Keira Knightley stands as one of Britain’s most recognized actresses, known for roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Pride & Prejudice. Born on March 26, 1985, she built a career spanning over three decades while maintaining privacy with husband James Righton and their two daughters. At 39 years old in 2025, her estimated net worth of $80 million reflects blockbuster success and selective career choices prioritizing artistic integrity.
Keira Knightley’s height is officially listed as 5’6″ (168 cm), though she described herself as 5’7″ in past interviews. Her journey from child actress to Academy Award nominee came with significant challenges. This British actress earned her OBE in 2018 for services to drama and charity.
Keira Knightley Bio/Wiki
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Keira Christina Knightley |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Teddington, London, England |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Spouse | James Righton (married May 4, 2013) |
| Children | Edie (born 2015), Delilah (born 2019) |
| Parents | Will Knightley (actor), Sharman Macdonald (playwright) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $80 million (2025) |
| Notable Awards | OBE (2018), 2× Academy Award nominations, BAFTA nominations, Golden Globe nominations |
| Famous Films | Pirates of the Caribbean series, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, The Imitation Game |
| Residence | Canonbury, Islington, London |
Personal Background
Keira Christina Knightley was born into a family deeply rooted in performing arts. Her father Will Knightley worked as an actor and her mother Sharman Macdonald as a playwright. Her unusual first name was meant to honor Soviet figure skater Kira Ivanova, but her mother accidentally transposed letters on the birth certificate.
Growing up in Teddington, London, she was exposed to theater and film from early childhood. According to People Magazine, she was diagnosed with dyslexia at age six and overcame it through family support, presenting significant reading and writing challenges.
Her determination to act showed remarkably early. At three years old, she requested an agent like her parents had. She secured representation at six, leading to her television debut in “Royal Celebration” (1993) at age seven.
Keira Knightley Career Launch (1993-2002)
Keira Knightley’s acting debut came through small television roles before landing her first major film. In “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999), she played Sabé, the decoy for Natalie Portman’s Queen Amidala at age twelve. The resemblance was so striking that production accounts noted their own mothers couldn’t tell them apart in makeup.
She never attended formal drama school despite acceptance to LAMDA. She attended Teddington School and later Esher College at 16 to study Classics, English Literature, and Political History. She left after one year when offered the role in “Doctor Zhivago” (2002).
Her breakthrough came with “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002), a modest British film about football. Made for £3.5 million, it grossed over $76 million worldwide. Her performance as Jules resonated globally and established her as a compelling screen presence.
Rise To Stardom (2003-2007)
The role that transformed Keira Knightley into an international star came by accident. She nearly missed her “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) audition due to London traffic. She secured the Elizabeth Swann role, and the film stayed in the top three at the box office for 21 weeks.
Her determination to be more than a pretty face led to period dramas. “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations at age twenty. She became the fifth-youngest Best Actress Oscar nominee in history.
She continued with “Atonement” (2007), earning BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations plus the Empire Film Award for Best Actress. The green satin gown she wore was later voted the public’s favorite film costume of all time. By age 23, According to Forbes, she was the second-highest-paid actress in Hollywood with $32 million in 2007.
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Keira Knightley Relationships and Marriage
Keira Knightley’s personal life included several long-term relationships before meeting her husband. She dated actor Del Synnott (2001-2003), actor Jamie Dornan (2003-2005), and actor Rupert Friend (2005-2010). She met Friend on the set of “Pride & Prejudice” and they remained together for five years.
In February 2011, she began a relationship with musician James Righton, keyboardist for the band Klaxons. Their meeting at a dinner party was decidedly low-key—”We were very drunk,” Keira Knightley told in The Drew Barrymore Show. She described him as someone who “will be the brightest light in any room” while she sits in the corner.
They married on May 4, 2013, in Mazan, France, with just eleven guests. Keira Knightley wore Chanel couture and later re-wore the dress on the red carpet. The couple now resides in Canonbury, Islington, London, maintaining a private life away from social media.
Motherhood and Family Life
Keira Knightley and James Righton have two daughters: Edie (born May 25, 2015) and Delilah (born September 13, 2019). She has been deliberate about protecting her family’s privacy, maintaining no social media profiles. One of her daughters has also been diagnosed with dyslexia, and she has praised the child’s memory.
Her daughters show typical childhood disinterest in their mother’s work. Edie once wanted to be a dentist and later wanted to be a gorilla, declining to watch her mother’s films. Keira Knightley finds this “completely fair enough” and very healthy for her children.
She has been vocal about parenting challenges and childcare costs in England. “How lucky I’ve been to be able to afford really good childcare,” she remarked in 2016, according to interviews. She returned to work five months after giving birth to Edie for a Broadway production and nine months after Delilah for filming.
Career Evolution and Selectivity
Keira Knightley maintained a selective approach considering impact on her children. When asked if she would recommend acting to her daughters, she said she couldn’t in good conscience recommend it. She continued working in diverse projects including “The Imitation Game” (2014), earning a second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
She played the title role in “Colette” (2018) and journalist Loretta McLaughlin in “Boston Strangler” (2023). Most recently, she starred as a spy in the thriller series “Black Doves” (2024). Her work-life balance has evolved with James Righton’s help at events.
She has expressed that roles she didn’t get shaped her path. She auditioned for Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” (2004) and called it the singularly most embarrassing moment of her life because she couldn’t sing it, according to IMDb. The role went to Emmy Rossum, while other missed opportunities included roles that went to Anne Hathaway, Hayley Atwell, and Scarlett Johansson.
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Keira Knightley Working Methods and Craft
Keira Knightley’s approach to acting developed without formal drama school training. She took elocution lessons at the beginning of her career. Her first film using an American accent was “The Jacket” (2005), where she auditioned while suffering from food poisoning.
Her theater work earned critical recognition. Her West End debut in “The Misanthrope” (2009) earned a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. She performed in “The Children’s Hour” (2011) at the Comedy Theatre and made her Broadway debut in “Thérèse Raquin” (2015).
She has stated she doesn’t own her films on DVD and never revisits them after first screenings. She fell asleep during the premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” (2007) due to exhaustion. Her preparation for “A Dangerous Method” (2011) included an awkward Skype meeting with director David Cronenberg where the connection froze repeatedly during her performance.
Public Image and Recognition
Keira Knightley received numerous accolades beyond acting awards. She was named Actress of the Year by the Daily Mirror in 2005 according to IMDb trivia. Empire magazine readers voted her Sexiest Movie Star Ever in 2004, and she appeared on multiple FHM and Maxim Hot lists.
In a 2004 poll by the Royal Shakespeare Company, over 2,000 voters chose her as most desired actress to play Juliet over Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman. Forbes ranked her at number 10 on their 2007 list of The 20 Top-Earning Young Superstars. The Telegraph ranked her number 87 among the 100 most powerful people in British culture in 2008.
She has maintained friendships with actors like Sienna Miller and cited Geoffrey Rush as her personal hero. Since 2006, she has fronted Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance campaigns. She also endorsed British jeweler Asprey, Shiatzy Chen, and Lux.
Advocacy and Causes
Keira Knightley’s charitable work includes involvement with Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Comic Relief. She appeared in “The Seasons Alter” (2002), a modern interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream commissioned by environmental organization Futerra. She received no fee for this work, as her mother is patron of the organization.
She helped promote the 60th anniversary of the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights with short films in 2008. She launched Comic Relief’s British icons T-shirts campaign in 2009. She created a WomensAid TV commercial highlighting domestic abuse in 2009, though UK censors refused broadcast.
She visited Ethiopia on behalf of Comic Relief charity in 2004. On June 23, 2016, she joined public figures backing the UK’s EU membership, according to BBC for the Brexit referendum alongside John Hurt, Helena Bonham Carter, Idris Elba, and Cara Delevingne. Her OBE in 2018 recognized services to drama and charity as reported by The Telegraph.
Keira Knightley Financial Success and Lifestyle
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Keira Knightley’s net worth of $80 million stems from blockbuster films and selective endorsements. Her Pirates of the Caribbean roles provided financial security, though she acknowledged they came at a cost. The franchise’s success set her up for life financially while allowing her to choose passion projects.
She bought a flat in Richmond Upon Thames in 2005 but spent only weeks there. She stated in February 2006 that she plans to remain in London and won’t move to Los Angeles for American films. Her current residence in Canonbury, Islington, reflects her commitment to British roots.
Her endorsement work with Chanel since 2006 has provided substantial income beyond acting. She wears a US size 9 shoe and has mentioned loving to collect shoes. She paints her own canvases as a hobby and is a supporter of West Ham United F.C. Women.
Legacy and Reflection
Keira Knightley’s career represents both possibilities and perils of early fame in the 2000s. She emerged as one of the most bankable British actresses of her generation. Her willingness to discuss challenges contributed to broader conversations about celebrity culture.
Her influence extends beyond her £80 million net worth and extensive filmography. “Bend It Like Beckham” became the first Western film screened on North Korean television in 2010, celebrating 10 years of UK-North Korea diplomatic relations. Her films have grossed billions worldwide, with “Pirates of the Caribbean” becoming one of cinema’s most successful franchises.
As she reflected on her marriage and life, she noted they really annoy each other but laugh together. This combination of honesty, resilience, and humor has allowed her to build a sustainable career on her own terms nearly 25 years after her debut.
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Conclusion
Keira Knightley has navigated Hollywood with determination while protecting her personal life. Her career choices reflect values shaped by early experiences and family priorities. From child actress in “Star Wars” to OBE recipient, she has maintained artistic integrity despite commercial pressures.
Her story offers lessons about fame’s costs and the importance of boundaries. She continues working selectively while raising Edie and Delilah in London with James Righton. Her legacy includes not just acclaimed performances but advocacy for awareness and respectful treatment of young women in entertainment.
FAQ’s About Keira Knightley
How tall is Keira Knightley?
Keira Knightley’s height is 5’6″ (168 cm), though she has described herself as 5’7″ in interviews.
What is Keira Knightley’s net worth in 2025?
As reported by Celebrity Net Worth, her net worth is estimated at $80 million, accumulated through films and endorsement deals.
Who is Keira Knightley’s husband?
She is married to James Righton, keyboardist for Klaxons, since May 4, 2013.
How many children does Keira Knightley have?
She has two daughters: Edie (born 2015) and Delilah (born 2019).
What is Keira Knightley’s age?
orn March 26, 1985, she is 39 years old as of 2025.
What is Keira Knightley’s most famous role?
Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean, though she received Oscar nominations for Pride & Prejudice and The Imitation Game.
Does Keira Knightley have dyslexia?
Yes, diagnosed at age six, she overcame challenges with family support.
What awards has Keira Knightley won?
She received an OBE in 2018, two Academy Award nominations, and multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.
Where does Keira Knightley live?
She resides in Canonbury, Islington, London with her family.
Why did Keira Knightley sue the Daily Mail?
She sued for libel in 2007, won £3,000, matched it, and donated £6,000 to Beat charity.
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