Keira Christina Knightley was born on March 26, 1985, in London, England. She is the daughter of actor Will Knightley and playwright Sharman Macdonald.

Keira Knightley has an older brother named Caleb. She developed an interest in acting at a young age and obtained an agent when she was six years old. She attended Teddington School and later Esher College, where she studied A-levels in art, history, and English literature.

Her acting career began with small roles in television films and commercials. Her breakthrough came in 2002 when she played a tomboy footballer in the film Bend It Like Beckham. She gained international recognition for her role as Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.

Keira Knightley has starred in numerous films, including Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, The Duchess, Anna Karenina, and The Imitation Game. She has also appeared in contemporary films such as Begin Again, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and Colette.

Keira Knightley has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. She has been nominated for two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.

She won the Empire Award for Best Actress for her role in Atonement and the Hollywood Film Award for Supporting Actress of the Year for The Imitation Game. She was appointed an OBE in 2018 for her services to drama and charity.

Keira Knightley is married to musician James Righton, and they have two daughters, Edie and Delilah. The family lives in East London. She is known for her outspoken stance on social issues and has worked extensively with organizations such as Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Comic Relief.