History of Keira Knightley in Timeline
Keira Knightley is a celebrated English actress recognized for her versatile performances in both independent films and blockbuster productions, especially period dramas. She has garnered critical acclaim throughout her career, earning nominations for prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards and two British Academy Film Awards. In recognition of her contributions to drama and her charitable work, Knightley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018.
1934: The plot of The Children's Hour
The play "The Children's Hour" by Lillian Hellman is set in 1934. In 2011 Keira Knightley starred in a revival of the play, where she portrayed Karen Wright, who is accused of lesbianism in 1934.
1942: Studied In Which We Serve
In preparation for Atonement in 2007, Keira Knightley studied the "naturalism" of the performance as seen in films from the 1930s and 1940s, such as In Which We Serve from 1942.
1945: Studied Brief Encounter
In preparation for Atonement in 2007, Keira Knightley studied the "naturalism" of the performance as seen in films from the 1930s and 1940s, such as Brief Encounter from 1945.
1970: Setting of Misbehaviour
The film "Misbehaviour", starring Keira Knightley and released in 2020, is set during the 1970 Miss World competition.
March 1985: Keira Knightley Born
Keira Christina Knightley was born on March 26, 1985, in Teddington, London, to stage actors Will Knightley and Sharman Macdonald.
1993: First Onscreen Appearance
In 1993, Keira Knightley made her first onscreen appearance in the Screen One television episode titled "Royal Celebration".
1995: Role in A Village Affair
In 1995, Keira Knightley played Natasha Jordan in the romantic drama A Village Affair.
1996: Role in The Treasure Seekers
In 1996, Keira Knightley appeared in the television film The Treasure Seekers.
1996: The Mount Everest Disaster
The film "Everest", released in 2015 and starring Keira Knightley, was based on the 1996 Mount Everest disaster.
1998: Role in Coming Home
In 1998, Keira Knightley appeared in the television film Coming Home.
1999: Television Appearance in Oliver Twist
In 1999, Keira Knightley appeared in Oliver Twist on television.
1999: Role in Oliver Twist and Star Wars
In 1999, Keira Knightley appeared in the television film Oliver Twist and also played Sabé in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
1999: Minor Role in Star Wars: Episode I
In 1999, Keira Knightley played a minor role as Sabé, a decoy for Padmé Amidala, in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
2001: Dated Del Synnott
In 2001, Keira Knightley began dating actor Del Synnott.
2001: Role in Princess of Thieves
In 2001, Keira Knightley played the daughter of Robin Hood in the Walt Disney Productions television film Princess of Thieves.
2002: Christopher Hampton's stage play The Talking Cure
In 2002 Christopher Hampton wrote the stage play named "The Talking Cure". David Cronenberg's 2011 film "A Dangerous Method", in which Keira Knightley starred, was based on the play.
2002: Roles in Doctor Zhivago and Pure
In 2002, Keira Knightley appeared in the miniseries adaptation of Doctor Zhivago and starred as a pregnant drug addict in the drama film Pure.
2002: Breakthrough Role in Bend It Like Beckham
In 2002, Keira Knightley had her breakthrough role as a tomboy footballer in the film Bend It Like Beckham.
2002: Most Critically Successful Films: Bend It Like Beckham and Doctor Zhivago
In 2002, two of Keira Knightley's most critically successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes, were Bend It Like Beckham and Doctor Zhivago.
2003: Role in Love Actually
Also in 2003, Keira Knightley appeared in Richard Curtis's romantic comedy Love Actually, playing the role of Juliet.
2003: Dated Jamie Dornan
In 2003, Keira Knightley started a relationship with actor Jamie Dornan.
2003: Cast in Pirates of the Caribbean
In 2003, Keira Knightley was cast as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Despite a large budget and star-studded cast, the film was not expected to succeed, but it became a major hit.
2003: Most Critically Successful Films: Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
In 2003, two of Keira Knightley's most critically successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes, were Love Actually, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
2004: Role in King Arthur
In 2004, Keira Knightley played Guinevere in the historical film King Arthur, requiring her to learn boxing, archery, and riding.
2004: Traveled to Ethiopia for Comic Relief
In 2004, Keira Knightley traveled to Ethiopia alongside Richard Curtis, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Julian Metcalfe on behalf of the Comic Relief charity.
2004: Included on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and Named Among Most Influential People
In 2004, Keira Knightley was named among the most influential people in British culture in a BBC poll. She was also included for the first time on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list.
2004: Pirates of the Caribbean Sequels Conceived
In 2004, screenwriters began developing a story arc for the second and third Pirates of the Caribbean films, in which Keira Knightley reprised her role as Elizabeth Swann.
2005: Film Releases in 2005
In 2005, Keira Knightley appeared in three films: The Jacket, Domino, and Pride & Prejudice. The film Domino received negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office.
2005: Dated Rupert Friend
In 2005, Keira Knightley began dating actor Rupert Friend.
2005: Posed for WaterAid and American Library Association's "Read" Campaign
In 2005, Keira Knightley posed for photos for WaterAid and also for the American Library Association's "Read" campaign (a promotional poster of Pride & Prejudice).
2005: Academy Award and Golden Globe Nominations for Pride & Prejudice
In 2005, Keira Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her performance in Pride & Prejudice.
2005: Nomination for Pride & Prejudice
In 2005, Keira Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice.
2005: Filming of Pirates of the Caribbean Sequels
In 2005, Keira Knightley studied sword-fighting in preparation for filming the second and third installments of the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
2005: Most Critically Successful Film: Pride & Prejudice
In 2005, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was Pride & Prejudice.
April 2006: New Celebrity Face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle
In April 2006, Keira Knightley was confirmed as the new celebrity face of Chanel's perfume Coco Mademoiselle.
July 2006: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
In July 2006, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest was released, becoming the biggest financial hit of Keira Knightley's career with worldwide collections of $1.066 billion.
November 2006: Reported Desire to Leave Pirates Franchise
In November 2006, it was reported that Keira Knightley didn't want to participate in any further sequels of Pirates of the Caribbean.
2006: Took Break From Acting
In 2006, Keira Knightley took a break from working, suggesting that she wanted to take some time off acting to travel and focus on her personal life.
2006: Topped FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and Maxim Hot 100 List
In 2006, Keira Knightley topped FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and was also placed ninth on the Maxim Hot 100 list.
2006: Dress Donated to Oxfam
In 2006, The dress Keira Knightley wore to the Academy Awards was donated to the charity Oxfam, where it raised £4,300.
2006: Initial Departure from Pirates of the Caribbean
Keira Knightley had said she would never return to the Pirates of the Caribbean series since 2006. Despite this, she reprised her role of Elizabeth Swann in the 2017 film.
May 2007: First Photo from Chanel Campaign Released
In May 2007, the first photo from Keira Knightley's campaign as the celebrity face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle was released.
2007: Pirates of the Caribbean Role
From 2003 up until 2007 and again in 2017, Keira Knightley achieved global recognition for playing Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
2007: Film Releases: Silk and Atonement
In 2007, Keira Knightley appeared in two film adaptations: Silk, which failed at the box office, and Atonement, which became a critical and commercial success. Her role in Atonement garnered awards and nominations.
2007: Starred in Atonement
In 2007, Keira Knightley starred in the period film Atonement.
2007: Golden Globe and British Academy Film Awards Nominations for Atonement and Won Empire Award
In 2007, Keira Knightley was nominated at the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and at the British Academy Film Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Atonement, and won the Empire Award for Best Actress for her performance in Atonement.
2007: Won Libel Case Against Daily Mail
In 2007, Keira Knightley won a libel case against the British tabloid Daily Mail after it had falsely claimed that she had an eating disorder. She was awarded £3,000 in damages, which she added to and donated £6,000 to Beat, a charity for those with mental illness and eating disorders.
2007: Most Critically Successful Film: Atonement
In 2007, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was Atonement.
2008: Role in The Edge of Love
In 2008, Keira Knightley appeared in The Edge of Love, playing Vera Phillips. She wrote the script with her mother, Sharman Macdonald.
2008: Starring in The Duchess
In 2008, Keira Knightley starred as Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, in the period drama "The Duchess". The film, based on Amanda Foreman's biographical novel, explores Georgiana's societal rise and personal struggles. Knightley's performance was praised for capturing the character's strength, political influence, and inner vulnerability.
2008: Highest-Earning British Hollywood Star
In 2008, Keira Knightley was the highest-earning British Hollywood star according to the Forbes Celebrity 100 list.
2008: Most Critically Successful Film: The Duchess
In 2008, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was The Duchess.
2008: Sought Hypnotherapy Before BAFTA Awards
In early 2008, Keira Knightley sought hypnotherapy to prevent panic attacks so she could attend that year's BAFTA Awards, where she was nominated for her performance in Atonement.
April 2009: Appeared in Women's Aid Domestic Abuse Video
In April 2009, Keira Knightley appeared in a video to raise awareness of domestic abuse entitled Cut shot for Women's Aid. The video created controversy, with some sources calling it too graphic, while other groups support the video for showing a realistic depiction of domestic violence.
December 2009: West End Debut in The Misanthrope
In December 2009, Keira Knightley made her West End debut in Martin Crimp's version of Molière's comedy, "The Misanthrope", at the Comedy Theatre. She played Jennifer, an American film star. Knightley's performance received mixed reviews, with some critics praising her convincing portrayal and others noting the role didn't fully challenge her.
2009: West End Production: The Misanthrope
In 2009, Keira Knightley appeared in The Misanthrope in the West End, earning her an Olivier Award nomination.
2009: Included in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list
In 2009, Keira Knightley was included in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list for the last time.
2009: Named Amongst Most Bankable Actors
In 2009, Keira Knightley was named amongst the most bankable actors.
February 2010: Man Charged with Harassment
In February 2010, a 41-year-old man was charged with harassment after trying to contact Keira Knightley on several occasions outside London's Comedy Theatre, where she was performing in The Misanthrope. The subsequent trial folded after she was unavailable to testify in court.
November 2010: Became Patron of the SMA Trust
In November 2010, Keira Knightley became patron of the SMA Trust, a British charity that funds medical research into the disease spinal muscular atrophy.
2010: Desire to Move On From Pirates Franchise
By 2010, Keira Knightley had repeatedly stated that she wanted to move on from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
2010: Ended Relationship with Rupert Friend
In 2010, Keira Knightley ended her relationship with actor Rupert Friend.
2010: Most Critically Successful Film: Never Let Me Go
In 2010, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was Never Let Me Go.
February 2011: Began Relationship with James Righton
In February 2011, Keira Knightley began a relationship with musician James Righton.
2011: West End Production: The Children's Hour
In 2011, Keira Knightley appeared in The Children's Hour in the West End.
2011: Starring in The Children's Hour and A Dangerous Method
In 2011, Keira Knightley starred in a revival of "The Children's Hour" in London, portraying Karen Wright, who is accused of lesbianism. Also in 2011, she appeared in David Cronenberg's historical drama "A Dangerous Method" as Sabina Spielrein, a psychoanalyst involved with Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. Her performance in "A Dangerous Method" was positively received.
2011: Starred in A Dangerous Method
In 2011, Keira Knightley starred in the period film A Dangerous Method.
2011: Most Critically Successful Film: A Dangerous Method
In 2011, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was A Dangerous Method.
2012: Starring in Seeking a Friend for the End of the World and Anna Karenina
In 2012, Keira Knightley co-starred in the comedy-drama "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World". Later in 2012, she reunited with director Joe Wright for "Anna Karenina", where she played the title character. Her performance in "Anna Karenina" was positively received.
2012: Starred in Anna Karenina
In 2012, Keira Knightley starred in the period film Anna Karenina.
May 2013: Married James Righton
On 4 May 2013, Keira Knightley married musician James Righton in Mazan, France.
2013: Starred in Begin Again
In 2013, Keira Knightley starred in the contemporary-set film Begin Again.
2013: Premiere of Begin Again at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2013, Keira Knightley's first musical film, "Begin Again", premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by John Carney and co-starring Mark Ruffalo, the film had its theatrical release in 2014.
February 2014: Views on Feminism Published in Harper's Bazaar UK
In February 2014, Keira Knightley's perspectives on feminism were published in an interview with Harper's Bazaar UK, where she discussed the hurdles women face in the film industry and her perplexity regarding the derogatory use of the term 'feminist'.
July 2014: Knightley's career aspirations
In July 2014, Keira Knightley expressed that she had reached the end of the first stage of her career and wanted to move away from playing "neurotic" characters.
September 2014: Topless Photo Shoot for Interview Magazine
In September 2014, Keira Knightley posed topless for the cover of Interview magazine, stipulating that the image not be digitally altered, in order to highlight how "women's bodies are a battleground and photography is partly to blame."
2014: Academy Award, Golden Globe and British Academy Film Awards Nominations for The Imitation Game
In 2014, Keira Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture and a British Academy Film Awards nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in The Imitation Game.
2014: Starred in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
In 2014, Keira Knightley starred in the contemporary-set film Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and also in The Imitation Game.
2014: Most Critically Successful Film: The Imitation Game
In 2014, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was The Imitation Game.
2014: Theatrical release of Begin Again
In 2014, the film "Begin Again", starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, had its theatrical release. The Guardian found Knightley and Ruffalo to be "nicely natural as the increasingly idealistic musos".
October 2015: Broadway Debut in Thérèse Raquin
In October 2015, Keira Knightley made her Broadway debut, playing the title role in Helen Edmundson's adaptation of Émile Zola's "Thérèse Raquin" at Studio 54. She took the role after initially declining it twice.
2015: Birth of First Daughter
In 2015, Keira Knightley and James Righton had their first daughter.
2015: Broadway Production: Thérèse Raquin
In 2015, Keira Knightley starred as the titular heroine in the Broadway production of Thérèse Raquin.
2015: Release and Broadway Debut
In 2015, Keira Knightley starred in the biographical disaster film, "Everest". Also in October 2015, she made her Broadway debut in "Thérèse Raquin".
2015: Most Critically Successful Film: Everest
In 2015, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was Everest.
May 2016: Signed Letter to Vote 'Remain' in EU Referendum
In May 2016, Keira Knightley signed a letter imploring Britain to vote 'remain' in the UK EU referendum, along with other notable figures.
September 2016: Appeared in UNHCR Video for Refugee Crisis and Co-hosted Green Carpet Challenge
In September 2016, Keira Knightley appeared in a video from the United Nations' refugee agency UNHCR to help raise awareness of the global refugee crisis. Also in September 2016, Knightley co-hosted A Night to Remember, part of the Green Carpet Challenge, a charity event highlighting sustainability within the fashion industry.
December 2016: Man Sentenced for Harassment and Stalking
In December 2016, another man was sentenced to eight weeks in prison after harassing Keira Knightley outside her home and stalking her.
2016: Advocated for Equal Paternity Leave and Spoke on Childcare Costs
In 2016, Keira Knightley remarked on "how lucky I've been to be able to afford really good childcare, otherwise it would be at least four years out of my career" and advocates equal paternity leave and has spoken about the expense of childcare in England.
2016: Roles in Catherine the Great biopic and Collateral Beauty
In 2016, Keira Knightley was set to star in a biopic about Catherine the Great, although it has not come to fruition. Also in 2016, she appeared in the ensemble drama "Collateral Beauty", which was critically panned.
September 2017: Traded Stocks for SMA Trust on BGC Charity Day
In September 2017, Keira Knightley traded stocks on behalf of the spinal muscular atrophy charity SMA Trust as part of the BGC Charity Day.
2017: Pirates of the Caribbean Role
From 2003 up until 2007 and again in 2017, Keira Knightley achieved global recognition for playing Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
2017: Cameo Appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
In 2017, Keira Knightley reprised her role as Elizabeth Swann with a cameo appearance in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" after test audiences repeatedly inquired about her character.
2018: Regaining confidence in her abilities
By the release of "Colette" in 2018, Keira Knightley felt she had learned her craft and mentally occupied a "good place where I feel pretty confident about what I can do".
2018: Revealed Mental Breakdown and PTSD Diagnosis
In 2018, Keira Knightley revealed that she had a mental breakdown at age 22 and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), struggling to adjust to her sudden rise to stardom.
2018: Starred in Colette
In 2018, Keira Knightley starred as the title character in Colette.
2018: Starring in Colette and Appointment as OBE
In 2018, Keira Knightley starred as the titular French author in the biographical drama "Colette". Also in 2018, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama and charity.
2018: Appointed OBE
In 2018, Keira Knightley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Buckingham Palace for her services to drama and charity.
2018: Most Critically Successful Film: Colette
In 2018, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was Colette.
January 2019: Premiere of Official Secrets at Sundance Film Festival
On January 28, 2019, "Official Secrets", starring Keira Knightley as Katharine Gun, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received positive reviews.
2019: Birth of Second Daughter
In 2019, Keira Knightley and James Righton had their second daughter.
2019: Most Critically Successful Film: Official Secrets
In 2019, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was Official Secrets.
April 2020: Participated in World Health Day Livestream
In April 2020, Keira Knightley participated in a World Health Day livestream to raise money for charity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2020: Designed Pin Badges for #PinYourThanks Campaign
In June 2020, Keira Knightley and other celebrities designed a range of pin badges for the #PinYourThanks campaign, dedicated to thanking essential workers, with all profits going to NHS Charities Together and Volunteering Matters.
October 2020: Backed Made By Dyslexia Campaign
In October 2020, Keira Knightley backed Made By Dyslexia, a global campaign to help teachers address 'dyslexic strengths'.
2020: Starring in Misbehaviour
In 2020, Keira Knightley played feminist activist Sally Alexander in "Misbehaviour", a film about the 1970 Miss World competition. The film explores the intersectionality in second-wave feminism.
2020: Most Critically Successful Film: Misbehaviour
In 2020, one of Keira Knightley's most critically successful film, according to Rotten Tomatoes, was Misbehaviour.
2021: Participated in 2020 The Movie skit for Red Nose Day 2021
In 2021, Keira Knightley participated in a skit entitled 2020 The Movie, commemorating Red Nose Day 2021.
2021: Starring in Silent Night and voicing Charlotte
In 2021, Keira Knightley starred in the holiday comedy "Silent Night". She also voiced the lead role in the animated film "Charlotte", which tells the true story of a young artist during the Holocaust.
2023: Starring in Boston Strangler
In 2023, Keira Knightley portrayed reporter Loretta McLaughlin in the crime drama film "Boston Strangler", based on the true story of the Boston Strangler murders.
2024: Starred in Black Doves
In 2024, Keira Knightley starred as a spy in the thriller series Black Doves.
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