an action film based on the life of bounty hunter Domino Harvey. The film has been Knightley's greatest critical flop to date. Knightley's critics often suggested she was nothing more than a pretty face, which led the young starlet to comment to Elle magazine, "I always feel like I’m the one with everything to prove."Pride & Prejudice rounded out 2005. Knightley loved the book since she was seven, and she with her first acting paycheck she bought a dollhouse of the hero's mansion. Keira Knightley said of her character, "The beauty of Elizabeth is that every woman who ever reads the book seems to recognize herself, with all her faults and imperfections. If you give an actress who is even remotely good the chance to play a fantastic character like that, they are going to revel in it." Variety wrote about her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet: "Looking every bit a star, Knightley, who's shown more spirit than acting smarts so far in her career, really steps up to the plate here, holding her own against the more classically trained Matthew Macfadyen, as well as vets like Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Penelope Wilton, and Judi Dench with a luminous strength that recalls a young Audrey Hepburn. More than the older Jennifer Ehle in the TV series, she catches Elizabeth's essential skittishness and youthful braggadocio, making her final conversion all the more moving."The film grossed more than $100 million worldwide, and Knightley earned a Golden Globe nomination and an Oscar nomination (the Oscar ultimately went to Reese Witherspoon). The Academy Award nomination made her the third-youngest performer ever nominated. BAFTA's decision not to nominate her drew criticism from Pride & Prejudice producer Tim Bevan.
In 2006, Knightley was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Keira Knightley biggest financial hit thus far, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, was released in July 2006.
Knightley starred in three major films in 2007: Silk, an adaptation of the novel by Alessandro Baricco, Atonement, a feature film adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel of the same name (co-starring James McAvoy, Vanessa Redgrave, and Brenda Blethyn), and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, which was released in May 2007. For her performance in Atonement, Knightley was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the Best Dramatic Actress category for the role, as well as a BAFTA Award. Critic Richard Roeper was puzzled by both Knightley's and McAvoy's Academy Award snubs, stating "I thought McAvoy and Knightley were superb."
In the late spring of 2007, Knightley shot The Edge of Love with Cillian Murphy as her husband, Matthew Rhys as her childhood sweetheart Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, and Sienna Miller as Thomas' wife Caitlin Macnamara. Keira Knightley received positive reviews for her role. The 2008 release was penned by Knightley's mother, Sharman Macdonald, and directed by John Maybury. Keira Knightley then filmed The Duchess, based on the best-selling biography, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman, in which she played Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire; the film was released in cinemas on 5 September 2008 in the U.K.
2009–present
In 2010, Knightley appeared in the drama Last Night, in which she co-starred with Eva Mendes, Sam Worthington, and Guillaume Canet; it was directed by Massy Tadjedin. The same year, Knightley completed work on an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's dystopian novel, Never Let Me Go with Andrew Garfield and Carey Mulligan. Filming took place in Norfolk and Clevedon in Somerset. Also in 2010, she starred in London Boulevard with Colin Farrell, written by William Monahan.
Knightley's only film of 2011 was David Cronenberg's historical drama A Dangerous Method, co-starring Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, and Vincent Cassel. Based on writer Christopher Hampton's 2002 stage play The Talking Cure and set on the eve of World War I, the film depicts the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung, his mentor Sigmund Freud, and Sabina Spielrein, played by Knightley, the troubled but beautiful young psychoanalyst who comes between them. The costume film premiered at the 68th Venice International Film Festival to a positive reception, while Knightley, who had almost backed out of the movie due to its explicit scenes, earned generally favorable reviews by critics, with Andrew O'Hehir of Salon.com noting her "the real star of this film."Knightley is slated to appear in The Emperor's Children with Eric Bana and Richard Gere. The film, a dark comedy, will be directed by Noah Baumbach. In addition, she has reunited with director Joe Wright for the production of Anna Karenina (2012), in which she will star as the title character.
Media Attention
Knightley attends the premiere of Atonement in Leicester Square, London, 2007As a result of her rapid rise to fame, Knightley has been the focus of significant media attention. Keira Knightley has been described by press reports as "famously open with media,"although Knightley herself has stated "I don't talk about my private life."Knightley's look has often been described in publications as gamine.
Knightley has appeared many times in FHMs 100 Sexiest Women in the World list. Ranked No.79 in 2004 she climbed to No.18 in 2005, and was named "the sexiest woman in the world in 2006."In 2007 she was 12th, 10th in 2008 and came 36th in 2009. The US edition ranked her No.54 in 2004, No.11 in 2005, and No.5 in 2006. In May 2006, she was No.9 on Maxim's 2006 Hot 100. Keira Knightley was also named "the number one beauty icon of 2007" by a poll of 2500 people conducted by British high street chain Superdrug.Knightley appeared nude, along with Scarlett Johansson, on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine's March 2006 "Hollywood" issue.
Knightley was the celebrity face for the luxury goods brand Asprey, Shiatzy Chen as well as Lux haircare products in Japanese television commercials. In April 2006, she was confirmed as the new celebrity face of Chanel's perfume Coco Mademoiselle, though the first photo from the campaign was not released until May 2007.
Knightley has warned children who dream of the celebrity life that it's not all what it seems to be. "It frightens me when kids go, 'I want to be famous.'" In a 2007 interview with the BBC Knightley said that she feels "de-humanised." Keira Knightley also said that when a person becomes a celebrity, the public doesn't care that the person's life is constantly watched.
While she has no current plans to leave the world of film, Knightley has said that she could not imagine subjecting a child to the media. Keira Knightley is quoted as saying, "I'm not planning to have children at the moment... everyone changes, and I'm sure there will be a time I will want to do something different. I could completely see myself moving away [from acting]."
Keira Knightley has expressed concern in the past about unsolicited attention from stalkers, and a 41-year-old man was charged with harassment in February 2010 after trying to contact the actress on several occasions outside the Comedy Theatre in London, where she appeared in the play The Misanthrope.The subsequent trial folded after the actress was unavailable to testify in court.
Keira Knightley posed for photos for WaterAid in 2005 and also for the American Library Association's "Read" campaign (A promotional poster of Pride and Prejudice).
Knightley contributed her voice to a 2007 Robbie the Reindeer animation, all profits of which will be donated to Comic Relief. In 2004, she travelled to Ethiopia with a group that included Richard Curtis, who had directed her in Love, Actually, on behalf of that charity.
In April 2009, Knightley appeared in a video to raise awareness of domestic abuse entitled Cut. The video was directed by Joe Wright, who directed Knightley in Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, and shot for "Women's Aid," a British women and children aid group.The video has created controversy, with some sources calling it too graphic, while other groups support the video for showing a realistic depiction of domestic violence.
In November 2010, Knightley became patron of The SMA Trust, a British charity that funds medical research into the children's disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy.In March 2011, she appeared briefly in the Smithy sketch for Red Nose Day 2011, alongside Sir Paul McCartney, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Davina McCall, Justin Bieber and JLS, amongst others.
Personal Life
Knightley, who lives in London, had a relationship with actor Jamie Dornan. They were first seen together in 2003, and split up in 2005. Keira Knightley dated her Pride & Prejudice co-star Rupert Friend from 2005 until the couple split in December 2010. Keira Knightley has reportedly been dating James Righton since late February 2011.
Knightley has denied rumours she is anorexic, although she did say—after her appearance at the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest premiere led to media speculation that her extremely slender figure was due to an eating disorder—that her family has a history of anorexia. Knightley sued the Daily Mail after they claimed she lied about having anorexia; the article said that a teenage girl died from anorexia, indicating that Knightley's physical appearance may have influenced her in some way. Keira Knightley was awarded a settlement.
In July 2006, Knightley said she has become a workaholic, detailing that "the last five years have blended into one. I can't tell you what was last year and what was the year before" and specifying that she was "working too much" and was "quite frightened that if I continue at this rate I will start to hate what I love,"suggesting that she would take a one-year break from acting to travel and focus on her personal life.
Filmography/Television
1995 Innocent Lies Young Celia
1999 Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Sabé (Decoy Queen)
2001 Deflation Jogger
2001 Princess of Thieves Gwyn
2001 Hole, TheThe Hole Frances 'Frankie' Almond Smith Nominated – Empire Award for Best Debut
2002 Thunderpants Music school student Uncredited
2002 Pure Louise
2002 Bend It Like Beckham Juliette "Jules" Paxton Golden Wave Award for Best Actress
London Film Critics' Circle Award for Best Newcomer
Nominated – Empire Award for Best British Actress
Nominated – Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Breakthrough Performance
2002 New Year's Eve Leah
2002 Seasons Alter, TheThe Seasons Alter Helena
2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Elizabeth Swann Audience Award for Best International Actress
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Chemistry (shared with Orlando Bloom)
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Liplock (shared with Orlando Bloom)
Nominated – Empire Award for Best British Actress
Nominated – Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Breakout Performance on Screen
Nominated – Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male or Female Actor in an Effects Film
Nominated – Cinescape Genre Face of the Future Award
Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Female Performance
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout Movie Star - Female
2003 Love Actually Juliet Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble
Nominated – Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Breakout Performance on Screen
Nominated – Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Ensemble Acting
2004 King Arthur Guinevere Audience Award for Best International Actress
Nominated – Empire Award for Best British Actress
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress Action Adventure/Thriller
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout Movie Star - Female
2005 Jacket, TheThe Jacket Jackie
2005 Domino Domino Harvey
2005 Pride & Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet Character and Morality in Entertainment Award
Nominated – Academy Award for Best Actress
Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy
Nominated – Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy
Nominated – Empire Award for Best Actress
Nominated – Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress
Nominated – Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress
Nominated – London Film Critics' Circle Award for British Actress of the Year
Nominated – Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress
Nominated – Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress Drama/Action Adventure
2006 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Elizabeth Swann People's Choice Award for Favorite On-Screen Match-Up (shared with Johnny Depp)
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Liplock (shared with Orlando Bloom)
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Scream
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Hissy Fit
Nominated – Empire Awards for Best Actress
Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Best Performance
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress Drama/Action Adventure
2007 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Elizabeth Swann People's Choice Award for Favorite Female Action Star
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress Action Adventure
Nominated–National Movie Award for Best Performance by a Female
Nominated–MTV Movie Award for Best Female Performance
2007 Silk Hélène Joncour
2007 Atonement Cecilia Tallis Empire Award for Best Actress
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress Drama
Rembrandt Award for Best International Actress
Nominated – BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama
Nominated – Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama
Nominated – Audience Award for Best International Actress
Nominated – London Film Critics' Circle Award for British Actress of the Year
2008 Edge of Love, TheThe Edge of Love Vera Phillips
2008 Duchess, TheThe Duchess Georgiana Cavendish Nominated – British Independent Film Award for Best Actress
Nominated – People's Choice Award for Favorite Female Movie Star
2009 The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers Fairy, TheThe Fairy Short film
2010 London Boulevard Charlotte
2010 Steve Woman Short film
2010 Never Let Me Go Ruth Nominated – Sarturn Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actress
2010 Last Night Joanna Reed
2011 Dangerous Method, AA Dangerous Method Sabina Spielrein
2012 Seeking A Friend for the End of the World Penny filming
2012 Anna Karenina Anna Karenina pre-production
Television Appearances
Year Title Role
1993 Screen One Royal Celebration Little Girl
1995 Village Affair, AA Village Affair Natasha Jordan
1995 Bill, TheThe Bill Sheena Rose
1996 Treasure Seekers, TheThe Treasure Seekers The Princess
1998 Coming Home Young Judith Dunbar
1999 Oliver Twist Rose Fleming
2001 Princess of Thieves Gwyn (daughter of Robin Hood)
2002 Doctor Zhivago Lara Antipova
2003 Gaijin Kate
2007 Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind Em
2011 Neverland Tinker Bell
Theatre appearancesYear Production Theatre Role Awards
2009/2010 The Misanthrope Comedy Theatre, London Jennifer (Celimene) Nominated – Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Nominated – Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress (The Natasha Richardson Award)
2011 The Children's Hour Comedy Theatre, London Karen Wright
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