Keira knightley bio

Keira Knightley is a renowned British actress known for her versatility and captivating performances. Raised in a family immersed in the arts—her father was an actor, and her mother a playwright—Knightley developed an early passion for acting. She began her career in television and made her film debut at a young age, gaining initial recognition for her role in "Bend It Like Beckham."

Knightley rose to international fame with her portrayal of Elizabeth Swann in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, establishing herself as a notable actor on the global stage. Her balanced approach towards blockbuster roles and critically acclaimed performances is evident in her work in period dramas such as "Pride & Prejudice," for which she earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Other key roles include "Atonement," "Anna Karenina," and "The Imitation Game," where her nuanced portrayals of complex characters further solidified her reputation as among the most skilled actors of her generation. In 2018, Knightley was acknowledged for her contributions to drama and charity with her appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Shifting successfully between film and theater, Knightley made her West End debut in "The Misanthrope" at the Comedy Theatre in December 2009, which earned her a nomination for a Laurence Olivier Award, and in 2015 she made her Broadway debut in "Thérèse Raquin." She has also been recognized for her work in television, starring as journalist Loretta McLaughlin in "Boston Strangler" and in the thriller series "Black Doves," the latter of which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

In addition to her acting career, Knightley is actively involved in advocacy and philanthropy. She has been a consistent supporter of women’s rights, gender equality, and mental health awareness. Through her extensive work with Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Comic Relief, she frequently uses her platform

Biography

Keira Christina Knightley, OBE (; born 26 March 1985) is a Golden Globe and Academy AwardnominatedEnglish actress. She is best known for her first major movie role as Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbeanmovietrilogy, and as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice.

Early life

Knightley was born on 26 March 1985 in Teddington, London, England. Her mother, Sharman Macdonald, is Scottish. Her father, Will Knightley, is English. He wanted to name his daughter "Kiera", after the Russian ice skater, Kira Ivanova. When her mother went to register her, she misspelt the name. Knightley has an older brother, Caleb. When Knightley lived in Richmond, she studied at Stanley Junior School, Teddington School and Esher College.

When Knightley was three years old, she asked to her parents to hire an agent for her. They promised to do this, if she studied very well. That's why Keira was a good and diligent pupil.

Movies

Other websites

References

(1985-)

Who Is Keira Knightley?

Actress Keira Knightley made her film debut at the age of nine in A Village Affair (1994). Her first major part came in Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace and she then became well-known for her performance as tomboy footballer Juliette "Jules" Paxton in Bend It Like Beckham. Her later films include Atonement, Pirates of the Caribbean, A Dangerous Method and Anna Karenina. She has also earned Oscar nominations for her roles in Pride & Prejudice and The Imitation Game.

Early Life and Career

Born in London, England, on March 26, 1985, Keira Christina Knightley grew up in a show-business family. Her father is actor Will Knightley and her mother is playwright Sharman Macdonald. She grew up in a London suburb with her older brother Caleb. Knightley later told Marie Claire that playing with doll houses may have influenced her career choice: "Doll houses were a big thing in my childhood," she said. "I was always making up stories, playing with them for hours. I guess that's why I'm an actress: I never stopped wanting to play."

Knightley first asked for her own agent at the age of three and finally got one when she was six years old. School was not easy for Knightley as she struggled with dyslexia.

Movies

'Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace'

Knightley had her first professional acting job at the age of seven, and went on to make a string of appearances on British television. In her mid-teens, she landed her first major role in the film Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999). That same year, Knightley had a supporting role in the television miniseries Oliver Twist with Sam Smith, Julie Walters and Robert Lindsay.

'Bend It Like Beckham'

In 2002, Knightley had a career breakthrough with Bend It Like Beckham. She played tomboy soccer player Juliette "Jules" Paxton in this surprise hit. She also showed herself to be a ris