Keira Knightley, a two-time Academy Award nominee, not too long ago opened up concerning the challenges she confronted early in her profession. Recognized for her breakout function as Sabé in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and her efficiency in Bend It Like Beckham, Knightley’s profession soared after starring in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
Portraying Elizabeth Swann at simply 17 years previous, Knightley grew to become a family identify by means of the franchise, showing in its sequels Lifeless Man’s Chest, At World’s Finish, and Lifeless Males Inform No Tales. Regardless of the immense success, the actress revealed the expertise was removed from straightforward.
In a 2016 interview with Selection, Knightley described her time on the set as “traumatic.” She stated, “I discovered it fairly horrific. I’m not an extrovert, so I discovered that stage of scrutiny and that stage of fame actually arduous. It was an age the place you’re changing into, you haven’t grow to be, and it is advisable make errors. It’s a really precarious age, significantly for ladies. You’re in some methods nonetheless a baby. It was traumatic, but it surely arrange the remainder of my profession.”
The pressures of early fame had vital results on Knightley’s psychological well being. She admitted in 2008 to present process hypnotherapy to keep away from panic assaults on the BAFTA crimson carpet. By 22, she had a psychological breakdown and was recognized with PTSD. “I did have a psychological breakdown at 22, so I did take a yr off there and was recognized with post-traumatic stress dysfunction due to all of that stuff. I went deep into remedy and all of that,” Knightley shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
Regardless of the struggles, Knightley has grown to understand her youthful self’s drive and willpower. “I used to be by no means adequate. I used to be completely single-minded. I used to be so bold. I used to be so pushed… but it surely does have a value,” she instructed Harper’s Bazaar in 2023.
As we speak, Knightley feels lucky. Chatting with Selection, she stated, “I’m unbelievably fortunate now, and my profession is in a spot the place I actually take pleasure in it, and I’ve a stage of fame that’s a lot much less intense. I can take care of it now, and that’s nice. However on the time, it was not so nice, and took a few years of remedy to determine it out.”
