Keira Cristina Knightley, born 26 March 1985, is an English actress and model. She began acting as a child on television and made her film debut in 1995. Knightley had a supporting role as Sabe in Star Wars Episode I, The Phanton Menace (1999) and her first significant role come in Thr Hole (2001), She gained widespread recognition in 2002 after co- starring in the film Bend It Like Beckham and achieved international fame from 2003 as result of her appearances in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series (2003-2007) In 2008, Forbes claimed Khightley to be the second highest-paid actress in Hollywood, having reportedly earned $32 million in 2007, making her the only non-American on the list of highest-paid actresses.

Knightley has earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in Joe Wringht's 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. Two years later she again was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, as the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in Leading Role for her performance in Wright's Atonement.