Keira Christina Knightley stands as one of Britain’s most recognized actresses, known for her roles in blockbuster franchises and acclaimed period dramas. Born on March 26, 1985, in Teddington, London, she has built a career spanning over three decades. At 40 years old as of 2025, she has an estimated net worth of $80 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth.
She married musician James Righton of The Klaxons in 2013, and they have two daughters together. Her height of 5’7″ (1.70m) and distinctive features made her a natural fit for both period pieces and modern cinema roles.
Keira Knightley Bio/Wiki Table
| Full Name | Keira Christina Knightley |
| Birth Date | March 26, 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 40 years old |
| Height | 5’7″ (1.70m) |
| Birthplace | Teddington, London, England |
| Parents | Will Knightley (actor), Sharman Macdonald (playwright) |
| Husband | James Righton (married 2013) |
| Children | Edie (2015), Delilah (2019) |
| Notable Films | Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement |
| Awards | OBE (2018), Academy Award nominations |
Personal Background and Early Life
Keira Knightley’s path to acting began in her theatrical family home. Her father Will Knightley worked as an actor, while her mother Sharman Macdonald established herself as a playwright. At just six years old, she asked her parents for an agent “like her parents had.”
Dyslexia was identified early in her childhood, which required alternative learning approaches. Her family includes older brother Caleb Knightley, who later became a film composer, and sibling Kerry Nixon. The Knightley family roots trace back to William Knightley and Violet (Jones) Knightley on her father’s side, with her mother bringing Scottish and Welsh descent to the family heritage.
Keira attended Teddington School for primary education, then Esher College in Surrey studying Classics, English Literature, and Political History. Her academic performance stood out, earning six A’s in her final school exams. Acting demands led her to leave college after meeting producer Andy Harries at the Bridget Jones’s Diary London premiere.
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Keira Knightley Career Genesis and Foundation
Keira’s television debut came in Screen One (1993) at age eight. Her film debut followed with Innocent Lies (1995), then The Treasure Seekers (1996) and Coming Home (1998) alongside Peter O’Toole and Joanna Lumley.
By 1999, she appeared in Oliver Twist as Rose Fleming and had a role in Star Wars Episode I. Her resemblance to Natalie Portman became notable during this period. Securing representation at age six marked the beginning of professional acting work while maintaining normal childhood experiences.
Breakthrough Period (2002-2003)
Bend It Like Beckham (2002) introduced Keira Knightley to international audiences as Jules, a football-obsessed teenager (The Guardian). The film cost £3.5 million to make, with nearly £1 million from British Lottery funding, and earned over $76 million worldwide.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) catapulted her to global fame. Her portrayal of Elizabeth Swann opposite Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom created a career-defining role. The film stayed in the Top 3 box office for 21 weeks and launched a billion-dollar franchise.
She nearly missed the Pirates audition due to London traffic, arriving at the casting day’s end. The success of Pirates caused Bend It Like Beckham to be re-released to 1,000 US screens, jumping from #26 to #12 at the box office. Empire Magazine readers voted her “Sexiest Movie Star Ever” in 2004.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Era (2005-2014)
Pride & Prejudice (2005) earned Keira Knightley her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress at age 20. Director Joe Wright’s adaptation showcased her ability to balance period drama sensibilities with contemporary emotional authenticity as Elizabeth Bennet.
Atonement (2007) continued her collaboration with Joe Wright. Her performance as Cecilia Tallis earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, solidifying her reputation as a serious dramatic actress. The Imitation Game (2014) represented another milestone, working alongside Benedict Cumberbatch as cryptanalyst Joan Clarke.
Keira’s stage debut came with The Misanthrope (2009) in London’s West End, generating over $2 million in ticket sales within four days and earning an Olivier Award nomination. Thérèse Raquin (2015-2016) marked her Broadway debut.
Personal Life and Relationships
Keira Knightley married James Righton on May 4, 2013, in an intimate ceremony in Mazan, France with only eleven guests. She wore a Chanel tulle minidress with silver lacing designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Their first daughter Edie was born in 2015, followed by Delilah in 2019.
The couple resides in Canonbury, Islington, London. Keira maintains strict privacy regarding her children, avoiding social media platforms entirely. Before marriage, she dated Del Synnott (2001-2003), Jamie Dornan (2003-2005), and Rupert Friend (2005-2010).
Mental Health Awareness and Personal Growth
Keira Knightley has spoken publicly about experiencing challenges with sudden fame in her early twenties. In 2018 interviews, she discussed how the pressures of celebrity affected her daily life and required professional support. She has been open about needing therapeutic help to manage public appearances.
The Daily Mail libel case in 2007 involved false claims about eating disorders. Keira won £3,000 in the settlement and added her own funds to donate £6,000 total to Beat charity. Her openness about these experiences has contributed to conversations about media responsibility and celebrity wellbeing.
Advocacy and Social Impact
Keira Knightley works extensively with Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Comic Relief. Her advocacy focuses on human rights, poverty reduction, and social justice issues. Environmental causes receive support through organizations like Futerra, for which her mother serves as patron.
Comic Relief benefits from her voice work in animated projects like Robbie the Reindeer, with DVD proceeds supporting the charity. She performs in benefit productions without seeking personal recognition. Her advocacy extends to gender equality and fair treatment in the entertainment industry.
Commercial Success and Brand Partnerships
Chanel signed Keira Knightley as the face of Coco Mademoiselle in April 2006 (British Vogue). This partnership has become one of fashion’s most recognizable collaborations. Asprey jewellers, Shiatzy Chen, and Lux have also featured her in campaigns.
Her estimated net worth of $80 million reflects earnings from both acting roles and endorsement deals, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The selective approach to brand partnerships has enhanced her industry value. Her wedding dress choices and red carpet appearances influence fashion trends globally.
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Career Evolution and Recent Work (2015-2025)
Keira Knightley’s recent projects reflect her evolution as both actress and mother. Boston Strangler (2023) showcased her as journalist Loretta McLaughlin (Variety). Black Doves (2024) on Netflix earned her a Golden Globe nomination and renewal for a second season.
In a 2024 The Times interview, she explained: “I couldn’t go job to job [abroad] now. It wouldn’t be in any way fair on them, and I wouldn’t want to. I’ve chosen to have children, I want to bring them up, so I’ve had to take a major step back.”
Audible’s Harry Potter audiobook series features Keira as Professor Umbridge in the full-cast adaptation releasing from November 2025 through May 2026. As of 2025, this remains her latest confirmed project. Voice work represents a growing area allowing her to balance career and family commitments.
Keira Knightley Awards, Recognition, and Honors
Keira Knightley received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018 for services to drama and charity. Her Academy Award nominations, Golden Globe nominations, and BAFTA nominations span different decades of her career.
Industry honors include the Hollywood Film Award (2004), Empire Magazine recognition, and Variety’s Personality Award (2005). The Olivier Award nomination for The Misanthrope demonstrates her range across theater and film.
Keira Knightley Legacy and Cultural Influence
Keira Knightley’s impact on period drama revival renewed interest in classic literature among younger audiences. Her roles in Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and other literary adaptations influenced fashion trends following film releases.
The Chanel partnership represents one of fashion’s longest-running celebrity associations, shaping how fashion houses approach celebrity collaborations. Her approach to balancing career and motherhood resonates with working parents globally. Her advocacy for equal paternity leave and discussions about childcare expenses highlight important social issues.
Conclusion
Keira Knightley has built a remarkable career spanning child actress to Academy Award-nominated performer. At 40, she continues choosing projects that align with her values while maintaining her position as a respected actress. Her influence extends beyond film into fashion, advocacy, and social conversations.
The estimated $80 million net worth reflects smart career choices and brand partnerships. Her marriage to James Righton and their two daughters represent personal fulfillment complementing professional achievement. Keira’s legacy includes revitalizing period dramas, contributing to important social conversations, and demonstrating graceful evolution in the public eye.
FAQ About Keira Knightley
How tall is Keira Knightley?
Keira Knightley is 5’7″ (1.70m) tall.
What is Keira Knightley’s age in 2025?
She is 40 years old, born on March 26, 1985.
What is Keira Knightley’s net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, her net worth is $80 million as of 2025, reflecting both her acting career and selective brand partnerships.
Who is Keira Knightley’s husband?
She is married to James Righton, musician from The Klaxons, since 2013.
How many children does Keira Knightley have?
She has two daughters: Edie (born 2015) and Delilah (born 2019).
What is Keira Knightley’s most famous role?
Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is her most globally recognized role.
Has Keira Knightley won an Academy Award?
No, but she received nominations for Pride & Prejudice (2005).
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