British actress Keira Knightley, known for her roles in iconic films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Pride and Prejudice, celebrates her 40th birthday on March 26, 2025. Born in Teddington, southwest London, to actors Will Knightley and Sharman Macdonald, she was named in honor of Soviet figure skater Kira Ivanova, a multiple silver medalist at the European Championships and a bronze medalist at the 1984 Olympics. Her mother was so moved by Ivanova's performance that she promised to name her daughter after the athlete, though the name was registered as "Keira" instead of the intended "Kira."
Knightley made her film debut at the tender age of seven in the melodrama Royal Celebration. By 16, she had decided to leave school to pursue her acting career full-time, a choice she later reflected on with some regret, stating that young women need certificates to prove their intelligence.
Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she played Sabe, the handmaiden and double of Queen Padmé Amidala, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. The resemblance between Knightley and Natalie Portman, who portrayed the queen, was so striking that even their mothers had trouble telling them apart on set. Knightley sometimes filled in for Portman during filming, a fact that surprised many viewers when the film was released.
In 2003, Knightley starred as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a role that catapulted her to international fame. The success of the film led to multiple sequels, with Knightley reprising her role in 2006, 2007, and 2017. By 2007, her fee for a role had skyrocketed to an impressive $32 million.
At just 20 years old, Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, directed by Joe Wright. This adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel showcased her talent and solidified her status in Hollywood.
In 2008, she took on a different role in The Duchess, portraying a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage, which drew parallels with the life of the executed French queen Marie Antoinette. Knightley continued to work with Wright, starring in Atonement (2007) and Anna Karenina (2012), both of which earned her critical acclaim.
Over the years, Knightley has tackled a variety of roles, from the romantic to the historical. In 2011, she starred in A Dangerous Method, which explored the complex relationships between psychoanalysis founders Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. More recently, in 2023, she played a reporter in Boston Strangler, a film based on the true story of a serial killer who murdered 13 women in Boston during the 1960s.
Despite her fame, Knightley has been vocal about her struggles with dyslexia, a condition that made reading and writing challenging during her childhood. She overcame this hurdle by the age of 11, and her determination helped her excel academically, even as she pursued acting.
Known for her advocacy for women's rights, Knightley has often spoken out against gender inequality in Hollywood, highlighting the disparity in pay between male and female actors. During the promotional campaign for the first Pirates film, she was dismayed to discover that producers had digitally altered her body for marketing materials, increasing her breast size without her consent. This experience led her to refuse retouching in future photoshoots, famously posing nude for the cover of Interview magazine in 2014 under the condition that the images would remain unretouched.
In her personal life, Knightley married musician James Righton in 2013, and the couple now shares two daughters, Edie and Delilah. She has expressed her desire to raise her children with a sense of empowerment, choosing to restrict their exposure to traditional fairy tales that depict women as needing rescue by men. Knightley has stated, "We don’t show Edie Cinderella because it’s about a rich guy saving the main character – I don’t relate to that. A girl can save herself!"
Knightley is also a passionate football fan and supports West Ham United. Her love for the sport dates back to her childhood, where she often watched games with her father. This passion even influenced her role in Kick It Like Beckham, where she played a girl aspiring to become a football player.
As she turns 40, Knightley reflects on her impressive career, which spans nearly three decades and includes over 60 film roles. Despite her success, she remains grounded, often choosing to stay away from Hollywood parties and instead focusing on her family and personal interests. Knightley’s journey from a young girl with dreams of stardom to a celebrated actress and advocate for women’s rights exemplifies her resilience and dedication to her craft.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, Keira Knightley continues to be a formidable presence, combining talent with a commitment to social issues, making her not just a star, but a role model for many.
