Fast Facts About Keira Knightley

Acting is in Keira Knightley's blood. Keira was born March 26, 1985 to actor, Will Knightley, and actress-turned-playwright, Sharman Macdonald. Her older brother, Caleb has a behind the scenes role in television.

Growing up around acting, theater, and agents, naturally a three-year old Keira asked for an agent. According to Paul Fisher's mini-biography on www.imdb.com, Keira was allowed to have an agent at the age of six.

Keira had trouble with reading and writing growing up. Although never officially tested for dyslexia, her family believed that was the trouble. She worked hard to overcome her challenges.

Keira's career started with some television appearances and moved onto films. Her role as Sabe, the Queen's double, in "Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace" in 1999, should have catapulted her to stardom, but it was kept secret right up until released.

According to the vital statistics at www.keira-knightley.org, once the makeup was in place, even their mothers had difficulties telling Keira and Natalie Portman apart during filming of the Phantom Menace.

Her role as Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 film "Pride and Prejudice" garnered a nomination for an Academy Award. Although she did not take home the Oscar, she became the 2nd youngest person to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Keira's breakthrough performance came in the worldwide hit, "Bend it Like Beckham," in 2002. Playing Jules Paxton, the best friend of the lead character, Keira's hard work in the film shined through. "Bend it Like Beckham" opened the door for a variety of roles.

Keira and Parminder Nagra spent three months training full time to learn Futebol de Salao. Futebol de Salao is a Brazilian method of soccer. According to www.keiraknightley.com, Keira's coach even claimed she had more natural talent than soccer star, Michael Owen.

Although "Bend it Like Beckham" made Keira Knightley a better known actress, it was her role as Elizabeth Swann in the blockbuster hit "Pirates of the Caribbean" that made Keira a household name.

Keira's rise to the top has not been without controversy. She has constantly had to battle accusations of anorexia. Although she acknowledges that her grandmother and great-grandmother struggled with the eating disorder, Keira has not battled the disorder herself.

In 2007, Keira had the opportunity to star in a film written by her own mother. "The Edge of Love" is a historical drama that also starred Sienna Miller.

According to Mark Olsen's interview in the Los Angeles Times (July 6, 2003), an American review of "Bend it Like Beckham" referred to Keira as "the sexiest tomboy beanpole on the planet." Keira is still not sure whether that is possible or whether she should take it as a compliment.

Above all, Keira has maintained a strong bond with her family. This bond could be what has helped keep Keira from falling into the hands of drug and alcohol abuse. Keira is a strong, level-headed woman that makes a perfect role model for girls and women everywhere.