Hollywood's Hottest Property...

With two more critically acclaimed films released in the past few months (Pride and Prejudice, Domino), Keira Christina Knightley has solidified her status as the hottest property in Hollywood. What’s amazing is that she has accomplished that before the age of 21. That’s quite simply ridiculous when you think about it.

She is as comfortable in oxygen-depriving corsets as she is wielding a sword. In “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “King Arthur” she had to do both. And she combined the two so well that she has signed on to do “Pirates 2 & 3”, opening in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The two sequels, both starring the equally hot properties, Johnny Depp & Orlando Bloom, are being filmed simultaneously as this article is being written.

Keira has said that she “needs to take a break”, absolutely assured that “people will get bored of me”. She doesn’t bemoan the fact that “the work will dry up”, merely that it is a natural certainty in a town as fickle as Hollywood. Her fans, both male and female, tend to think otherwise. Consistently at the top of “Sexiest this…” and “Most beautiful that…” lists, this internet idol and lads-magazine favorite is also able to maintain a legion of young girls who see her as a classy role-model. Elegant and well-spoken, she has remained above the fray, steering clear of becoming tabloid fodder.

The daughter of an actor and a playwright, she seems meant for this life. But she isn’t full of herself, claiming, “I just don't think my skill level is that high. I hope that with every job it gets better,” continuing, “I can say I'm trying to be an actor, but I don't think I've completely made it.” One doesn’t sense that it’s false modesty.

Citing Katherine Hepburn and Vivien Leigh as her heroes, “not because of their ability, but because of their perseverance", Knightley seems intent on churning out good work for years to come. Her latest efforts, as the gun-toting bounty-hunter in “Domino” and the clever Elizabeth Bennet in “Pride & Prejudice” are a testament to her range and willingness to extend beyond her comfort-zone. If she keeps taking risks like that, she will last a lot longer than she gives herself credit for.

A self-confessed tomboy, Keira occasionally likes to glam-up. She admits a fetish for shoes, “and it doesn't matter if they have them in my size. I buy them anyway." Other than perhaps Sienna Miller, Knightley has become the most admired fashion template in Britain. The paparazzi get finger cramps when she arrives at a premiere.

The fact is that, despite her certainty of the contrary, this fantastic young actress and charming young woman will be gracing our silver-screens, safely atop the A-List, for years to come. Born on the same date as legendary poet, Robert Frost, Keira Knightley may think that we will tire of her, but she assuredly has miles to go before we sleep… and miles to go before we sleep.

© Written by TC Candler