Kate Beckinsale is a British actress who has enjoyed a successful career lasting for more than three decades. She is celebrated for her diverse roles in action movies, romantic films, and period dramas. Some of her notable film credits include “Pearl Harbor,” “Underworld,” “Van Helsing,” and “Total Recall.” Additionally, she gained recognition for her portrayal of Emma Woodhouse in the 1996 cinematic adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, “Emma.”
If you are also a fan of hers and want to know more about your favorite actress then this Kate Beckinsale Biography is the right place to be. In this article, we will be talking about her career, her personal, and professional life, awards, family, and many other interesting facts about her. So, keep reading this article till the end.
Kate Beckinsale Wiki
Kate Romany Beckinsale was born on 26th July 1973 (Age: 51 years old) her birthplace is Chiswick, Hounslow, London, England. She was born and brought up in London. She has captivated audiences worldwide with her talent and charisma.
Biography
Full Name | Kathrin Romany Beckinsale |
Nick Name | Kat |
Profession | Actress |
Age | 51 years old |
Date of Birth | 26th July 1973 |
Mother Tongue | English |
Religion | Christain |
Nationality | British |
Zodiac/Sun Sign | Leo |
Birthplace | Chiswick, Hounslow, London, England |
HomeTown | Chiswick, Hounslow, London, England |
Current Address | Chiswick, Hounslow, London, England |
Signature |
Kate Beckinsale Education, Qualification
Kate Beckinsale attended Godolphin and Latymer School, an esteemed girls’ independent school located in Hammersmith, West London. During her formative years, she honed her interest in the performing arts by participating in the Orange Tree Youth Theatre. She received accolades such as the WH Smith Young Writers Award, winning in both the categories of fiction and poetry.
Beckinsale enrolled at New College, Oxford, where she delved into the worlds of French and Russian literature. Her involvement in the Oxford University Dramatic Society allowed her to explore her passion for the theater, and she had the privilege of being directed by fellow student Tom Hooper in a production of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge” at the Oxford Playhouse.
Kate Beckinsale decided to leave her university studies to focus on her burgeoning acting career. Despite her departure from academia, she has expressed a desire to one day return to Oxford University and complete her studies.
School | Godolphin and Latymer School |
College | New College, Oxford |
Degree/Graduation | Not completed Graduation |
Relationship Status (Husband, Boyfriend, Affairs)
Kate Beckinsale and Michael Sheen
Kate met Michael when they were cast in a touring production of The Seagull in early 1995. They both were in a relationship from 1995 to 2003. They had one daughter together, Lily Mo Sheen, who was born in 1999. Even after the birth of their daughter they never tied the knot officially. In 2001 Kate mentioned that she felt embarrassed that Michael never proposed to her but despite that, they felt like they were married. Beckinsale and Sheen divorced in 2003.
Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman
Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman met on the set of the film Underworld in 2003. Beckinsale starred in the film as Selene, a vampire warrior, and Wiseman directed the film.
Beckinsale and Wiseman began dating in 2003, and they married on 9th May 2004 in Bel-Air California. They do not have any children and Wiseman filed for divorce in 2015 the reason being irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in November 2019.
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Kate Beckinsale Other Relationships
After her divorce Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife were also seen in a relationship. After that, Kate Beckinsale and Pete Davidson began dating in January 2019, but their relationship ended in April of that year.
Kate Beckinsale’s Family, Siblings
Kate Beckinsale’s father’s name is Richard Beckinsale who was an actor and her mother’s name is Judy Loe. Her father died of a heart attack when she was five years old, and she was raised by her mother. Beckinsale’s mother, Judith Margaret Loe, is an English actress and producer, who has appeared in a number of films and television shows. Richard Beckinsale, Kate’s father, was a British comedic actor, who appeared in a number of British television shows and films.
When Beckinsale was nine years old, her widowed mother moved in with director Roy Battersby, where she grew up with his four boys and daughter. Her stepfather, who was a member of the Workers Revolutionary Party when she was little, and she had a strong bond.
Kate Beckinsale has a half-sister named Samantha Beckinsale from her father’s earlier marriage. Samantha just like her sister Kate is also an actress.
Parent’s Name | Father: Richard Beckinsale (Died: 1979) Mother: Judy Loe Step-Father: Roy Battersby |
Siblings/Cousins | Half-Sister(father side): Samantha Beckinsale |
Relationship Status | Divorced |
Husband/Boyfriend | Michael Sheen (1995–2003) |
Children | Daughter: Lily Mo Sheen |
Kate Beckinsale Height, Weight (Physical Appearance)
Height | In centimeters: 170 cm In meters: 1.70 m In Feet: 5’7” |
Weight | 54 Kgs, 119 Lbs |
Body Measurements | 34-23-34 |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Hair Color | Light Brown |
Kate Beckinsale Net Worth and Salary
Kate Beckinsale’s Net Worth is around $25 Million
Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $25 Million |
Salary (Approx.) | $4 Million per movie |
Career
Kate Beckinsale’s journey in the entertainment industry began with her early acting roles. Here is details regarding the same:
1991–1997: Early Acting Roles
Inspired by her family’s involvement in the business, Beckinsale made her television debut in 1991 with a small part in an ITV adaptation of P. D. James’ “Devices and Desires.”
In the following years, she took on various roles, including a short film alongside Christopher Eccleston, and a pilot episode for the ITV detective series “Anna Lee” in 1993.
One of her notable early roles was as Hero in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing” in 1993, which was filmed in Tuscany, Italy. She made her presence known at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of the film.
Throughout her time at Oxford University, Beckinsale managed to balance academics with acting. She appeared as the love interest of Christian Bale in “Prince of Jutland” in 1994 and starred in a murder mystery titled “Uncovered.”
In 1995, while studying in Paris, she filmed the French-language “Marie-Louise ou la Permission.” Beckinsale also had her first professional stage appearance in 1995 as Nina in “The Seagull” at Theatre Royal, Bath, where she met her future partner, Michael Sheen. This period saw her establishing herself as a versatile actress with several successful appearances in films, TV, and on stage.
1998–2002: Move to Hollywood
Kate Beckinsale’s career took a significant turn in the late ’90s when she decided to seek work in the United States.
She began her Hollywood journey by starring opposite Chloë Sevigny in the 1998 film “The Last Days of Disco,” a portrayal of young adults in the Manhattan disco scene of the early 1980s. Her attempt at an American accent was well-received. The film helped establish her as an actress with a versatile range.
In 1999, Beckinsale appeared in “Brokedown Palace,” a drama about two young Americans dealing with the Thai justice system on a post-graduation trip. Her performance in the film alongside Claire Danes received praise, even though the film itself was not a commercial success.
In 2001, Beckinsale rose to fame with a leading role in the war film “Pearl Harbor,” directed by Michael Bay. She portrayed a nurse torn between two pilots, played by Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett. The film’s large-scale production and epic storytelling made an impact on her career. Although “Pearl Harbor” received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success. Beckinsale’s work in the film showcased her ability to handle roles in major Hollywood productions.
2003–2006: Action Roles
In 2003, Kate Beckinsale made a significant transition into action roles by playing a vampire in “Underworld.” The film was different from her previous work, and her portrayal of Selene showcased her versatility as an actress.
While “Underworld” didn’t receive critical acclaim, it became a cult hit and spawned a successful franchise. Her role as Selene marked the beginning of her journey as an action star.
In 2004, she starred in the action horror film “Van Helsing” and played Ava Gardner in Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator.” “Van Helsing” was not well-received by critics but performed well at the box office. Her role as Ava Gardner in “The Aviator” received mixed reviews, but the film was a commercial success.
Beckinsale reprised her role as Selene in “Underworld: Evolution” in 2006 and starred in the comedy “Click” alongside Adam Sandler. These roles further solidified her position as an action star in Hollywood. Both films were commercially successful.
2007–2008: Focus on Small-Scale Drama
After establishing herself as an action star, Kate Beckinsale returned to smaller-scale projects, emphasizing her desire for versatility in her acting career. She starred in independent dramas (In 2007) like “Snow Angels” and “Vacancy,” demonstrating her ability to handle different genres.
In “Snow Angels,” she portrayed an overwhelmed single mother, earning praise for her performance. In “Vacancy,” she appeared as part of a couple in an isolated motel, showcasing her versatility in suspenseful settings.
She continued (in 2008) to explore small-scale dramas with films like “Winged Creatures” and “Nothing but the Truth.” These roles displayed her commitment to diverse and challenging characters.
2009–2015: Return to Action Films
Kate Beckinsale returned to the action genre in 2009 with films like “Whiteout” and “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.” While “Whiteout” received negative reviews, she continued to embrace action-oriented roles.
In the following years, she starred in various action films, including “Contraband,” “Underworld: Awakening,” and “Total Recall.” Her portrayal of Selene in the “Underworld” series solidified her status as an action star. These films combined action sequences with intriguing storytelling, allowing Beckinsale to showcase her versatility in the genre.
2016–Present: Love & Friendship and Beyond
In 2016, Kate Beckinsale starred in the romantic comedy “Love & Friendship,” based on Jane Austen’s “Lady Susan.” Her role as the cunning and witty Lady Susan received widespread acclaim, showcasing her ability to excel in period dramas and comedies.
Beckinsale continued to take on various roles, appearing in films like “The Disappointments Room,” “The Only Living Boy in New York,” and “Farming.” Her willingness to explore different genres and characters demonstrated her dedication to her craft.
In 2019, she returned to television after more than two decades with the ITV/Amazon Prime drama series “The Widow,” showcasing her adaptability in both film and television.
Throughout her career, Kate Beckinsale has proven her versatility as an actress, transitioning seamlessly between different genres and consistently delivering memorable performances on screen. Her journey from early acting roles to Hollywood fame and beyond exemplifies her dedication and talent in the entertainment industry.
Modeling
In addition to her acting career, Kate Beckinsale has also ventured into modeling. She appeared in George Michael’s “Waltz Away Dreaming” music video in 1997 and worked alongside Orlando Bloom in a Gap television advertisement directed by Cameron Crowe in 2002.
Her appearance in a Diet Coke television advertisement in 2004, directed by Michel Gondry, further showcased her modeling talents.
In 2009, she was featured in a print campaign for Absolut Vodka, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. Beckinsale’s foray into modeling complemented her acting career and made her a recognizable figure in the world of fashion and advertising.
Kate Beckinsale Movie List
Year | Movie Name | Role |
1991 | One Against the Wind | Barbe Lindell |
1992 | Rachel’s Dream | Rachel |
1993 | Much Ado About Nothing | Hero |
1994 | Prince of Jutland | Ethel |
1994 | Uncovered | Julia |
1995 | Cold Comfort Farm | Flora Poste |
1995 | Marie-Louise ou la Permission | Marie-Louise |
1995 | Haunted | Christina Mariell |
1996 | Emma | Emma Woodhouse |
1997 | Shooting Fish | Georgie |
1998 | The Last Days of Disco | Charlotte Pingress |
1998 | Alice through the Looking Glass | Alice |
1999 | Brokedown Palace | Darlene Davis |
2000 | The Golden Bowl | Maggie Verver |
2001 | Pearl Harbor | Nurse Lt. Evelyn Johnson |
2001 | Serendipity | Sara Thomas |
2002 | Laurel Canyon | Alex Elliot |
2003 | Underworld | Selene |
2003 | Tiptoes | Carol |
2004 | Van Helsing | Anna Valerious |
2004 | The Aviator | Ava Gardner |
2006 | Underworld: Evolution | Selene |
2006 | Click | Donna Newman |
2007 | Snow Angels | Annie Marchand |
2007 | Vacancy | Amy Fox |
2008 | Winged Creatures | Carla Davenport |
2008 | Nothing but the Truth | Rachel Armstrong |
2008 | Vacancy 2: The First Cut | Amy Fox |
2009 | Underworld: Rise of the Lycans | Selene |
2009 | Whiteout | Carrie Stetko |
2009 | Everybody’s Fine | Amy Goode |
2011 | Underworld: Endless War | Selene |
2012 | Contraband | Kate Farraday |
2012 | Underworld: Awakening | Selene |
2012 | Total Recall | Lori Quaid |
2012 | Republicans, Get in My Vagina | Woman #3 |
2013 | The Trials of Cate McCall | Cate McCall |
2014 | Stonehearst Asylum | Eliza Graves |
2014 | The Face of an Angel | Simone Ford |
2015 | Absolutely Anything | Catherine West |
2016 | Love & Friendship | Lady Susan Vernon |
2016 | The Disappointments Room | Dana |
2016 | Underworld: Blood Wars | Selene |
2017 | The Only Living Boy in New York | Johanna |
2018 | Farming | Ingrid Carpenter |
2019 | Untouchable | Herself |
2021 | Jolt | Lindy Lewis |
2022 | Prisoner’s Daughter | Maxine |
2023 | Fool’s Paradise | Christiana Dior |
TBA | Canary Black | CIA agent Avery Graves |
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Kate Beckinsale Televisions Shows
Year | Show Name | Role |
1991 | Devices and Desires | Young Alice Mair (voice) |
1991 | One Against the Wind | Barbe Lindell |
1992 | Rachel’s Dream | Rachel |
1993 | Anna Lee | Thea Hahn |
1995 | Cold Comfort Farm | Flora Poste |
1996 | Emma | Emma Woodhouse |
1998 | Alice through the Looking Glass | Alice |
2019 | The Widow | Georgia Wells |
2021 | Guilty Party | Beth Burgess |
Kate Beckinsale Awards and Achievements
- In 1997 she received Sitges – Catalan International Film Festival Award in Best Actress category for the movie Shooting Fish.
- In 1999 she was awarded British Supporting Actress of the Year award by London Film Critics’ Circle Awards for her movie The Last Days of Disco.
- In 2012 was awarded with Jean-Claude Gahd Dam awards by Spike Guys’ Choice Awards for her role in Underworld: Awakening.
- In 2017 she was awarded British/Irish Actress of the Year by London Film Critics’ Circle Awards for her performance in Love & Friendship.
- She also received Best Actress Award by the Evening Standard British Film Awards in 2017.
- In 2021 She won the best actress award presented by National Film Awards UK for the movie Farming.
- In 2022 she won the best actress award by National Film Awards UK for her performance in the movie Jolt.
Kate Beckinsale Instagram, Twitter, Instagram
@katebeckinsale | |
@KateBeckinsale | |
@KateBeckinsale |
Kate Beckinsale Controversies
Privacy Invasion by Daily Mail (2003)
In 2003, a situation arose where Kate Beckinsale found herself in a dispute with the Daily Mail, a tabloid newspaper. She believed that her privacy had been invaded when the newspaper published photos of her and her then-boyfriend, Len Wiseman, engaged in a romantic embrace. The article’s headline, “Mummy’s latest love scene leaves Lily unimpressed,” featured a photograph in which her young daughter appeared to be disregarding her mother’s affectionate moment. Kate Beckinsale lodged a complaint with the Press Complaints Commission, but the Commission ruled against her. They argued that the photos were taken in a public place and did not divulge any private information about her daughter.
False Clinic Claim by Daily Mail (2003)
During the same year, the Daily Mail made a false assertion that Kate Beckinsale had spent time in a clinic following her breakup with Michael Sheen. This report was incorrect, and Kate Beckinsale filed a complaint with the Press Complaints Commission. Subsequently, the Daily Mail issued a public apology to rectify their misleading statement.
Damages Awarded for False Report (2009)
In 2009, Kate Beckinsale pursued legal action against Express Newspapers. Her reason for taking legal action was due to the Daily Express’s publication of inaccurate information, claiming that she was “facing heartbreak” after missing out on a role in a remake of “Barbarella.” In response to this inaccurate reporting, the British High Court awarded Kate Beckinsale £20,000 in damages.
Some Interesting Facts About Kate Beckinsale
- At the age of fifteen, Kate Beckinsale experienced a nervous breakdown and developed anorexia, leading to her undergoing Freudian psychoanalysis for a duration of four years.
- Beckinsale is known to smoke. She was introduced to cigarettes when she was nine years old, as her mother started living with Roy Battersby, whose sons introduced her to smoking.
- She has referred to herself as a “late bloomer,” explaining that her friends were engaging in activities like kissing boys and drinking cider long before she was. She found it disheartening that while her peers were doing those things, she was not.
- Beckinsale has supported the British Heart Foundation since she was six years old. This commitment began when her father, who suffered from coronary artery disease, tragically passed away due to a severe heart attack.
- She abstains from alcohol, stating in 2003, “I’ve never been drunk, and I’ve never used drugs. I’ve never engaged in a one-night stand.”
- In 2008, she served as the host for the 4th Annual Pink Party, an event aimed at raising funds for the Women’s Cancer Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
- In 2012, Beckinsale became a part of Nestlé’s Share the Joy of Reading Program, where she worked to raise awareness about the significance of literacy for individuals.
- At six years old, her IQ was 152 and she read at the level of an eleven-year-old, according to a school assessment.
FAQs
Kate Beckinsale speaks at least three languages: English, French, and Russian. She studied French and Russian literature at New College, Oxford, and she has said that she is fluent in both languages. She has also spoken French and Russian in interviews and on film.
Yes, Kate Beckinsale is the daughter of actor Richard Beckinsale.
Kate Beckinsale was born on July 26, 1973, so she will be 51 years old.
Kate Beckinsale is best known for her role as Selene in the Underworld film series. She has also starred in films such as Pearl Harbor, Van Helsing, and Total Recall.