10 fun and interesting Keira Knightley facts

1. Keira Knightley's Name Has a Unique and Interesting Meaning

Keira Knightley's first name has a unique and interesting meaning - 'Dark'. This is a fitting name for the British actress, who has starred in a variety of dark and dramatic roles, such as her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She has also appeared in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, playing the feisty and determined Elizabeth Swann. Her name is a reminder of her ability to bring depth and darkness to her characters.

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2. Dyslexia helped me become an actress

As a child, Keira Knightley suffered from dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects the ability to read and write. To help her cope with the condition, she had to wear special glasses during her adolescence, which enabled her to read more clearly. Despite her struggles, Knightley has gone on to become a successful actress, starring in films such as 'Bend It Like Beckham' and 'Pride and Prejudice'.

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3. 15-Year-Old Keira Knightley Topsless in 'The Hole'

At the tender age of 15, Keira Knightley made her first foray into topless acting in the 2001 film "The Hole". Her mother had to give her approval for her to take part in the scene, and the set was kept closed off from the public to ensure her privacy. Despite her young age, Knightley was able to take on the challenge and deliver a powerful performance.

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4. Keira Knightley Pursues Acting at Age 16

At the tender age of 16, Keira Knightley made the bold decision to pursue her acting career instead of continuing her studies at Esher College. She was offered the role of Lara in the 2002 TV movie adaptation of Boris Pasternak's classic novel, "Dr Zhivago", and decided to take the plunge and accept the part. This was the start of her successful acting career, which has seen her star in a number of blockbuster films, including the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise and "Love Actually".

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5. 20-year-old Keira Knightley becomes third-youngest Oscar nominee

At the tender age of 20, Keira Knightley made history by becoming the third-youngest woman ever to be nominated for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actress. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her immense talent and dedication to her craft, and is a reminder of the incredible impact she has had on the film industry.

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6. Keira & Natalie: Twin Sisters in 'Star Wars'?

Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman were practically indistinguishable while filming the 1999 movie "Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace". Even their mothers were unable to tell them apart when they were in full makeup. The two actresses had such a striking resemblance that it was almost impossible to tell them apart.

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7. Keira Knightley's secret role in Star Wars

Keira Knightley's role as the decoy queen in the Star Wars movie was kept a closely guarded secret, with Natalie Portman's name being used in all the promotional material to maintain the surprise. Even though Portman was credited with playing both the Queen and the decoy, it was actually Knightley who took on the role of the decoy.

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8. Keira Knightley trains for her role in 'King Arthur'

Keira Knightley underwent an intense three-month training regimen in preparation for her role in the 2004 film "King Arthur". She dedicated four days each week to honing her skills, spending three hours on fighting, boxing, and horse riding, and two hours on weight training. Her hard work paid off, as she was able to convincingly portray the character of Guinevere in the movie.

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9. Keira Knightley's "Phantom" Audition: Mortifying!

Keira Knightley's audition for the 2004 movie "The Phantom of the Opera" was a mortifying experience for her. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to secure the role of Christine due to her lack of singing ability. Knightley has since admitted that it was the most embarrassing moment of her life, as she was unable to perform the role to the best of her abilities.

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10. Actress in Period Dramas

Keira Knightley is an acclaimed actress who has starred in a number of period drama films, including the Academy Award-nominated "Atonement" and the beloved classic "Pride and Prejudice". In "Atonement", Knightley plays the role of Cecilia Tallis, a young woman who is torn between her love for a childhood friend and her sense of duty to her family. In "Pride and Prejudice", she portrays the iconic Elizabeth Bennet, a strong-willed young woman who must navigate the complexities of love and social class in 19th century England. Knightley's performances in both films have been praised for their depth and emotion, cementing her place as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.