Keira Knightley (who is Keira Knightley?)

Keira Knightley is a British actress known for her versatility and roles in both independent films and big-budget productions. Born on March 26, 1985, in London, England, to actor Will Knightley and playwright Sharman Macdonald, Keira grew up with an interest in acting from a young age.

Early Career: Knightley began acting as a child, and her first significant role was in the 1999 film "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace," where she played Sabé, the decoy queen to Natalie Portman's Padmé Amidala. However, it was her breakthrough role in the 2002 film "Bend It Like Beckham" that brought her international fame. The film was a critical and commercial success, highlighting Keira's talent and screen presence.

Mainstream Success: Knightley's major Hollywood breakthrough came with the role of Elizabeth Swann in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series, starting with "The Curse of the Black Pearl" (2003) alongside Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. The franchise was a global success and established Knightley as a leading actress in high-profile films.

Critical Acclaim: Keira has received acclaim for her work in period dramas such as "Pride & Prejudice" (2005), for which she earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She continued her success in the historical genre with films like "Atonement" (2007), for which she received a BAFTA and Golden Globe nomination, and "The Duchess" (2008).

Other Noteworthy Films: Throughout her career, Knightley has shown range by taking on diverse roles in films such as "Love Actually" (2003), "Domino" (2005), "Never Let Me Go" (2010), "Anna Karenina" (2012), and "The Imitation Game" (2014), the last earning her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Theatre Work: Apart from her film work, Knightley has also ventured onto the stage. She made her West End debut in a production of Molière's "The Misanthrope" in 2009 and has since performed in other stage productions, further showcasing her acting abilities beyond the camera.

Personal Life: Off-screen, Knightley is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life. She married musician James Righton in 2013, and together they have two children. Knightley has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, including work with Amnesty International and other charitable organizations.

Recognition and Influence: Knightley has been recognized with several awards and nominations for her performances and has appeared in lists compiled by Forbes of the highest-paid actresses. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours for services to drama and charity.

Current Work and Presence: Keira's recent work continues to receive attention, and she remains an active figure in the film industry. Her wide-ranging capabilities and choices of diverse and complex roles have affirmed her status as an accomplished actress of her generation.

For a detailed overview of Keira Knightley’s work, career highlights, and personal insights, you may refer to reputable sources such as her IMDb profile (Keira Knightley - IMDb) or listings on sites dedicated to film and stage, such as the British Film Institute's BFI webpage.