Keira Knightley
Actress, activist
Born
March 26, 1985
Birthplace
Teddington, London, England
Nationality
British
Net Worth
$80 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy; Pride & Prejudice; Atonement; The Imitation Game
Keira Knightley Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Keira Christina Knightley |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1985 |
| Age | 41 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Teddington, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1993-present |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Married to musician James Righton (2013-present) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Net Worth | ~$80 million |
| Known For | Period dramas, swashbuckling epics, activism for gender equality |
Early Life & Background
Knightley is the daughter of playwright Sharman Macdonald and stage actor Will Knightley. Diagnosed with dyslexia at six, she overcame learning obstacles through acting. After early roles in UK TV films and Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (as Natalie Portman's decoy), she landed her first major part in Bend It Like Beckham (2002).
Career Journey
Pirates & Period Dramas
Knightley became an international star playing Elizabeth Swann in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (2003-2007). She balanced blockbusters with prestige roles, earning her first Oscar nomination at 20 for Joe Wright's Pride & Prejudice (2005).
Awards Season Favorites
She received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Atonement (2007) and The Imitation Game (2014). Knightley continues to shine in costume dramas (Anna Karenina, Colette) and contemporary stories (Begin Again, Official Secrets). On stage, she debuted on Broadway in Therese Raquin (2015).
Recent Work
Knightley starred in Disney+'s holiday film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018), voiced documentaries, and led the feminist drama Misbehaviour. In 2024 she headlined Hulu's true-crime limited series Boston Strangler, earning critical praise. In 2026 she stars in Netflix's espionage thriller Shadow Lines and narrates BBC Earth's Age of Water series.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Bend It Like Beckham | Juliette Paxton | Breakout film |
| 2003-2007 | Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy | Elizabeth Swann | Global franchise |
| 2005 | Pride & Prejudice | Elizabeth Bennet | Oscar nomination |
| 2007 | Atonement | Cecilia Tallis | Golden Globe nominee |
| 2012 | Anna Karenina | Anna Karenina | BAFTA nomination |
| 2014 | The Imitation Game | Joan Clarke | Oscar nomination |
| 2018 | Colette | Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette | Biopic |
| 2024 | Boston Strangler (TV) | Loretta McLaughlin | Hulu limited series |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Academy Awards | Best Actress | Pride & Prejudice | Nominated |
| 2015 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actress | The Imitation Game | Nominated |
| 2008 | BAFTA Awards | Best Actress | Atonement | Nominated |
| 2019 | British Independent Film Awards | Best Actress | Colette | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$80 million (2026)
Knightley's earnings come from blockbuster salaries, period dramas, voice work, and endorsements (Chanel). She invests in sustainable fashion startups and audiobook productions through her company Poppy Productions.
Personal Life
Knightley married James Righton in 2013; they live in London with their two daughters. She limits digital exposure, eschewing social media to protect privacy. Knightley enjoys baking, playing piano, and supporting female filmmakers.
Philanthropy & Activism
She supports Amnesty International, Oxfam, and UN Women, advocating for refugees and gender equality. Knightley signed open letters urging government action on climate change and domestic abuse. She narrates audiobooks to raise funds for dyslexia charities.
Social Media Presence
Knightley does not maintain official social accounts; fans receive updates through press releases, magazine interviews, and campaign partners like Chanel.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Knightley appeared in a movie directed by her mother (The Edge of Love) exploring Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.
- She earned a Golden Globe nomination for The Edge of Love soundtrack contribution.
- Knightley once worked as a waitress between acting gigs to stay grounded.
- She is an ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association, sharing her learning journey.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Knightley is filming Netflix's Shadow Lines in Prague and will produce a Channel 4 documentary about female war correspondents. She is scheduled to present at the 2026 BAFTA Awards and continues Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle campaign with sustainable packaging initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Keira Knightley?
Keira Knightley is a British actress known for Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and The Imitation Game.
What is Keira Knightley most famous for?
She is most famous for period dramas and swashbuckling adventures, earning multiple Oscar nominations.
Is Keira Knightley active on social media?
No. Knightley avoids social media; official news comes from studios and campaigns she partners with.