Keira Knightley Net Worth 2024: How Much is the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Actress Worth?

Keira Knightley net worth is estimated to be around $80 million as of 2024. Keira Knightley is an English actress born on March 26, 1985. Recognized for her roles in both independent films and major blockbusters especially, period dramas. Knightley has earned various awards and nominations. These include two Academy Award nominations two BAFTAs three Golden Globes and a Laurence Olivier Award. In 2018, she was honored with an OBE for her contributions to drama and charity.

Knightley grew up in London with actor parents Will Knightley and Sharman Macdonald. She began her career early landing an agent at six and working in commercials and TV films. Her big break came with a role in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” followed by standout performances in “Bend It Like Beckham,” and Love. She gained worldwide fame as Elizabeth Swann in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

Her role as Elizabeth Bennet in “Pride & Prejudice” earned her an Academy Award nomination. Keira Knightley continued to shine in period dramas such as “Atonement,” “The Duchess,” “A Dangerous Method,” and “Anna Karenina.” She also took on modern roles in “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Begin Again” and “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.”

She returned to historical drama with “The Imitation Game” earning another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. More recently she starred in “Colette” and “Boston Strangler.”

On stage, Knightley has performed in West End productions like “The Misanthrope” and “The Children’s Hour” and appeared on Broadway in “Thérèse Raquin.” She is also known for her activism with organizations such as Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Comic Relief. Knightley is married to musician James Righton and they have two daughters.

What is Keira Knightley Net Worth in 2024?

Keira Knightley is an English actress with a net worth of $80 Million as of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The main source of Keira Knightley’s net worth primarily comes from her successful acting career, especially her roles in blockbuster films and franchises. Notably, she earned significant money from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, where she played Elizabeth Swann.

Besides major movie roles, she has appeared in acclaimed films like “Pride & Prejudice” and “Atonement,” which boosted her earnings and reputation.

Additionally, Keira has lucrative endorsement deals with top brands such as Chanel, contributing substantially to her wealth. Overall, her consistent presence in high-grossing films and brand partnerships are the main sources of her net worth.

Keira Knightley’s Early Life and Education

Keira Christina Knightley was born on March 26, 1985, in Teddington London. Her parents Will Knightley and Sharman Macdonald were stage actors. Her mother misspelled her name on the birth certificate intending to name her “Kiera” but writing “Keira” instead. Keira’s father is English and her mother has Scottish and Welsh roots. Keira has an older brother named Caleb.

After her acting career ended, Macdonald became a playwright. The family faced financial struggles after Caleb was born. Her father a moderately successful actor agreed to have another child only if Macdonald sold a script first. Despite these challenges, Knightley remained passionate about acting. Her mother introduced her to theater and ballet early on sparking Knightley’s interest in the profession.

Keira Knightley attended Teddington School and was diagnosed with dyslexia at age six. With her parents’ support, she overcame many challenges and was deemed to have improved by age eleven. She still struggles with reading out loud. Knightley was determined to act from a young age. At three she wanted an agent like her parents and secured one by age six leading to small roles in TV dramas.

She also took part in local amateur plays including her mother’s “After Juliet” and “United States” by her drama teacher. Knightley started A-Levels at Esher College but left after a year to focus on acting. Despite encouragement from her mother’s friends to attend drama school, she chose not to for financial and career reasons.

Keira Knightley’s Career

Career beginnings

At just six years old, Keira Knightley started working in commercials and TV roles. Her first appearance was in the 1993 TV episode “Royal Celebration”. She then played Natasha Jordan in the 1995 drama “A Village Affair” a girl with a troubled family. Throughout the late 1990s, she appeared in various TV films like “Innocent Lies” and “Oliver Twist.”

Her big break came in 1999 with “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” Knightley played Sabé a decoy for Padmé Amidala. Her lookalike role was cast because she resembled Natalie Portman who dubbed Knightley’s lines.

In 2001, Keira Knightley took on her first major role in “Princess of Thieves” where she played Robin Hood’s daughter. She trained hard in archery and sword fighting for the role. She also appeared in “The Hole” and the miniseries “Doctor Zhivago.” That year she starred in “Pure” where she played a pregnant drug addict. Critics noted her grit and presence in the film.

Knightley’s breakthrough came with “Bend It Like Beckham” a sports comedy where she played a soccer player. The film was a hit and praised for its charm and cast performances. Knightley and co-star Parminder Nagra won international acclaim for their roles.

Pirates of the Caribbean

In 2003, Keira Knightley starred in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” as Elizabeth Swann. Despite doubts about its success, the film became a major hit grossing over $654 million. Knightley’s performance was likened to Hollywood stars of the past.

That year Knightley also appeared in “Love Actually” as Juliet a role that boosted her fame. The film became a modern Christmas classic. She also played Guinevere in “King Arthur” where she learned boxing and archery.

In 2005, Keira Knightley starred in “Pride & Prejudice” based on Jane Austen’s novel. Her performance as Elizabeth earned her critical acclaim and nominations for major awards. Despite personal struggles with mental health during this period Knightley’s career continued to rise.

In 2006, Knightley was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She reprised her role in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequels which were huge financial successes. “Dead Man’s Chest” earned over $1 billion making it her biggest hit.

Knightley continued with period dramas in 2007 starring in “Silk” and “Atonement.” While “Silk” didn’t do well “Atonement” was a major success. Her portrayal of Cecilia Tallis was highly praised earning her several award nominations. The green dress she wore in the film became iconic in film history.

Independent films

Keira Knightley acted with Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, and Matthew Rhys in the 2008 film “The Edge of Love.” She played Vera Phillips a close friend of poet Dylan Thomas and his wife. Knightley co-wrote the script with her mother focusing on Vera’s romance with a British soldier. Although nervous about singing live, Knightley overcame her fears and received praise for her performance and vocals. The film was moderately successful and critics appreciated Knightley’s complex portrayal.

In 2008, Knightley also starred in “The Duchess” playing Georgiana Cavendish an 18th-century English aristocrat. The film based on a biography by Amanda Foreman explored Georgiana’s rise in society and personal struggles. Knightley was noted for her powerful portrayal which earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for a British Independent Film Award.

Keira Knightley made her West End debut in 2009 with Martin Crimp’s adaptation of “Molière’s The Misanthrope.” She played Jennifer a vulnerable American actress. Though initially doubtful about her performance, Knightley was praised for her convincing portrayal earning nominations for the Laurence Olivier Award and an Evening Standard Award.

In the early 2010s, Keira Knightley starred in several films including “Last Night” and “London Boulevard” which received mixed reviews. However, “Never Let Me Go” based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel was better received with Knightley’s role as Ruth drawing positive attention.

Knightley’s 2011 film “A Dangerous Method” directed by David Cronenberg explored the complex relationships between early psychoanalysts. Her portrayal of Sabina Spielrein a troubled analyst was well-reviewed with Knightley earning praise for her depth and dedication to the role.

In 2012, Keira Knightley starred in “Anna Karenina” which was considered one of her significant roles. She received positive reviews for her performance and the film generated early Oscar buzz. However, “Begin Again” a musical film received mixed feedback and the director later criticized Knightley’s performance, though he later apologized.

Biographical

Knightley’s 2014 film “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” saw her in a lighter role as Dr. Cathy Muller. This was followed by Laggies a well-received romantic comedy. Her role in “The Imitation Game” as Joan Clarke was critically acclaimed earning her several award nominations.

In 2015, Knightley appeared in “Everest” a film about the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, and made her Broadway debut in “Thérèse Raquin.” Both projects showcased her range and were well-received by critics.

Knightley’s 2016 projects included “Collateral Beauty” and a planned biopic about Catherine the Great which was canceled. She also reprised her role in “Pirates of the Caribbean” for a cameo in 2017.

In 2018, Keira Knightley starred as the French author Colette earning praise for her portrayal of the complex character. The same year she played the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” which was less well-received.

Knightley’s 2019 roles included “The Aftermath” a film about a British woman dealing with grief after World War II and “Official Secrets” where she portrayed whistleblower Katharine Gun. Both films received positive reviews with Knightley’s performances being highlighted.

In 2020, Keira Knightley played Sally Alexander in “Misbehaviour” a film about the 1970 Miss World competition. Her portrayal was well-received although some critics felt her character was less engaging. She also voiced a lead role in the animated film “Charlotte.”

After a break, Knightley returned in 2023 with “Boston Strangler” a crime drama about the infamous serial killer.

Keira Knightley’s Personal Life

Keira Knightley has had several notable relationships. She dated actors Del Synnott, Jamie Dornan from 2003 to 2005, and Rupert Friend from 2005 to 2010. In February 2011, she began seeing musician James Righton and they married on May 4, 2013, in Mazan, France. The couple has two daughters born in 2015 and 2019 and they live in Canonbury Islington London.

Knightley is an advocate for equal paternity leave and has spoken out about the high cost of childcare in England. She once mentioned that without good childcare she would have had to take at least four years off from her career. To keep her family’s life private she avoids social media.

In 2007, Keira Knightley won a libel case against the Daily Mail after it falsely claimed she had an eating disorder. She received £3000 in damages but chose to donate £6000 to Beat a charity for mental illness and eating disorders.

In February 2010, a 41-year-old man was charged with harassment for repeatedly trying to contact Knightley outside London’s Comedy Theatre where she was performing. The case was dropped when she could not testify. Another man was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for stalking Knightley outside her home in December 2016.

Keira Knightley took a break from acting in 2006 to travel and focus on her personal life. In 2018, she revealed that at age 22 she had a mental breakdown and was later diagnosed with PTSD. She struggled with her sudden fame stayed home for three months and needed hypnotherapy to manage panic attacks so she could attend the BAFTA Awards where she was nominated for her role in Atonement.

Keira Knightley’s Philanthropy

Keira Knightley has garnered attention for her strong stance on feminism and women’s rights. In a 2014 interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, she highlighted the challenges women face in the film industry and expressed confusion about the negative connotations associated with the term “feminist.” Later in 2014, Knightley posed topless for Interview magazine’s cover to protest the objectification of women’s bodies in photography. She insisted that the photo remain unretouched to emphasize her point.

On International Women’s Day 2014, Knightley signed a letter from Amnesty International urging the UK government to improve women’s rights in Afghanistan. After her first daughter was born she wrote an essay about childbirth for the book Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies. Knightley has also made it clear that she only agrees to film nude scenes if a female director is in charge.

Keira Knightley has been actively involved in various humanitarian causes. She supported Amnesty International’s campaign marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and traveled to Ethiopia in 2004 with Comic Relief. She also posed for WaterAid in 2005 and contributed to the American Library Association’s “Read” campaign.

In 2006, Keira Knightley’s Academy Awards dress was auctioned for charity raising £4300 for Oxfam. She appeared in a 2009 video to highlight domestic abuse which sparked debate over its graphic content. In 2010, she became a patron of the SMA Trust which funds research into spinal muscular atrophy. In 2014, she visited South Sudan with Oxfam to raise awareness of the refugee crisis.

Keira Knightley advocated for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum and later encouraged young people to vote. She also participated in a UNHCR video to support refugees reading a poem as part of the #WithRefugees campaign.

In 2017, she took part in the BGC Charity Day to benefit the SMA Trust and in 2020 she joined a livestream for World Health Day and supported the #PinYourThanks campaign to honor essential workers during the pandemic. She also backed Made By Dyslexia a campaign to help teachers support students with dyslexia and appeared in a skit for Red Nose Day 2021.

Keira Knightley’s Awards

Keira Knightley’s most praised films according to Rotten Tomatoes include “Bend It Like Beckham,” “Love Actually,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “Atonement,” “The Duchess,” “Never Let Me Go,” “A Dangerous Method,” “The Imitation Game,” “Everest,” “Colette,” “Official Secrets,” and “Misbehaviour.” She has also appeared on TV in “Oliver Twist,” “Princess of Thieves,” and “Doctor Zhivago.” On stage Knightley has performed in “The Misanthrope,” “The Children’s Hour” and “Thérèse Raquin.”

Knightley has received two Academy Award nominations: Best Actress for Pride & Prejudice and Best Supporting Actress for “The Imitation Game.” She has been nominated for Golden Globe Awards in several categories for “Pride & Prejudice,” “Atonement,” and “The Imitation Game.”

Keira Knightley has also earned two British Academy Film Award nominations: Best Actress for “Atonement” and Best Supporting Actress for “The Imitation Game.” Additionally, she was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for her role in “The Misanthrope.” She won the Empire Award for Best Actress for “Atonement” after five previous nominations.