History of Keira Knightley in Timeline
Keira Knightley is a celebrated English actress recognized for her versatile roles in both independent films and major blockbusters, especially period dramas. Her critically acclaimed performances have earned her multiple prestigious award nominations, including two Academy Awards and several BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. In recognition of her contributions to drama and her philanthropic efforts, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018.
1934: The Children's Hour set in 1934
In 1934, the play "The Children's Hour", in which Keira Knightley starred in the 2011 revival, is set. The play, written by Lillian Hellman, follows the story of Karen Wright, an engaged schoolteacher accused of lesbianism.
1942: Studying In Which We Serve
In preparation for her role in Atonement in 2007, Knightley studied films such as In Which We Serve from 1942 to understand the naturalism of performances.
1945: Studying Brief Encounter
In 2007, while preparing for her role in Atonement, Keira Knightley studied Brief Encounter from 1945.
1970: Miss World competition
In 1970, the Miss World competition took place. This event is depicted in the 2020 film "Misbehaviour", in which Keira Knightley starred as feminist activist Sally Alexander.
March 1985: Keira Knightley's Birth
In March 1985, Keira Christina Knightley was born on 26 March in Teddington, a suburb of 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: Appeared in The Treasure Seekers
In 1996, Keira Knightley appeared in the television film The Treasure Seekers.
1996: Mount Everest Disaster
In 1996, the Mount Everest disaster occurred, which served as the basis for the 2015 film "Everest" starring Keira Knightley. The film recounts the events surrounding the tragic climbing expedition.
1998: Appeared in Coming Home
In 1998, Keira Knightley appeared in the television film Coming Home.
1999: Role in Oliver Twist
In 1999, Keira Knightley appeared in Oliver Twist before landing a role in Star Wars.
1999: Role in Star Wars: Episode I
In 1999, Keira Knightley played Sabé in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, her dialogue dubbed by Natalie Portman due to their close resemblance.
2001: Dated Del Synnott
In 2001, Keira Knightley began dating actor Del Synnott; the relationship lasted until 2003.
2001: Appearance in Princess of Thieves
In 2001, Keira Knightley made a television appearance in Princess of Thieves.
2002: The Talking Cure Stage Play
In 2002, Christopher Hampton's stage play "The Talking Cure" was released, which served as the basis for the 2011 film "A Dangerous Method" starring Keira Knightley. The play explores the relationships between Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and Sabina Spielrein.
2002: Breakthrough with Bend It Like Beckham
In 2002, Keira Knightley had her breakthrough role as a tomboy footballer in Bend It Like Beckham. This role significantly raised her profile in the film industry.
2002: Role in Doctor Zhivago Miniseries
In 2002, Keira Knightley played Lara Antipova in the miniseries adaptation of Doctor Zhivago, receiving positive reviews.
2002: Role in Pure
In 2002, Keira Knightley starred as a pregnant drug addict in Gillies MacKinnon's drama film Pure, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2002: Critically successful film Bend It Like Beckham and TV appearance in Doctor Zhivago
In 2002, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Bend It Like Beckham and appeared in Doctor Zhivago
2003: Role in Love Actually
In 2003, Keira Knightley appeared in Love Actually, playing Juliet. The film has since been regarded as a modern-day Christmas classic.
2003: Began dating Jamie Dornan
In 2003, Keira Knightley began dating Jamie Dornan. The relationship lasted until 2005.
2003: Role in Pirates of the Caribbean
In 2003, Keira Knightley starred as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Despite initial low expectations, the film became a major box office success, grossing $654 million worldwide.
2003: Critically successful film Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
In 2003, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film 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: Travel to Ethiopia with 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: Named among most influential people in British culture
In 2004, Keira Knightley was named among the most influential people in British culture in a BBC poll. She also made her first appearance on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and was part of the American editions of the list from 2004 to 2006.
2004: Development of Pirates of the Caribbean Sequels
In 2004, screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio developed a story arc spanning the second and third Pirates of the Caribbean films, with Knightley reprising her role as Elizabeth Swann.
2005: Roles in The Jacket and Domino
In 2005, Keira Knightley appeared in The Jacket and played the titular character in Domino. Domino received negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office.
2005: Started relationship with Rupert Friend
In 2005, Keira Knightley started a relationship with Rupert Friend, which lasted until 2010.
2005: Nomination for Pride & Prejudice
In 2005, Keira Knightley was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice. This nomination marked a significant achievement in her career.
2005: Posed for WaterAid and ALA's "Read" campaign
In 2005, 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 Nomination for Pride & Prejudice
In 2005, 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: Critically successful film Pride & Prejudice
In 2005, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Pride & Prejudice
2005: Filming Pirates of the Caribbean Sequels
In 2005, filming took place for the second and third installments of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, where Knightley studied sword-fighting.
April 2006: Confirmed as the 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: Reports of Not Wanting Further Sequels
In November 2006, it was reported that Keira Knightley did not want to participate in any further sequels of Pirates of the Caribbean.
2006: Mentioned Never Returning to Pirates of the Caribbean Series
In 2006, Keira Knightley mentioned that she would never return to the Pirates of the Caribbean series. However, she reprised her role as Elizabeth Swann in 2017.
2006: Took a break from working
In 2006, 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
In 2006, Knightley topped FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and was also placed ninth on the Maxim Hot 100 list.
2006: Donated dress to Oxfam
In 2006, the dress Keira Knightley wore to the Academy Awards was donated to the charity Oxfam, where it raised £4,300.
May 2007: First photo from Coco Mademoiselle campaign released
In May 2007, the first photo from Keira Knightley's Chanel Coco Mademoiselle campaign was released.
2007: Pirates of the Caribbean Role
In 2003-2007, Keira Knightley played Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series .
2007: Releases of Silk and Atonement
In 2007, Keira Knightley starred in François Girard's Silk and Joe Wright's Atonement. Silk failed at the box office, while Atonement was a critical and commercial success, earning Knightley an Empire Award and nominations for a BAFTA and Golden Globe.
2007: Starred in Atonement
In 2007, Keira Knightley starred in the period film Atonement. Her role in this film added to her reputation in period dramas.
2007: Critically successful film Atonement
In 2007, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Atonement
2007: Golden Globe and BAFTA nomination for Atonement and Empire Award win
In 2007, Knightley was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and a British Academy Film Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Atonement. She also won the Empire Award for Best Actress for her performance in Atonement (2007) after five nominations.
2007: Won libel case against Daily Mail and donated damages to Beat
In 2007, Knightley won a libel case against the British tabloid Daily Mail after it falsely claimed that she had an eating disorder. Awarded £3,000 in damages, she added to the sum and donated £6,000 to Beat, a charity for those with mental illness and eating disorders.
2008: Starred in The Edge of Love
In 2008, Keira Knightley appeared in The Edge of Love, playing Vera Phillips. The film became a moderate critical and commercial success, with Knightley's performance and singing abilities being praised.
2008: Stars in The Duchess
In 2008, Keira Knightley starred as Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, in the period drama "The Duchess". The film is based on the biographical novel, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman, and explores Georgiana's life as a sociopolitical figure. Knightley's performance was praised, with some considering it her best to date.
2008: Critically successful film The Duchess
In 2008, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film The Duchess.
2008: Highest-earning British Hollywood star
In 2008, Knightley was the highest-earning British Hollywood star according to the Forbes Celebrity 100 list.
2008: Hypnotherapy before BAFTA Awards
In early 2008, Keira Knightley had hypnotherapy to prevent panic attacks so she could be able to attend that year's BAFTA Awards, where she was nominated for her performance in Atonement.
April 2009: Appeared in domestic abuse awareness video
In April 2009, Knightley appeared in a video entitled Cut shot for Women's Aid, to raise awareness of domestic abuse. The video generated controversy due to its graphic nature.
December 2009: West End Debut in The Misanthrope
In December 2009, Keira Knightley made her West End debut in "The Misanthrope", a comedy by Molière. She played Jennifer, an American film star. Knightley's performance received mixed reviews, but she was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award and an Evening Standard Award for her theatre debut.
2009: West End Debut in The Misanthrope
In 2009, Keira Knightley appeared in The Misanthrope in London's West End, earning her a nomination for an Olivier Award.
2009: Final inclusion on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list
In 2009, Keira Knightley was included for the last time on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list.
2009: Named among most bankable actors
In 2009, Keira Knightley was named amongst the most bankable actors.
February 2010: Harassment charges filed against man
In February 2010, a 41-year-old man was charged with harassment after trying to contact Knightley on several occasions outside London's Comedy Theatre, where she was performing in The Misanthrope.
November 2010: Became patron of the SMA Trust
In November 2010, Knightley became a patron of the SMA Trust, a British charity that funds medical research into spinal muscular atrophy.
2010: Desire to Move On From Pirates
By 2010, both Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom had repeatedly stated their desire to move on from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
2010: Relationship with Rupert Friend ended
In 2010, Keira Knightley ended her relationship with Rupert Friend.
2010: Critically successful film Never Let Me Go
In 2010, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Never Let Me Go.
February 2011: Started relationship with James Righton
In February 2011, Knightley began a relationship with musician James Righton.
2011: The Children's Hour in West End
In 2011, Keira Knightley performed in The Children's Hour in London's West End.
2011: Starred in A Dangerous Method
In 2011, Keira Knightley starred in A Dangerous Method, another period film.
2011: Stars in The Children's Hour and A Dangerous Method
In 2011, Keira Knightley starred in a revival of "The Children's Hour" and the historical drama "A Dangerous Method". In "The Children's Hour", she played Karen Wright, a schoolteacher accused of lesbianism. In "A Dangerous Method", she portrayed Sabina Spielrein, a psychoanalyst involved with Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival to positive reviews, and Knightley's performance was well-received.
2011: Critically successful film A Dangerous Method
In 2011, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film A Dangerous Method.
2012: Stars 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" and reunited with director Joe Wright for "Anna Karenina", in which she played the title character. While "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" was not critically successful, Knightley received positive reviews for her role in "Anna Karenina".
2012: Starred in Anna Karenina
In 2012, Keira Knightley starred in Anna Karenina, adding to her roles in period films.
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 took on a contemporary role in 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. The film, co-starring Mark Ruffalo, was directed by John Carney. Knightley's performance received mixed reviews, with some criticism from the director.
February 2014: Feminist Perspectives in Harper's Bazaar UK
In February 2014, Knightley voiced her perspectives on feminism in an interview with Harper's Bazaar UK. She highlighted the challenges women face in the film industry and expressed confusion over the derogatory use of "feminist."
July 2014: States she reached the end of the first stage of her career
In July 2014, Keira Knightley stated that she had reached the end of the first stage of her career, expressing a desire to move away from "neurotic" roles.
September 2014: Topless Photo Shoot for Interview Magazine
In September 2014, Knightley posed topless for the cover of Interview magazine, stipulating that the image not be digitally altered, in order to bring awareness to the objectification of women's bodies and the role of photography in it.
2014: Theatrical Release of Begin Again
In 2014, "Begin Again", starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, had its theatrical release. The film, directed by John Carney, saw Knightley's first venture into musical films.
2014: Nomination for The Imitation Game
In 2014, Keira Knightley earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Joan Clarke in The Imitation Game.
2014: Starred in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
In 2014, Keira Knightley starred in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, a contemporary-set film.
2014: Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA Nomination for The Imitation Game
In 2014, 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 Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in The Imitation Game.
2014: Critically successful film The Imitation Game
In 2014, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film The Imitation Game.
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 initially turned down the project twice but ultimately took the role.
2015: Birth of first daughter
In 2015, Keira Knightley and James Righton welcomed their first daughter.
2015: Broadway Debut in Thérèse Raquin
In 2015, Keira Knightley starred as the titular heroine in the Broadway production of Thérèse Raquin.
2015: Stars in Everest and Debut on Broadway
In 2015, Keira Knightley was part of the ensemble cast in the biographical disaster film "Everest", where she played the wife of mountaineer Rob Hall. In October 2015, Knightley made her Broadway debut in "Thérèse Raquin".
2015: Critically successful film Everest
In 2015, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Everest.
May 2016: Signed letter imploring Britain to vote "remain" in the EU referendum
In May 2016, Knightley signed a letter, along with other public figures, imploring Britain to vote "remain" in the UK EU referendum.
September 2016: Appeared in UNHCR video and co-hosted charity event
In September 2016, 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 stalking
In December 2016, another man was sentenced to eight weeks in prison after harassing Knightley outside her home and stalking her.
2016: Remarks on childcare costs in England
In 2016, 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."
2016: Set to Star in Catherine the Great Biopic and Appears in Collateral Beauty
In 2016, it was announced that Keira Knightley was set to star in a biopic about Catherine the Great, but the project did not materialize. Knightley also appeared in the ensemble drama "Collateral Beauty", which was critically panned.
September 2017: Traded stocks for SMA Trust
In September 2017, Knightley traded stocks on behalf of the spinal muscular atrophy charity SMA Trust as part of the BGC Charity Day, commemorating the stockbrokers killed during the September 11 attacks.
2017: Pirates of the Caribbean Role
In 2017, Keira Knightley played Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series .
2017: Cameo 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 inquired about her character.
2018: Starred in Colette
In 2018, Keira Knightley starred as the title character in Colette.
2018: Stars in Colette and Receives OBE
In 2018, Keira Knightley starred in the biographical drama "Colette" as the titular French author. The film was critically successful, and Knightley's performance received acclaim. In the same year, Knightley was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama and charity.
2018: Appointed an OBE
In 2018, Keira Knightley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Buckingham Palace. This honor was given in recognition of her contributions to drama and her charitable work.
2018: Revealed mental breakdown and PTSD diagnosis
In 2018, Knightley revealed that she had a mental breakdown at age 22 and had been later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), since she struggled to adjust to her sudden rise to stardom.
2018: Critically successful film Colette
In 2018, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Colette.
January 2019: Premiere of Official Secrets at Sundance Film Festival
On January 28, 2019, "Official Secrets", starring Keira Knightley as whistleblower Katharine Gun, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews. The film depicts the events surrounding the Iraq War and government accountability.
2019: Birth of second daughter
In 2019, Keira Knightley and James Righton welcomed their second daughter.
2019: Critically successful film Official Secrets
In 2019, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Official Secrets.
April 2020: Participated in World Health Day livestream
In April 2020, 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 profits going to NHS Charities Together and Volunteering Matters.
October 2020: Backed Made By Dyslexia campaign
In October 2020, Knightley backed Made By Dyslexia, a global campaign to help teachers address "dyslexic strengths."
2020: Stars in Misbehaviour
In 2020, Keira Knightley played feminist activist Sally Alexander in "Misbehaviour", a film about the 1970 Miss World competition and the crowning of the first black contestant. The film discusses intersectionality in second wave feminism. The film was received positively.
2020: Critically successful film Misbehaviour
In 2020, Knightley starred in the critically acclaimed film Misbehaviour.
2021: Stars in Silent Night and Voices in Charlotte
In 2021, Keira Knightley starred in the holiday comedy "Silent Night" and voiced the lead role in the animated film "Charlotte", about a young artist during the Holocaust.
2023: Portrays Loretta McLaughlin 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.
2023: Starred in Boston Strangler
In 2023, Keira Knightley starred as journalist Loretta McLaughlin in Boston Strangler.
2024: Starred in Black Doves
In 2024, Keira Knightley starred as a spy in the thriller series Black Doves.
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