Are Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman related?

As an expert in the field of celebrity relations and genealogy, I often get asked about the connections between different actors and actresses. The question about whether Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman are related is an interesting one, and it's a topic that has been speculated on by fans and the media alike. Let's delve into the details to provide a comprehensive answer. Step 1: Background Information Keira Knightley, born on March 26, 1985, in London, England, is a renowned British actress known for her roles in period dramas and action films. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in films such as "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Atonement," and "The Imitation Game." Natalie Portman, born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, and raised in the United States, is an accomplished actress with an illustrious career. She has won an Academy Award for her performance in "Black Swan" and is known for her roles in "Star Wars," "Closer," and "V for Vendetta." Step 2: Family and Ancestry To determine if two individuals are related, we typically look at their family trees and ancestry. Both Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman come from different countries and have distinct family backgrounds. Keira's father, Will Knightley, is an English theatre and television actor, while her mother, Sharman Macdonald, is a Scottish playwright and writer. There is no public record of Keira having any relatives who are well-known in the entertainment industry, let alone related to Natalie Portman. Natalie Portman's parents are Avner Hershlag, an Israeli-American fertility doctor, and Shelley Stevens, an American artist. Natalie's family has a strong academic background, and she herself is highly educated, having graduated from Harvard University. Step 3: Professional Comparisons The comparison between Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman often arises due to their similar physical appearances and the fact that both have played significant roles in the film industry. However, professional similarities do not equate to familial relationships. Step 4: The Star Wars Connection The mention of Keira Knightley's small role in "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" as a decoy for Queen Amidala, a character portrayed by Natalie Portman, is a professional coincidence rather than an indication of familial ties. It's worth noting that in the film industry, casting decisions are often based on an actor's ability to portray a character rather than their personal connections. Step 5: Conclusion After examining their backgrounds, family histories, and professional careers, there is no evidence to suggest that Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman are related. Their resemblance and the casting choice in "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" have led to speculation, but it is purely coincidental. Both are talented actresses who have made their own marks in the entertainment industry, and their paths have crossed in the context of their work, but that is the extent of their connection. **

Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman. Last year, Keira Knightley said she gets compared to Natalie Portman a lot, which is no real surprise, seeing as how she was cast in a small role in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace as a look-alike of Portman's Queen Amidala.Dec 18, 2015