Kate Beckinsale is an English actress known for her work in period, romance, and action films. The daughter of actors Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe, she began acting as a child but focused on her education before returning to acting in the early 1990s. She appeared in television productions like "Devices and Desires" and "One Against the Wind" before making her film debut in the short film "Rachel's Dream."
July 1973: Birth of Kate Beckinsale
Kathrin Romany Beckinsale was born in July 1973 in Chiswick, London, the only child of actors Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe.
July 1973: Birth and Family Background
Kathrin Romany Beckinsale was born in July 1973 to actors Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe. She had a half-sister, Samantha Beckinsale, from her father's previous marriage.
1975: Early Acting Debut
At just one year old, Kate Beckinsale made her acting debut as an extra in the British daytime drama "Couples", alongside her parents.
1975: Appearance in "Couples"
Kate Beckinsale appeared in the British drama "Couples" in 1975, which may no longer be available in archives.
1977: Parents' Marriage and Early Television Appearance
Beckinsale's parents married in 1977. At the age of four, she made her first television appearance on "This Is Your Life", an episode dedicated to her father.
1991: Television Debut in P.D. James Adaptation
Beckinsale made her television debut in 1991 with a small role in an adaptation of P.D. James' "Devices and Desires".
1991: Television Debut
Kate Beckinsale began her professional acting career with a small role in the miniseries adaptation of P.D. James' "Devices and Desires" and a supporting role in the television movie "One Against the Wind".
1992: Starring in "Rachel's Dream"
Beckinsale starred alongside Christopher Eccleston in the 30-minute Channel 4 short film "Rachel's Dream".
1992: Early Career: "Rachel's Dream" and Stage Debut
Beckinsale starred in the short film "Rachel's Dream" and made her stage debut in a production of Noël Coward's "Hay Fever".
1993: Appearance in "Anna Lee" Pilot
Beckinsale appeared in the pilot episode of the ITV detective series "Anna Lee", starring Imogen Stubbs.
1993: "Much Ado About Nothing" and Cannes Film Festival
Beckinsale starred as Hero in Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in her career.
1993: Breakthrough with "Much Ado About Nothing"
While studying at Oxford University, Beckinsale landed the crucial role of Hero in Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing".
1994: Period Drama Roles
Beckinsale starred in "Prince of Jutland", a film based on the legend that inspired Shakespeare's "Hamlet", and the murder mystery "Uncovered".
1994: "Prince of Jutland" and "Uncovered"
Beckinsale appeared in "Prince of Jutland" alongside Christian Bale and starred in the murder mystery film "Uncovered".
1995: "Cold Comfort Farm" and Critical Acclaim
Beckinsale received critical acclaim for her performance as Flora Poste in the film adaptation of "Cold Comfort Farm".
1995: "Cold Comfort Farm" and French Film
Beckinsale starred as Flora Poste in the film adaptation of Stella Gibbons' novel "Cold Comfort Farm" and appeared in the French-language film "Marie-Louise ou la permission".
1995: Relationship with Michael Sheen Begins
Kate Beckinsale began a relationship with actor Michael Sheen after meeting on the set of "The Seagull" in 1995.
1995: Filming "Marie-Louise ou la permission"
While studying in Paris, Beckinsale filmed the French-language film "Marie-Louise ou la permission".
1995: Stage Debut in "The Seagull" and Relationship with Michael Sheen
Beckinsale made her professional stage debut as Nina in Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull". During the production, she began a romantic relationship with co-star Michael Sheen.
1996: "Emma" and Critical Comparison
Beckinsale starred as Emma Woodhouse in the ITV adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma", drawing comparisons to Gwyneth Paltrow's portrayal in a film adaptation released the same year.
1996: Jane Austen Adaptation and Stage Work
Beckinsale starred as Emma Woodhouse in the ITV adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma".
1996: Stage Productions: "Sweetheart" and "Clocks and Whistles"
Beckinsale starred in two stage plays: "Sweetheart" at the Royal Court Theatre and "Clocks and Whistles" at the Bush Theatre.
1997: Beckinsale Appears in George Michael's Music Video
In 1997, Kate Beckinsale made an appearance in the music video for George Michael's song "Waltz Away Dreaming."
1997: Shooting Fish and Audio Productions
In 1997, Kate Beckinsale starred in the commercially successful British comedy "Shooting Fish." She also lent her voice to audio productions of Jane Austen's "Emma" and Diana Hendry's "The Proposal," and played Juliet in an audio production of "Romeo and Juliet" directed by Michael Sheen.
1997: Romeo and Juliet Audiobook
Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen lent their voices to an audiobook production of "Romeo and Juliet" in 1997.
July 1998: Alice Through the Looking-Glass
Before moving to the US, Beckinsale starred as Alice in Channel 4's "Alice Through the Looking-Glass" which was released in July 1998.
1998: Exploring Diverse Roles: "The Last Days of Disco"
Beckinsale took on a role in the film "The Last Days of Disco", showcasing her versatility beyond costume dramas.
1998: The Last Days of Disco and Critical Acclaim
Beckinsale began seeking work in the US in 1998, starring in "The Last Days of Disco" alongside Chloë Sevigny. Her performance, particularly her American accent, received critical praise and earned her a London Critics' Circle Film Award.
1999: Continuing to Diversify: "Brokedown Palace"
Beckinsale further expanded her acting repertoire with a role in the film "Brokedown Palace".
1999: Brokedown Palace
In 1999, Beckinsale starred opposite Claire Danes in "Brokedown Palace," a drama where they played young Americans navigating the Thai justice system. Despite mixed reviews, both actresses' performances were recognized for their talent.
1999: Birth of Lily Mo Sheen
Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen's daughter, Lily Mo Sheen, was born in 1999.
2000: Period Drama Return: "The Golden Bowl"
Beckinsale starred in the film adaptation of Henry James' novel "The Golden Bowl".
2000: The Golden Bowl and Critical Recognition
Following the birth of her daughter, Beckinsale starred in "The Golden Bowl" in 2000. The Merchant/Ivory film, based on the Henry James novel, featured Beckinsale alongside Uma Thurman and Jeremy Northam. Her nuanced performance garnered further critical acclaim.
2001: Mainstream Success with "Pearl Harbor" and "Serendipity"
Beckinsale gained wider recognition for her roles in the blockbuster film "Pearl Harbor" and the romantic comedy "Serendipity".
2001: Pearl Harbor and Casting Controversy
Beckinsale rose to prominence in 2001 with her role as a nurse in the war film "Pearl Harbor." The film, directed by Michael Bay, sparked controversy due to Bay's comments about asking Beckinsale to lose weight, which she later addressed in interviews.
2001: Beckinsale Earns "English Rose" Label
By 2001, Kate Beckinsale had been dubbed an "English rose" by the BBC, acknowledging her classic beauty and British charm.
2001: Serendipity and Romantic Comedy Success
Following "Pearl Harbor," Beckinsale starred in the romantic comedy "Serendipity" alongside John Cusack. Her performance was well-received, with critics praising her chemistry with Cusack and her ability to portray relatable characters.
2001: Thoughts on Marriage
In 2001, Kate Beckinsale expressed feeling "embarrassed" about not receiving a marriage proposal from Michael Sheen, despite feeling like they were already married.
2002: Beckinsale Stars in Gap Advertisement with Orlando Bloom
Kate Beckinsale starred opposite Orlando Bloom in a television advertisement for Gap in 2002. The advertisement was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe.
2002: Laurel Canyon and Exploring Independent Cinema
In 2002, Beckinsale took on the role of Alex in the independent film "Laurel Canyon," reuniting with her "Prince of Jutland" co-star, Christian Bale. The film offered a departure from her previous roles, exploring more complex character dynamics.
July 2003: Press Complaints Commission Dismissal
The Press Complaints Commission dismissed Kate Beckinsale's complaint against the Daily Mail in July 2003, regarding photographs published of her with Len Wiseman and her daughter.
August 2003: Apology from Daily Mail
The Daily Mail issued a public apology to Kate Beckinsale in August 2003 after falsely claiming she had "spent time in a clinic" following her breakup with Michael Sheen.
2003: Embracing Action: "Underworld" Franchise Begins
Beckinsale began her role as the vampire warrior Selene in "Underworld", a role she would reprise in subsequent films.
2003: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Beckinsale made a cameo appearance in the prequel "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" using footage from the 2003 film "Underworld."
2003: Venturing into New Territory: "Tiptoes"
Beckinsale took on a challenging and unconventional role in the film "Tiptoes".
2003: Underworld and Transitioning to Action Genre
Beckinsale's role as a vampire in the 2003 action film "Underworld" marked a significant shift in her career. She embraced the challenges of the genre, performing her own stunts and solidifying her versatility as an actress. The film achieved commercial success and garnered a cult following. She also appeared in "Tiptoes" the same year.
2003: Breakup with Michael Sheen
Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen ended their relationship in 2003 after filming "Underworld" together.
2003: Meeting and Romance with Len Wiseman
Kate Beckinsale met director Len Wiseman while working on "Underworld" in 2003, leading to a romantic relationship.
2003: Sober Lifestyle Revelation
Kate Beckinsale revealed in 2003 that she has never been drunk, taken drugs, or had a one-night stand.
May 2004: Marriage to Len Wiseman
Kate Beckinsale married Len Wiseman in Bel-Air, California in May 2004.
2004: Beckinsale Features in Diet Coke Advertisement Directed by Michel Gondry
In 2004, Kate Beckinsale was featured in a Diet Coke television advertisement. Notably, the advertisement was directed by the visionary filmmaker Michel Gondry.
2004: The Aviator
Kate Beckinsale portrayed Ava Gardner in Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator" in 2004. Her performance in the commercially successful film garnered mixed reviews.
2004: Action Heroine: "Van Helsing"
Beckinsale starred alongside Hugh Jackman in the action-horror film "Van Helsing".
2004: Van Helsing
In 2004, Kate Beckinsale starred in the action horror film "Van Helsing" alongside Hugh Jackman. Though a commercial success, the film received negative reviews.
2004: Addressing Criticism and Personal Reflections
In 2004, Beckinsale addressed Michael Bay's comments about her appearance during the filming of "Pearl Harbor," expressing her discontent and reflecting on the pressure faced by young actresses.
2004: Working with Scorsese: "The Aviator"
Beckinsale appeared in Martin Scorsese's biographical drama "The Aviator".
2006: Exploring Genre Variety: "Click"
Beckinsale starred alongside Adam Sandler in the fantasy comedy "Click".
2006: Underworld: Evolution and Click
In 2006, Beckinsale reprised her role as Selene in "Underworld: Evolution," directed by her then-husband Len Wiseman. The film was a commercial success. She also starred in the comedy "Click" alongside Adam Sandler, which was a box office hit.
2007: Critical Recognition: "Snow Angels"
Beckinsale received critical acclaim for her performance in the drama "Snow Angels".
2007: Snow Angels
Beckinsale starred in the independent drama "Snow Angels" in 2007, portraying a single mother. The film received critical acclaim for her performance but was not a commercial success.
2007: Vacancy
In 2007, Beckinsale starred in the thriller "Vacancy" with Luke Wilson. The film was a commercial success despite mixed reviews.
2007: Support for Writers Guild of America Strike
Kate Beckinsale showed her support for the Writers Guild of America strike in 2007 by appearing in a video for Project "Speechless".
2008: Support for Various Charities
Kate Beckinsale hosted the 4th Annual Pink Party in 2008, raising funds for the Women's Cancer Research Institute.
2008: Nothing but the Truth
In 2008, Beckinsale starred in "Nothing but the Truth" as a journalist, receiving critical acclaim and a Critic's Choice Award nomination. However, the film faced distribution issues and did not get a full release.
2008: Exploring Political Themes: "Nothing but the Truth"
Beckinsale starred in the political thriller "Nothing but the Truth".
2008: Winged Creatures
Beckinsale joined an ensemble cast in "Winged Creatures" in 2008. The film had a limited theatrical release.
2009: Everybody's Fine
Beckinsale co-starred with Robert De Niro in the family drama "Everybody's Fine" in 2009. The film was a box-office disappointment.
2009: Action and Acclaim: "Whiteout" and "Everybody's Fine"
Beckinsale starred in the action thriller "Whiteout" and received critical acclaim for her role in the comedy-drama "Everybody's Fine".
2009: Whiteout
Beckinsale starred in the comic book adaptation "Whiteout" in 2009. The film was a critical and commercial failure.
2009: Legal Victory Against Express Newspapers
Kate Beckinsale was awarded £20,000 in damages by the British High Court in 2009 after successfully suing Express Newspapers for false reporting about her losing a role.
2009: Beckinsale Poses for Absolut Vodka Print Campaign
Kate Beckinsale was the face of Absolut Vodka's print campaign in 2009. The photographs for the campaign were shot by renowned photographer Ellen von Unwerth.
May 2010: Cannes Film Festival Jury Member
Beckinsale served on the jury for the Cannes Film Festival in May 2010.
2011: Career Hiatus
Beckinsale took a break from acting in 2011 to focus on her daughter.
2011: Reconciliation and Professional Respect
Despite past controversies, Beckinsale expressed fondness for Michael Bay in 2011, indicating a level of reconciliation and professional respect between the two.
2012: Nestlé's Share the Joy of Reading Program
Kate Beckinsale joined Nestlé's Share the Joy of Reading Program in 2012 to promote literacy.
2012: Participation in "Republicans, Get in My Vagina"
Kate Beckinsale appeared in the Funny or Die video "Republicans, Get in My Vagina" in 2012, a satirical take on Republican Party policies.
2012: Beckinsale Takes on Sci-Fi Action in "Total Recall" Remake and Engages in Political Satire
In 2012, Kate Beckinsale starred in the remake of the sci-fi action film "Total Recall," directed by her then-husband, Len Wiseman. She also appeared in "Republicans, Get in My Vagina," a Funny or Die video satirizing the Republican Party's stance on reproductive rights.
2012: High-Profile Projects: "Contraband" and "Total Recall"
Beckinsale starred in the action thriller "Contraband" and the remake of the science fiction film "Total Recall".
2012: Beckinsale Stars in Action Thriller "Contraband"
In 2012, Kate Beckinsale appeared in the action thriller "Contraband," where she played the wife of Mark Wahlberg's character. The film, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, saw Beckinsale's character caught in the crosshairs as her husband was forced back into a life of crime.
2013: Beckinsale Stars in Legal Thriller "The Trials of Cate McCall"
In 2013, Kate Beckinsale took on the lead role in the legal thriller, "The Trials of Cate McCall," which also featured actors Nick Nolte and James Cromwell. The film was released as a Lifetime movie.
2014: Beckinsale Lends Voice to Video Game and Stars in Psychological Thriller
In 2014, Kate Beckinsale provided her voice for the character Queen Ayrenn in "The Elder Scrolls Online" video game. That same year, she also starred in "Stonehearst Asylum," a psychological thriller inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's work.
2014: Beckinsale Explores Psychological Thriller Genre and Celebrates Monty Python
In 2014, Kate Beckinsale starred in the psychological thriller "The Face of an Angel" alongside Daniel Brühl, a film inspired by the Meredith Kercher case. A fan of Monty Python, she also appeared in an episode of "Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)."
November 2015: Separation from Len Wiseman
Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman separated in November 2015.
2015: Beckinsale Stars in British Comedy "Absolutely Anything"
In 2015, Kate Beckinsale appeared alongside Simon Pegg in the British comedy "Absolutely Anything." She played the role of an author agency employee who becomes the love interest of a man given extraordinary powers by aliens.
2016: Reflection on Relationship with Sheen
Kate Beckinsale described Michael Sheen as "dear, close family" and someone she "really love[s] a lot" in 2016.
2016: Divorce Filing
Len Wiseman filed for divorce from Kate Beckinsale in 2016, citing "irreconcilable differences".
2016: Beckinsale Navigates Horror and Returns to "Underworld" Franchise
In 2016, Kate Beckinsale starred in the horror film "The Disappointments Room," which received negative reviews. That same year, she reprised her role as Selene in "Underworld: Blood Wars," the fifth installment of the popular franchise.
2016: Beckinsale Returns to Austen's World in Critically Acclaimed "Love & Friendship"
In 2016, Kate Beckinsale starred in "Love & Friendship," a film adaptation of Jane Austen's "Lady Susan," directed by Whit Stillman. Reuniting with her "Last Days of Disco" co-stars, Beckinsale garnered critical acclaim for her performance as the cunning and charming Lady Susan.
2016: Concluding the "Underworld" Series
Beckinsale reprised her role as Selene for the final time in "Underworld: Blood Wars", marking the end of an era for the actress.
2017: Independent Film: "The Only Living Boy in New York"
Beckinsale starred in the coming-of-age drama "The Only Living Boy in New York".
2017: Beckinsale Takes on Romantic Drama in "The Only Living Boy in New York"
In 2017, Kate Beckinsale starred in the romantic drama "The Only Living Boy in New York." Directed by Marc Webb, the film saw her playing a book editor and the mistress of a publisher, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan.
2018: Beckinsale Stars in British Film "Farming"
In 2018, Kate Beckinsale took on the role of Ingrid Carpenter in the British film "Farming."
January 2019: Relationship with Pete Davidson
Reports surfaced about Kate Beckinsale dating comedian Pete Davidson in January 2019.
November 2019: Divorce from Len Wiseman
Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman's divorce, initiated in 2016, was finalized in November 2019.
2019: Television Return: "The Widow"
Beckinsale returned to television with a leading role in the limited series "The Widow".
2019: Beckinsale Returns to Television in "The Widow"
In 2019, Kate Beckinsale starred in "The Widow," a drama series aired on ITV and Amazon Prime. This marked her return to television after over two decades, playing a woman convinced her husband is alive despite being declared dead after a plane crash.
July 2021: Beckinsale Stars in Action Comedy "Jolt" and Dark Comedy Series "Guilty Party"
July 2021 saw the release of "Jolt," an action comedy film by Amazon Studios, where Kate Beckinsale starred alongside Bobby Cannavale and Laverne Cox. That same year, she appeared in and executive produced the Paramount+ dark comedy series "Guilty Party."
2021: Returning to Action: "Jolt"
Beckinsale starred in the action-comedy "Jolt", further solidifying her place in the action genre.
2021: Beckinsale to Star in "Prisoner's Daughter"
In 2021, Deadline announced that Kate Beckinsale was set to star in "Prisoner's Daughter," a family drama to be directed by Catherine Hardwicke.
2021: Release of "Anna Lee" on DVD
The complete series of "Anna Lee", featuring Kate Beckinsale, was released on DVD in 2021 with a German dub.
2023: N/A
This date is mentioned in the context of calculating the present-day equivalent of a sum of money and doesn't correspond to a specific event in Kate Beckinsale's life.