Keira Knightley has an illustrious career in Hollywood that began at just 17 years old. But her most iconic role may have come as Elizabeth Swann in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.
Knightley recently revealed to Harper’s Bazaar her feelings of being “caged” and the pressure of being the object of everyone’s lust after playing the role of Elizabeth Swann in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. She admitted that she felt constrained by the role.
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The 37-year-old actress explained that she felt “burnout” due to the immense pressure of being in the spotlight. After her time in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, Knightley went on to star in “Love Actually,” “Pride & Prejudice,” and more.
“I was incredibly hard on myself. I was never good enough. I was utterly single-minded. I was so ambitious. I was so driven. I was always trying to get better and better and improve, which is an exhausting way to live your life. Exhausting,” she told the outlet.
After being diagnosed with post–traumatic stress disorder, Knightley took a two–year break in her career and found ways to cope with her mental health. She is now married to British musician James Righton and they have two daughters, Edie and Delilah.
Knightley spoke candidly about her work-life balance and how raising a family can cause “extreme tiredness.” But despite the exhaustion, Knightley said she was “in awe” of her 22-year-old self for being able to handle it all.
“I am in awe of my 22-year-old self because I’d like a bit more of her back. And it’s only by not being like that any longer that I realize how extraordinary it was. There was never an ounce of me that wasn’t going to find a way through,” said the actress.
Speaking of finding balance, she said, “It’s all active chaos, isn’t it? You just have to embrace the chaos.”
Knightley is now preparing for the release of the upcoming movie “Boston Strangler.” In the movie, she portrays a 1960s newspaper reporter who covers a series of murders. The true crime thriller is slated to premiere on March 17 on Hulu.
