Keira Knightley

Biography

Keira Christina Knightley, born on March 26, 1985, is a distinguished English actress renowned for her diverse roles in both indie films and major blockbusters, particularly in period dramas. Her impressive list of honors includes two Empire Awards and nominations for two Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. In recognition of her contributions to drama and charitable work, she was named an OBE in the 2018 Birthday Honours.

Raised in London by actor parents Will Knightley and Sharman Macdonald, she began her career at six in commercials and TV films. Knightley gained fame as Sabé in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) and became a household name with her role as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean. Her Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in Pride & Prejudice (2005) made her the third-youngest nominee at that time. Knightley has since starred in acclaimed films like Atonement (2007), The Imitation Game (2014), and Colette (2018). On stage, she has appeared in notable West End and Broadway productions. Married to musician James Right