Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley is a British actress who has been one of the most recognizable and acclaimed performers in cinema since her teenage years. Born on March 26, 1985, in Teddington, London, she comes from a creative family: her father, Will Knightley, is a theater and television actor, and her mother, Sharman Macdonald, is a playwright. Knightley was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child but used acting as motivation for academic achievement, securing an agent at the age of six and appearing in television and film roles throughout her childhood.

Knightley’s international breakthrough came with her dual role in “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002) and as Elizabeth Swann in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003). The Pirates franchise, in which she appeared in three films, grossed over $2.7 billion worldwide and made her one of the most famous young actresses in the world. She continued to build her reputation with acclaimed performances in period dramas, earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) and a second nomination for “The Imitation Game” (2014).

Knightley has balanced commercial blockbusters with prestige projects throughout her career, starring in critically acclaimed films such as “Atonement” (2007), “Anna Karenina” (2012), “Begin Again” (2013), and “Colette” (2018). Her ability to bring depth and nuance to period roles has made her one of the definitive actresses of the costume drama genre, while her work in contemporary films demonstrates her versatility. She has also been a prominent face in fashion, serving as a longtime ambassador for Chanel.

As of 2026, Keira Knightley’s estimated net worth is approximately $80 million. Her wealth reflects earnings from the massive Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, numerous leading roles in both Hollywood and British productions, and one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in the industry with Chanel, for whom she has been the face of the Coco Mademoiselle fragrance for over a decade. She resides in London with her husband, musician James Righton, and their two children.