Keira Knightley is a celebrated English actress recognized for her roles in both independent and mainstream films, especially period pieces. Her performances have garnered her critical acclaim, including nominations for two Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes. In recognition of her contributions to the arts and philanthropy, she was appointed an OBE in 2018.
1942: Release of "In Which We Serve"
"In Which We Serve" was released in 1942. Keira Knightley studied films from this era to prepare for her role in "Atonement."
1945: Release of "Brief Encounter"
"Brief Encounter" was released in 1945. Keira Knightley studied films from this era to prepare for her role in "Atonement."
1970: The 1970 Miss World Competition
The 1970 Miss World competition, which took place in 1970, marked a significant cultural moment as it featured the crowning of the first black contestant. The event and its themes of intersectionality in second-wave feminism were depicted in the film "Misbehaviour," in which Keira Knightley starred as feminist activist Sally Alexander.
March 1985: Birth of Keira Knightley to Actor Parents
Keira Knightley was born in March 1985 to Will Knightley and Sharman Macdonald, both stage actors, in Teddington, London.
March 1985: Birth of Keira Knightley
Keira Knightley was born in March 1985, marking the beginning of her journey to becoming a celebrated actress.
1993: First On-Screen Appearance
Keira Knightley's first on-screen appearance took place in 1993 in an episode of the television series "Screen One".
1995: Roles in "A Village Affair" and "Innocent Lies"
In 1995, Keira Knightley appeared in the romantic drama "A Village Affair" and the television film "Innocent Lies".
1996: Appearance in "The Treasure Seekers"
Keira Knightley had a role in the 1996 television film "The Treasure Seekers".
1998: Role in "Coming Home"
Keira Knightley appeared in the 1998 television film "Coming Home".
1999: Minor Role in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace"
In 1999, Keira Knightley had a minor role as Sabé, Padmé Amidala's decoy, in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace".
1999: Television Appearance in "Oliver Twist"
Keira Knightley appeared in the 1999 television miniseries "Oliver Twist."
1999: Appearance in "Oliver Twist" and "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace"
Keira Knightley had roles in two films released in 1999: the television film "Oliver Twist" and the science fiction blockbuster "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace".
2001: Television Appearance in "Princess of Thieves"
Keira Knightley appeared in the television film "Princess of Thieves" in 2001.
2001: Lead Role in "Princess of Thieves"
Keira Knightley landed her first major role in 2001, playing the lead in the Walt Disney Productions television film "Princess of Thieves".
2002: Breakthrough with "Bend It Like Beckham"
Keira Knightley's breakthrough year arrived in 2002 when she starred as a tomboy footballer in "Bend It Like Beckham".
2002: Roles in "The Hole", "Doctor Zhivago", and "Pure"
Keira Knightley appeared in three productions in 2002: the thriller "The Hole", the miniseries adaptation of "Doctor Zhivago", and the drama film "Pure".
2002: Critically Acclaimed Roles in "Bend It Like Beckham" and "Doctor Zhivago"
Keira Knightley starred in two critically acclaimed projects in 2002: the film "Bend It Like Beckham" and the television adaptation of "Doctor Zhivago."
2003: Appearance in "Love Actually"
Keira Knightley appeared alongside an ensemble cast, including Emma Thompson, in the Christmas-themed romantic comedy "Love Actually", released in 2003.
2003: Critical Success with "Love Actually" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl"
Keira Knightley appeared in two commercially and critically successful films in 2003: "Love Actually" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."
2003: Appearance in "Love Actually" and "Pirates of the Caribbean"
Keira Knightley appeared in two notable films in 2003: the romantic comedy "Love Actually" and the swashbuckler "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl".
2003: Relationships with Del Synnott and Jamie Dornan
Keira Knightley dated actors Del Synnott and Jamie Dornan in 2003.
2003: Starring Role in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl"
Keira Knightley portrayed Elizabeth Swann in the 2003 fantasy swashbuckler film "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl".
2004: Portrayal of Guinevere in "King Arthur"
Keira Knightley took on the role of Guinevere in the 2004 historical film "King Arthur".
2004: Knightley's Early Philanthropic Efforts
Keira Knightley's commitment to social causes was evident in 2004 when she joined Richard Curtis, Sanjeev Bhaskar, and Julian Metcalfe on a trip to Ethiopia on behalf of Comic Relief. This early involvement in charitable work highlighted her dedication to making a difference.
2004: Knightley's Rise to Fame and Recognition
Keira Knightley's influence in British culture was recognized in 2004 when she was featured in a BBC poll of the most influential figures. This year also marked her debut on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list, a testament to her rising fame and public image.
2004: Conception of "Pirates of the Caribbean" Sequels
The second and third "Pirates of the Caribbean" films were conceived in 2004, with screenwriters developing a story arc spanning both sequels.
2005: Academy Award Nomination for "Pride & Prejudice" and Golden Globe Award Nomination for "Pride & Prejudice"
Keira Knightley was nominated for her first Academy Award in 2005, receiving a Best Actress nomination for her role in "Pride & Prejudice." She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical category for the same role.
2005: Academy Award Nomination for "Pride & Prejudice"
Keira Knightley's portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 film adaptation of "Pride & Prejudice" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
2005: Critical Acclaim for "Pride & Prejudice"
Keira Knightley's performance in the 2005 film adaptation of "Pride & Prejudice" garnered widespread critical acclaim.
2005: Keira Knightley Stars in Three Films
In 2005, Keira Knightley starred in three films: the psychological thriller "The Jacket" with Adrien Brody, the action film "Domino" based on Domino Harvey's life, and she filmed the sequels to "Pirates of the Caribbean."
2005: Filming of "Pirates of the Caribbean" Sequels
Keira Knightley filmed the "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels in 2005, taking the opportunity to learn sword-fighting.
2005: Relationship with Rupert Friend
Keira Knightley began dating actor Rupert Friend in 2005.
2005: Knightley Supports WaterAid and Literacy Campaigns
Keira Knightley continued her philanthropic endeavors in 2005 by lending her support to WaterAid, an organization focused on providing clean water and sanitation. She also participated in the American Library Association's "Read" campaign, further demonstrating her commitment to important causes.
April 2006: Knightley Becomes the Face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle
Keira Knightley's rising star power led to her being chosen as the new face of Chanel's fragrance, Coco Mademoiselle, in April 2006. This partnership marked a significant step in her career, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
July 2006: "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" Released
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," the second installment in the franchise, was released in July 2006 and became Knightley's biggest commercial success.
November 2006: Knightley Declines Further "Pirates" Sequels
In November 2006, it was reported that Keira Knightley declined to participate in future "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels.
2006: Knightley Donates Dress to Oxfam
Demonstrating her support for charitable causes, Keira Knightley donated her 2006 Academy Awards dress to Oxfam. The dress's sale raised £4,300, contributing to the organization's efforts to combat global poverty.
2006: Knightley Tops FHM's List and Makes Maxim's Hot 100
In 2006, Keira Knightley reached the pinnacle of FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list, claiming the top spot. This year also saw her inclusion in Maxim's Hot 100 list, where she secured the ninth position, further solidifying her status as a global sex symbol.
2006: Career Break
Keira Knightley took a break from acting in 2006 to travel and focus on her personal life.
May 2007: Knightley's Chanel Campaign Debuts
May 2007 marked the highly anticipated unveiling of Keira Knightley's first campaign for Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle perfume. The campaign, directed by Joe Wright, showcased Knightley's elegance and sophistication, further cementing her association with the luxury brand.
2007: Libel Case Victory and Charitable Donation
Keira Knightley won a libel case against the Daily Mail in 2007 and donated the damages to Beat, a mental health charity.
2007: Conclusion of Initial Run of "Pirates of the Caribbean" Series
The initial run of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series, in which Keira Knightley played Elizabeth Swann, concluded in 2007.
2007: Critical Acclaim for "Atonement"
Keira Knightley received critical acclaim for her performance in the 2007 film "Atonement."
2007: Starring Role in "Atonement"
Keira Knightley starred in the period film "Atonement" in 2007.
2007: Golden Globe Award Nomination for "Atonement" and BAFTA Award Nomination for "Atonement"
Keira Knightley received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the film "Atonement."
2007: Knightley Stars in "Silk" and "Atonement"
In 2007, Keira Knightley starred in two period dramas: "Silk," which was not successful, and "Atonement," a critical and commercial success.
2008: Mental Health Struggles and Attendance at the BAFTAs
In 2008, Keira Knightley dealt with the effects of a mental breakdown that had occurred earlier and used hypnotherapy to cope with panic attacks. She attended that year's BAFTA Awards despite the difficulties.
2008: Knightley Portrays Georgiana Cavendish in "The Duchess"
In 2008, Keira Knightley starred as Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, in the period drama "The Duchess." Her performance was critically acclaimed.
2008: Portrayal of "The Duchess"
In 2008, Keira Knightley starred in the biographical drama "The Duchess".
2008: Knightley Stars in "The Edge of Love"
Keira Knightley co-wrote and starred in the 2008 wartime drama "The Edge of Love," playing Vera Phillips alongside Sienna Miller and Cillian Murphy. Her performance and singing were praised.
2008: Critical Acclaim for "The Duchess"
Keira Knightley's performance in "The Duchess" was met with critical acclaim in 2008.
2008: Knightley Reigns as Highest-Earning British Star in Hollywood
Keira Knightley's success in Hollywood reached new heights in 2008 as she secured the top spot among the highest-earning British stars, according to the prestigious Forbes Celebrity 100 list. This achievement solidified her position as a leading figure in the film industry.
April 2009: Knightley Supports Women's Aid with Powerful Video
In April 2009, Keira Knightley participated in a impactful video campaign for Women's Aid, aiming to increase awareness about domestic abuse. The video's raw and realistic depiction of violence sparked both support and controversy, highlighting the importance of addressing this critical issue.
December 2009: Knightley Makes West End Debut in "The Misanthrope"
Keira Knightley made her West End debut in December 2009, starring as Jennifer in Martin Crimp's adaptation of Molière's "The Misanthrope."
2009: Knightley's Continued Presence on FHM's List
Keira Knightley maintained her presence on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list until 2009, indicating her enduring appeal and recognition in the public eye.
2009: Knightley's Bankability Soars
Keira Knightley's reputation as a bankable actor soared in 2009, placing her among the most sought-after talents in the industry. This recognition highlighted her ability to draw audiences and contribute to the commercial success of her films.
2009: West End Debut in "The Misanthrope"
Keira Knightley made her West End debut in 2009 with a performance in "The Misanthrope", which later earned her an Olivier Award nomination.
February 2010: Harassment Incident
In February 2010, a man was charged with harassment for repeatedly attempting to contact Keira Knightley outside of a London theater.
November 2010: Knightley Champions SMA Research as Patron
Keira Knightley's dedication to philanthropy led her to become a patron of the SMA Trust in November 2010. This UK-based charity focuses on funding crucial medical research for spinal muscular atrophy.
2010: Knightley and Bloom Move On From "Pirates" Franchise
By 2010, both Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom had publicly stated their desire to move on from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.
2010: Breakup with Rupert Friend
Keira Knightley's relationship with Rupert Friend ended in 2010.
2010: Critical Acclaim for "Never Let Me Go"
The film "Never Let Me Go," starring Keira Knightley, was released to critical acclaim in 2010.
February 2011: Relationship with James Righton
Keira Knightley began dating musician James Righton in February 2011.
2011: The Children's Hour and A Dangerous Method
In 2011, Keira Knightley starred in the theatrical production of "The Children's Hour" as Karen Wright and in the film "A Dangerous Method" as Sabina Spielrein.
2011: Appearance in "A Dangerous Method"
Keira Knightley appeared in the 2011 historical drama "A Dangerous Method".
2011: Performance in "The Children's Hour"
Keira Knightley appeared in the West End production of "The Children's Hour" in 2011.
2011: Critical Acclaim for "A Dangerous Method"
Keira Knightley's performance in the 2011 film "A Dangerous Method" earned positive reviews from critics.
2012: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World and Anna Karenina
In 2012, Keira Knightley starred in the comedy-drama "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" alongside Steve Carell and in Joe Wright's adaptation of "Anna Karenina" as the title character.
2012: Roles in "Anna Karenina" and "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World"
Keira Knightley had starring roles in two films released in 2012: the period drama "Anna Karenina" and the contemporary piece "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World".
May 2013: Marriage to James Righton
Keira Knightley and James Righton were married in May 2013 in Mazan, France.
2013: Performance in "Begin Again"
Keira Knightley starred in the musical drama "Begin Again", released in 2013.
2013: Begin Again Premiere
Keira Knightley's first musical film, "Begin Again," premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.
February 2014: Knightley Addresses Feminism and Gender Disparities
In February 2014, Keira Knightley used her platform to shed light on the challenges women encounter in the film industry. Through an interview with Harper's Bazaar UK, she candidly discussed the gender disparities and hurdles women face compared to their male counterparts.
July 2014: Reflecting on Career and New Projects
In July 2014, Keira Knightley expressed her desire to move away from "neurotic" roles. That year, she also starred in "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" and "Laggies," the latter premiering at Sundance Film Festival.
July 2014: Knightley Advocates for Refugees in South Sudan
In July 2014, Keira Knightley travelled to South Sudan to witness firsthand the plight of refugees affected by the civil war. Her visit, organized in collaboration with Oxfam, aimed to raise awareness about the conflict and its devastating consequences.
September 2014: Knightley's Bold Stance on Body Image and Women's Rights
Keira Knightley made a powerful statement about body image in September 2014 by posing topless for the cover of Interview magazine, under the condition that the photograph remain unedited. This bold act aimed to challenge the objectification of women's bodies and raise awareness about the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by media. In a show of solidarity with women globally, Knightley joined other artists in signing an open letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron for International Women's Day 2014. The letter, an initiative by Amnesty International, advocated for women's rights in Afghanistan.
2014: Begin Again Release
"Begin Again," directed by John Carney and starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, was theatrically released in 2014.
2014: Roles in "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" and "The Imitation Game"
In 2014, Keira Knightley appeared in two films: the action thriller "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" and the historical drama "The Imitation Game".
2014: Critical Acclaim for "The Imitation Game"
Keira Knightley starred in "The Imitation Game" in 2014, which was well-received by critics.
2014: Academy Award Nomination for "The Imitation Game" and Golden Globe Award Nomination for "The Imitation Game"
Keira Knightley was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actress category in 2014 for her performance in "The Imitation Game." She also received a Golden Globe Award nomination in the Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture category for the same film.
October 2015: Broadway Debut in "Thérèse Raquin"
In October 2015, Keira Knightley debuted on Broadway as the title character in "Thérèse Raquin" at Studio 54.
2015: Broadway Debut in "Thérèse Raquin"
In 2015, Keira Knightley made her Broadway debut, portraying the title character in "Thérèse Raquin".
2015: Birth of First Daughter
Keira Knightley's first daughter was born in 2015.
2015: Critical Acclaim for "Everest"
"Everest," starring Keira Knightley, was released in 2015 to critical acclaim.
May 2016: Knightley Voices Support for UK to Remain in the EU
In May 2016, Keira Knightley publicly expressed her stance on the UK's EU membership by signing a letter urging Britain to vote "remain" in the upcoming referendum. Her voice joined those of other prominent figures, including John le Carré, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Danny Boyle, in advocating for continued EU membership.
September 2016: Knightley Champions Sustainability in Fashion and Refugee Rights
Keira Knightley actively participated in initiatives promoting sustainability within the fashion industry. In September 2016, she co-hosted "A Night to Remember," an event organized as part of the Green Carpet Challenge, which highlights environmentally conscious practices in fashion. She also lent her voice to the UNHCR's campaign to raise awareness for the global refugee crisis. Alongside fellow actors, she appeared in a video titled "What They Took With Them," reciting a poignant poem inspired by refugees' experiences, as part of the #WithRefugees campaign.
December 2016: Stalking Incident and Legal Action
A man was sentenced to prison for stalking and harassing Keira Knightley outside her home in December 2016.
2016: Advocacy for Equal Paternity Leave and Affordable Childcare
Keira Knightley publicly advocated for equal paternity leave and spoke about the high cost of childcare in England in 2016.
2016: Collateral Beauty and Catherine the Great Announcement
Keira Knightley was set to star in a biopic about Catherine the Great, directed by Barbra Streisand. She also starred in the ensemble drama "Collateral Beauty."
September 2017: Knightley Supports SMA Trust at BGC Charity Day
Keira Knightley continued her support for the SMA Trust in September 2017 by participating in the BGC Charity Day. This event, held in memory of stockbrokers who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks, involves celebrities trading stocks to raise funds for various charities.
2017: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Keira Knightley reprised her role as Elizabeth Swann in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" in a cameo appearance.
2017: Return to "Pirates of the Caribbean" Franchise
Keira Knightley reprised her role as Elizabeth Swann in the 2017 installment of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series.
2018: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis
Keira Knightley revealed in 2018 that she had been diagnosed with PTSD, which stemmed from her early experiences with fame. She also shared that she had a mental breakdown at age 22.
2018: Critical Acclaim for "Colette"
Keira Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film "Colette" in 2018.
2018: Colette and Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Keira Knightley starred as the titular character in the biographical drama "Colette." She was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to drama and charity.
2018: Starring Role in "Colette"
Keira Knightley portrayed the titular character in the 2018 biographical drama "Colette".
2018: Keira Knightley Appointed OBE
In 2018, Keira Knightley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Buckingham Palace, for her contributions to drama and charity.
2018: Knightley Finds Confidence in Her Craft
By 2018, particularly with the release of "Colette," Keira Knightley had developed a strong sense of confidence in her acting abilities. This marked a turning point in her career, as she felt she had honed her craft and reached a point of self-assurance in her capabilities.
January 2019: The Aftermath and Official Secrets
In January 2019, "Official Secrets," in which Knightley portrayed Katharine Gun, premiered at Sundance Film Festival. She also co-starred in "The Aftermath" as Rachel.
2019: Critical Acclaim for "Official Secrets"
"Official Secrets," starring Keira Knightley, was released in 2019 and was well-received by critics.
2019: Birth of Second Daughter
Keira Knightley and James Righton welcomed their second daughter in 2019.
April 2020: Knightley Raises Funds for COVID-19 Relief
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, Keira Knightley used her platform to contribute to relief efforts. She participated in a World Health Day livestream event aimed at raising funds for charities supporting those impacted by the pandemic.
June 2020: Knightley Designs Pin Badges for #PinYourThanks Campaign
In June 2020, Keira Knightley joined forces with other celebrities to show appreciation for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She participated in the #PinYourThanks campaign by designing pin badges, with all profits directed towards NHS Charities Together and Volunteering Matters.
October 2020: Knightley Supports Made By Dyslexia Campaign
Keira Knightley extended her support to the Made By Dyslexia campaign in October 2020. This global initiative focuses on empowering educators to better understand and cater to the unique strengths of dyslexic individuals.
2020: Knightley Stars in "Misbehaviour" and "Silent Night," Departs "The Essex Serpent"
In 2020, Keira Knightley portrayed feminist activist Sally Alexander in the film "Misbehaviour," which revolves around the 1970 Miss World competition and its historical significance. While the film was well-received, Knightley's role was not considered the most captivating. She also committed to star in and produce "The Essex Serpent," an adaptation of Sarah Perry's novel for Apple TV+, but later withdrew due to childcare concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she took on a role in the holiday comedy "Silent Night" which was released in 2021.
2020: Critical Acclaim for "Misbehaviour"
The film "Misbehaviour," featuring Keira Knightley, earned critical acclaim upon its release in 2020.
2021: Knightley Participates in Red Nose Day Skit
In 2021, Keira Knightley contributed to Red Nose Day, a charitable event, by participating in a comedic skit titled "2020 The Movie." Her involvement aimed to raise funds and awareness for the organization's efforts.
2021: Knightley Voices Lead Role in "Charlotte"
In 2021, Keira Knightley lent her voice to the animated film "Charlotte," a poignant portrayal of a young artist's life during the Holocaust.
2023: Knightley Returns to Screen in "Boston Strangler"
In 2023, following a year-long hiatus to prioritize family time, Keira Knightley returned to the screen in the crime drama "Boston Strangler." She portrayed Loretta McLaughlin, a reporter covering the infamous Boston Strangler murders.
2023: Portrayal of Loretta McLaughlin in "Boston Strangler"
Keira Knightley took on the role of journalist Loretta McLaughlin in the 2023 film "Boston Strangler".