Elle Magazine (US) is celebrating their 30-year anniversary, and they celebrated by giving 30-year-old actress Keira Knightley multiple covers for the September issue. The styling is so wacky on these covers, but I enjoy it because Keira rarely agrees to these kinds of over-the-top editorial/makeup/hair choices. As for what Keira is promoting in general: she’s in Everest, which comes out in September, plus she will be making her Broadway debut in Thérèse Raquin this fall. Some highlights from Elle:
Her 30th birthday celebration: “I was heavily pregnant, I couldn’t drink—what is the point of having a thirtieth birthday if I couldn’t get phenomenally drunk? But my husband took over, arranged a lovely lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, 20 of us, and they were all being so sweet, like, ‘Look, you can have a great time and be sober!’ And it’s fine apart from the fact that they started drinking at about one. Then they came back to our house—they’d covered it in balloons that said my name and happy birthday and all that— and they got completely obliterated. They were there until two or three in the morning, absolutely drunk, and I was there eight months pregnant, completely sober. So it was lovely, but it wasn’t what I’d imagined a thirtieth birthday was going to be.”
Her 20s were crappy: “My twenties were pretty crap…My career was absolutely amazing; in fact, I don’t think my career will ever get better than it was in my late teens, early twenties. But as a person, you’re changing so much and you’re trying to figure stuff out. Some people go wild and have a great time and throw caution to the wind, and I was the complete opposite. I was very shy. It took me a lot of years to try and stop pleasing a lot of people and allow myself to have fun. It’s the difficult thing of getting out of your own head. To stop going, ‘Oh, there’s something I should be doing, there’s a way I should be behaving, I should be dressing….’ All of those shoulds, you can drown in them.”
She’s been in therapy: “Oh, f–k, yeah! I’ve totally done therapy. I highly recommend it. I don’t do it at the moment. But in my early twenties when I found everything completely overwhelming, 100 percent, I did it! Are you kidding? I think when you’re in those moments in your life, and you want to get through them…you have to do whatever it is to help you get over it. You have to give it a go. Try anything that might help.”
Becoming a mum: “The love thing is astonishing. It’s a very primal, primal love. That’s quite extraordinary. And the ability to have no sleep and continue going. It’s not pleasant—I never thought that I could actually do it for the amount of time that I’ve done it. Also, I have to say, as a woman, you hate certain parts of your body. You go through those periods where you look in the mirror and you think, Oh, if only I had different legs or arms or whatever. You go through pregnancy and labor and then feeding the kid and you go, Wow, my body is totally amazing, and I’m never going to not like it again, because it did this, and this is f–king extraordinary.”
While Elle hasn’t released the actual quote where Keira confirms the name of her baby girl, Elle’s promotional email says that Keira named her daughter Edie. EDIE!!! Edie Righton, I’m assuming, although it could be Edie Knightley-Righton. I say that because I’m pretty sure Keira kept her maiden name when she married James. As for the name Edie…it’s sort of cute, sort of hipster. A nod to Edie Sedgwick?
Her 30th birthday party sounds like so much fun! I mean, it sucks to be the only sober one at a party, especially when it’s your birthday party, but I imagine being in a house full of your drunk friends might be an excellent way to spend a day.
Photos courtesy of Paola Kudacki for ELLE.
Love love love the name!
And I really enjoy Keira’s interviews, she comes across as very smart and down to earth.
It’s a really nice, traditional british name. Goes great with the last names. I like that she’s didn’t go wild with the name.
I didn’t know Edie was a traditionally British name! I’ve always associated it with Edie Sedgwick and, consequently, thoughts of pixie hair, color blocking, and 60’s instability. . . I do quite like the way it goes with Righton, though. Lucky girl to have Keira as a mum.
The more I read from Keira, the more I like her.
It’s a form of Edith, which has old english roots. I don’t think both forms are really popular right now, but every name has its “hype” in good time. I think Edith’s or Edie’s hayday was quite a while back 😀
The covers are beautiful but there is too photoshop. It’s a pity because she’s a lovely woman
Agree, airbrushing usually comes out weird anyway but it seems exceptionally strange to do so much of it on someone as naturally beautiful as Knightley
I thought it was Lily Aldridge when I saw the thumbnail.
Is it just me, or are there also shades of Rumer Willis in that second pic?
She reminds me of julianne moore in some of these.
I agree lovely interview, but I didn’t recognize her face at all!
The styling is a bit too crazy for me. Keira should change her hair color and she looks better without the middle parting of hair I feel. Edie is a cute name, is it short for Edith?
I will NEVER understand the need people have to photoshop the hell out of their models to the point of not recognizing the famous person portrayed. If you want someone who looks plastic and that no one recognizes, create a fake model with cgi and go with it. if you have an actress, a famous actress, and someone who, like her or not, is striking, let readers know she is her for her face, not because her name is plastered near the picture!
Neither do I. I expect it’s some impulse to idealize people, so that they are perceived as “aspirational” or something. I agree it’s nonsense. It can also be potentially quite damaging to women’s ability to know themselves as beautiful, warts and all, I feel. I hope with time it changes. . .
The styling is too harsh in some photos. Love her though.
It is, but it seems like it’s deliberate. Like they were going for an over-the-top 80s aesthetic. It’s kind of a bizarre way for them to go with her, I’m sure they think it’s “bold.” I don’t mind the first shot, the dramatic eyeliner actually works, I think.
Yeah maybe that was what they were trying to do. It just makes her look off sometime. She is gorgeous and doesn’t need all that makeup.
I really love the name. Not that common, but still normal and pretty. Very refreshing after all those Jaggers, Norths, Shooters and Reigns.
I’m ashamed to admit it even to myself, but her comment about the crappy 20’s, minus the part about her great career, 100% describes me and my life. I wish it also ends in my 30’s, which is pretty soon, because it’s been a nightmare. I spend every waking moment worrying about what other people think and that I should be doing something, but the same time, I’m terrified of doing anything. But I’m afraid it won’t end and I’ll stay like that forever, because it’s just my crappy character, not a period in my life. Sorry about the confession, Keira triggered my inner-worries.
Breathe. Embrace who you are. Do what you enjoy. Celebrate the life you have. You do not have to follow the rules of others, well, except for the legal ones, not following those can put you in prison. Those rule makers don’t know what brings happiness either.
Thanks, I will use these words for motivation for myself.
It’s a hard and scary struggle.
People probably tell you to live and let live, what’ll be will be. But it’s not that easy when it’s these feelings of self doubt are so entertwined with your everyday emotions – like your resting happines and sadness. I hope it releases you soon.
What a beautiful comment.
@Norman Bates’ Mother: I know just how you feel. I’m in my late twenties and I carry those concerns, as well. It’s quite difficult when you begin to sense how much they are limiting you, but are still not quite sure how to leave them all behind. It feels like living in a very narrow space – at least for me. I do think, with time, it changes. The very best of luck to you. . .
*Hug*
Aw, NMB, so sorry to hear you’re having such a rough time of it. I have always told people that things got better for me once I hit 30. So I could relate to what she said, too.
The one thing I wish I’d done was go to therapy sooner, while I was in my 20s, because I now know that many of my worries and fears came from pretty heavy duty anxiety. And even if it isn’t anxiety, it’s amazing how much talking to a trained professional can help put things into perspective.
Hang in there…in the words of Dan Savage’s wise campaign, which is geared toward the LGBT community but I believe applies to so many people… “It gets better.”
Hugs Norman Bates’ Mother. I think your experiences and feelings are totally normal. For me, it gradually improved in my thirties, but really started going away in my forties. In my 50s, it has improved a lot and I think by my 60s it will be perfect. If I live to be 70, I’ll probably be telling strangers to F off. Lol.
I think it great that you are aware of it, and can work on it intentionally. I don’t have much advice for how to do that because it sort of just happened for me after I got divorced at 35. I think that was the first thing I ever did that was “defying” what people expected of me and was standing up for myself and my life. I thought people would say “bad you!” But they said “good for you, he’s an ass.” And I realized that the most important person for me to make happy was me, and to live my life for myself, because if you don’t, you aren’t being authentic and you’re putting up all kinds of roadblocks for others to really know you and love you.
I can say from knowing you on here that you are smart and funny and wise, and anyone who really knows you will like you unless they have other issues. And if they don’t like you, there’s really nothing you can do, and it’s probably not anything you’re doing anyway. It’s about them. I wish you the best and I think your thoughtfulness about it is a great head start on the issue. More hugs and good thoughts and positive vibes coming your way. xx
“I can say from knowing you on here that you are smart and funny and wise, and anyone who really knows you will like you unless they have other issues.”
Yes! I meant to add something to that effect, too. NBM, you’re awesome.
Thank you so, so much. The words cannot express how much that last paragraph means to me. So many nice words about me? To be honest – I thought I left an entirely different impression on everyone here. I sometimes get carried away with my opinions and then worry that I must sound like an awful person. But all this coming from you GoodNamesAllTaken and also you – Esmom just made my day. You are awesome too and I’m glad I can read your opinions daily – they are always worthy, eloquent and my English skills just broke and can’t find any words, but I hope you know what I mean.
“it’s amazing what passing the half-century mark does to free one to be eccentric.” – Madeleine L’Engle
Adding to what the other have said, I never would have believed it but each decade keeps getting better; my 30s were a great decade for me and I have had more fun in my 40s than I have any other time in my life. I will now sound like your mother: (let’s say a really hip aunt with fantastic shoes, shall we?) what you are going through right now is rough and seemingly endless (and the others are correct, it does get better,) but what is going on now will fortify you later to make decisions for you and you alone. It’s a hell of an obstacle course to have to run but it does pay off, I promise. As GNAT said above, the fact that you are already aware of it means you have already started down the right road. Good luck.
A big thanks for all of you for those incredibly kind words, virtual hugs and advice and for taking the time of you days to address my worries. It really means a lot.
I’m now trying to convince myself to try to stop being so afraid and to change my approach to life and other people immediately. I have a good opportunity, as I’m starting over and moving to Germany, to the beautiful Black Forrest on a 29th of August. But the truth is – I’m absolutely terrified and I will probably end up worrying even more. That all the Germans will absolutely hate me, that I will suck at my job, that my German is not good enough, that I won’t have any friends etc. But I’m glad I still have you – a great CB community 🙂
NBM – my twenties were absolutely horrendous, horrendous. I felt like you do – having to constantly please people and put my own “self” aside. That kind of mindset tends to attract some pretty awful people too who will use you any way they can so like you I ended up being frightened of people. In any event my thirties got better, my forties rocked, my fifties saw a huge shift in my priorities and the type of work I wanted to do, and now that I’m 62 I’m exactly where I want to be, doing what I want to do with people I love. So it gets better – you are an articulate, smart and funny young woman who, by dint of expressing your concerns, have tackled your issues head on and I know you will start attracting the right people and opportunities into your life. Set your intentions and they will happen.
Much love from your Canadian CBer!
i bet you will surprise yourself and there are good people everywhere. It’s so scary to move to a whole new place, but if they have any sense they will love you! And we will be right here, just a “submit comment” away. Just be yourself because you’re awesome. xxoo
That sounds like an exciting adventure! I haven’t moved to another country, but I have moved by myself thousands of miles from what’s familiar SEVERAL times and I can assure you, that there are friends waiting for you there. You just need to keep an open heart to see them. Good luck as you transition and settle in to your beautiful home in the Black Forrest!
OH NO! NBM – you are great. I know it. I love you on here, I really do.
I think it’s sheer chance, the point at which things come properly right for people. For me, it was 29. But it could just as easily have been 19, or 39 or 49. Your happy day will come, I promise you.
Thank you, Sixer. I love you back, truly. I hope you’re right about those happy days.
P.S. Your name always triggers nice memories of South-West England in me. I’m a little sad I can’t move back there like I planned but it was a really nice period of my life.
Aww. But Germany’s great too, you know. Mr Sixer lived there (and also in Denmark, also great) for a while after he left the army. A super place for a new start, I promise. German people are hugely kind.
I agree with all the others who have responded. In my teens, twenties, even into my thirties, I was paralyzed with the idea of being the good girl, the perfect one(I’m an oldest child). Gradually that attitude subsided as I realized that I was just as good as anyone else, by which I mean that their quirks and failings didn’t bother me and I could have my own quirks and failings without becoming a person to be shunned. It gets better, I promise.
NBM and others, I’ve experienced this too And no matter how much people tell you ‘you’re enough’ you can’t switch off that voice inside that says ‘you can be better’. It’s only recently since I had a baby at 28 that I’ve thrown all those self imposed demands out the window. You can’t be perfect, no one can and no one should be otherwise we’d make pretty boring society. It’s only dawned on me this year that even if I don’t play my assigned role perfectly (daughter, wife, mother, colleague) people will still love me! This revelation truly only came after I had my own child. Maybe you lose the anxiety through action and not simply because you’re 25, 30 or 40?
I hear you NBM. The insecurities of my teenage years bled into my 20’s and the turbulent ride of navigating adult life and relationships was hard, but I changed the most during those years. The wisdom you glean is invaluable, but the means by which you get it is hideous. Everyone hates things about themselves, even those I thought had it all together. I was able to extend more grace to myself and to others, knowing it’s a tough road to accepting oneself with our unique mixture of strengths and weaknesses. It really can and does get better as you apply the lessons learned and surround yourself with loved ones who possess the character traits you admire. Hang in there and be prepared to see how far you’ve come as you move into your fabulous thirties.
Ladies, what a sisterhood! I am amazed and awed by you all! I am mostly a lurker here (for years), but had to type this. I am glad I found this site. You guys are such a interesting, intellectual and kind bunch.
NBM, I don’t have anything wise to add. But I too feel more free now than in my twenties. I was always concentrating on others, worried so much. Aging really brings the focus on us I think. Hope it does for you as well!
This thread is wonderful! And inspiring!
That’s why it’s so strange to me to see all the negativity surrounding actors when they are going right through it. Keira was ridiculed for it in her 20. Is it only normal and accepted for non famous people? Because famous people are called angsty and have to get over it/themselves already etc.
This thread right here is why I love this community. The snark is awesome, but I also value that many of us feel free to share personal issues and many of us are here to support.
Norman Bates’ Mother: I echo what others have said… what I take away from your comments is that you are a clever, smart and thoughtful person – full of fun and life! And might I say, you seem wise beyond your years. The 20s are an interesting time because you come into such personal freedom to do what you want with your own life and yet, that freedom can be daunting. You will find your grove. Listen to those of us further up the path! It will happen. ❌⭕️❌⭕️
I rarely comment, but I just wanted to say I cried reading this thread. Because I can identify with NMB (I will be moving to paris in 3 weeks and am so excited and scared), and because of all the kind and beautiful comments from everyone else. We’re all in this together. Thank you, everyone, you are great.
Love from Germany, and NMB, we’re lucky to have you!
I’m sorry for not commenting under every reply separately, but it would be very repetitive as you are all so amazing and kind. I left that first comment very spontaneously, triggered by Keira’s words, and I would have never dreamed of receiving such an outpour of support and love. Thanks to you that big move to Germany seems a little less scary. I will try to be brave and shift my way of thinking into a more positive, confident and less people-pleasing tracks and I’m happy that I can always share my concerns with you. Not that I’m intending to abuse that privilege. And to all those CB’s, who feel the same way as I do – we’re all in this together, it helps to remember we’re not all alone with our concerns. I’m usually guilty of leaving way too long comments, but this time I’m truly speechless. I’m so happy that I found this site. I fancied Michael Fassbender for the whole of maybe 2 weeks in 2010, but it brought me here, so I should probably give him and his girlfriends a lifetime pass.
I’ve always found her moderately intelligent and amusing and moderately annoying. Sort of a silly person. Very F@ck yeah! I’m bummed because I can’t get wasted! Trying too hard to prove she’s tough or something. But I like what she said about her body and I think I like the baby’s name if it’s pronounced the way it should be. And I think she’s very pretty.
I really like Keira. People used to give her a lot of shit, but I always thought she just sounded like your typical early 20 something and she grew out of it. She’s incredibly underrated as an actress, too, imo.
Keira manages to always be refreshing and direct. Good for her. And pretty baby name. And for once, an actress who comments on her new motherhood without being obnoxious.
Scarlet Johansson gave an amazing interview about motherhood. She came across as very sincere and thoughtful. And I say this as someone who can’t stand her.
Yes, she has done as well.
Mostly don’t care a bit about this story. Love the part about her body, and what having a baby has made her feel.
Came here to say I thought that was Caitlyn Jenner on the first cover. No Bueno…
I thought it was Caitlyn Jenner, too! I did a double take.
I didn’t recognize her in the header photo. Whats up with the photoshop?
Such a terrible name, sounds like a nick.
I didn’t imagine I would relate so much to her. This struggle is so, so real, and therapy was and it is needed in my case as well, and I just had no clue she’s been so uptight. . However, I’m freaking tired of people worshiping alcohol. I don’t get the hype of being drunk, never did. To me, that’s when people get even more annoying than they usually are.
I hear you on the alcohol worship. I have given it up for years at a time and always marvel at how completely prevalent it is in society and how much of an oddity I am for not drinking. And don’t get me started on advertising aimed at kids — my sons like to watch sports and every other commercial in ESPN is for beer. As if it is the greatest thing in life. It makes me crazy.
I don’t get it either. I took one sip from a friend’s drink when I was 19, hated the taste, and have never touched it since. I hate being around drunks.
So true. When I went to a barbecue at college, I suddenly became “interesting” because they found out I liked to drink. No need to tell I haven’t gone to anything they invented after that. It’s crazy how alcohol is praised, I mean, people even write songs about it! It’s crazy.
I think 30 is a little old to be Yeah! Let’s get wasted! I was like that in college, and I still love a glass of wine, but getting drunk and waking up with a hangover lost its appeal a long time ago.
P.S. Naddie, what’s a “Nick?”
I think it’s a nickname, but now that you asked, I’m in doubt! English is not my first language, so I might have mistaken the word.
Oh, duh, of course. That makes sense, even if you made up a new word! Lol.
+1 on the alcohol. I enjoy wine sometimes, but the “let’s party” attitude ended upon university graduation. Life is fascinating, and sometimes surreal in its own way. IMHO you miss a lot if getting drunk is your idea of fun.
Definitely. That whole “bro-dude” attitude of “look how much I can drink/let me tell you how wasted I got last night” is so unappealing after the college years. And the idea that people feel justified in asking someone else why they’re NOT drinking is absurd as well; both the notion that it’s anyone’s business and the notion that it’s such an oddity that others feel the need to remark and question are so weird to me.
Love her. Love the interview. Love the name.
Man, what a way to deform a very pretty woman’s face with Photoshop.
Keira has an amazing bone structure so what’s the need for the exaggerated graphic bloating of said feature? Beats me.
I totally relate with her on 20s been crappy. For me it was my teens and early 20s but am happy it didn’t take me long to come to the realization that being yourself is the best approach to life. I have a favorite saying “Be yourself because everyone else is already taken.”
I just turned 25 a few months ago and I love that I no longer feel I have to impress anyone but only focus on being better than who I was yesterday. It’s a great feeling.
I wouldn’t mind the crazy styling if the pictures were actually nice, but they’re horrible! She’s making awful faces in all of them!
Great interview and baby name! Love her.
I love the interview but the cover is too photoshopped, she doesn’t even look like herself. And she is more beautiful than the photoshopped cover. What was the point?
I am a bit disappointed that Keira OKed all this photoshop. Didn’t she get photographed topless a year or so ago because she wanted people to appreciate the natural look?
The covers are atrocious, but the interview is wonderful.
When I read she’d named her daughter Edie, my first thought was she’d named her after Edina (Edie) of Ab Fab fame.
Edie as on Edith? So many questions.
I actually like the cover. I’m glad they gave it to someone with talent and grace and not another useless Kardashian cover story about their selfies or lipgloss. I’ve always loved her work and the way she comes off in interviews.
So, I’m showing my age because I automatically thought of Eydie Gorme (married to Steve Lawrence) when I heard the name!
Is the name pronounced like eeeedee or Ed dee?
She always does that thing with her mouth open when posing. She did it throughout Pirates of the Caribbean. Like her but it bugs.
Such strange covers! I wonder why they chose to do that styling.
I’ve grown to really like her a lot, and I love the name Edie, especially with their last names.
My four year old daughter’s name is Eden, and she goes by Edie (eeeedeee, for those questioning the pronunciation). I wasn’t searching for a unique name, I was actually expecting a boy in my own mind (we didn’t find out) and had only kind of thought about one girl name or three. When she was born the name Edie popped into my head unbidden. I had always liked it, because of the The Cult’s song – but didn’t want to say she was named for the song, either, obviously! A little too sad and graphic. But I wanted her to have options, so we went with Eden, and call her Edie.
All that to say, we’ve only met one other Eden, and no other Edies, and I’m taken aback at how much it irritates me that she chose Edie! It’s hardly popular, it’ll be OK if a few more girls (not quite) her age get a great name… right? It’ll be OK. Sure it will. Everything’s fine…