Kate Beckinsale Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kathrin Romary Beckinsale |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1973 |
| Age | 52 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1991-present |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married to filmmaker Len Wiseman (2004-2019) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Lily) |
| Net Worth | ~$30 million |
| Known For | Action heroine Selene in Underworld, rom-com charm in Serendipity, dramatic roles |
Early Life & Background
Beckinsale is the daughter of actors Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe. After her father's sudden death when she was five, she channeled grief into writing and acting. She studied French and Russian literature at Oxford University, performing with the Oxford University Dramatic Society while filming period pieces like Much Ado About Nothing (1993) and Cold Comfort Farm (1995).
Career Journey
International Breakthrough
Beckinsale transitioned to Hollywood with roles in Pearl Harbor (2001), Serendipity (2001), and The Aviator (2004). Her portrayal of nurse Evelyn Johnson introduced her to global audiences.
Underworld Franchise & Action Roles
She became an action icon as vampire warrior Selene in the Underworld series (2003-2016). Collaborations with director (and then-husband) Len Wiseman led to four sequels, solidifying her athletic image. She also headlined Van Helsing and Total Recall (2012).
Comedy & Television
Beckinsale has embraced satire and streaming, starring in Amazon's The Widow (2019), Paramount+'s dark comedy Guilty Party (2021), and the film Love & Friendship (2016), for which she received critical acclaim. She frequently posts witty sketches on Instagram, gaining a new generation of fans.
Current Work
In 2026 Beckinsale stars in Apple TV+'s espionage thriller Vesper, plays a detective in Netflix's limited series Whitechapel Diary, and produces a feature adaptation of Joe Nocera's book A Piece of the Action.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Much Ado About Nothing | Hero | Film debut |
| 2001 | Serendipity | Sara Thomas | Rom-com favorite |
| 2001 | Pearl Harbor | Evelyn Johnson | Michael Bay epic |
| 2003 | Underworld | Selene | Franchise launch |
| 2004 | Van Helsing | Anna Valerious | Action adventure |
| 2016 | Love & Friendship | Lady Susan Vernon | Indie hit |
| 2019 | The Widow (TV) | Georgia Wells | Amazon thriller |
| 2021 | Guilty Party (TV) | Beth Burgess | Paramount+ comedy |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | British Independent Film Awards | Best Actress | Love & Friendship | Nominated |
| 2017 | Critics' Choice Awards | Best Actress in a Comedy | Love & Friendship | Nominated |
| 2021 | ReFrame Stamp | Gender-balanced production | Guilty Party | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$30 million (2026)
Beckinsale's earnings stem from film/TV contracts, producing deals, endorsements (Gap, Absolut), and social media partnerships. She invests in female-led wellness startups and British theatre productions.
Personal Life
She co-parents daughter Lily with actor Michael Sheen. Beckinsale lives between Los Angeles and London, known for her humorous Instagram posts featuring pets Clive and Willow. She practices yoga, boxing, and Pilates to stay action-ready.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Beckinsale supports organizations tackling domestic violence, including Refuge UK and The Rape Foundation. She partners with UNICEF and Stand Up To Cancer UK, lending her voice to awareness campaigns.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @katebeckinsale shares comedic skits, fashion, animal rescue advocacy, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Beckinsale is fluent in Russian, once intending to become a translator.
- She voiced Queen Titania in Neil Gaiman's The Sandman audio drama.
- Beckinsale mentors young British actresses through the Actors Centre in London.
- She writes humorous essays and is developing a memoir about balancing motherhood and action films.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Beckinsale is filming Apple TV+'s Vesper in Prague and recently signed on to host a BBC charity special supporting mental-health services. She will also appear in Netflix's ensemble film Last Night at the Savoy, reuniting with Michael Sheen for the first time since Underworld.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Kate Beckinsale?
Kate Beckinsale is a British actress known for the Underworld franchise, romantic comedies like Serendipity, and indie period pieces such as Love & Friendship.
What is Kate Beckinsale most famous for?
She is most famous for portraying Selene in the Underworld films and for her charming roles in early-2000s romantic comedies.
Is Kate Beckinsale active on social media?
Yes. Beckinsale is highly active on Instagram, posting comedic videos, philanthropy initiatives, and behind-the-scenes content.