There was a lot more she was dealing with off screen 😳

Keira Knightley, best known for her role as **Elizabeth Swann** in the *Pirates of the Caribbean* franchise, has opened up about the intense pressure and lasting impact that came with her breakthrough role. While the films, which starred Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp, catapulted her to international fame, Knightley has described the experience as profoundly challenging and, at times, traumatic.

Before *Pirates of the Caribbean*, Knightley had appeared in smaller films such as *Bend It Like Beckham*, where she enjoyed a relatively normal level of attention. But at just 18 years old, the sudden scrutiny and global fame brought on by the blockbuster franchise proved overwhelming. In a 2018 interview with *Variety*, Knightley admitted, *“I found it pretty horrific. I’m not an extrovert, so I found that level of scrutiny and that level of fame really hard.”*

The pressure reached a point where Knightley had to seek professional help. She revealed that she underwent **hypnotherapy** to prevent a panic attack on the BAFTA red carpet in 2008. The intensity of the experience led to a significant breakdown at the age of 22, which ultimately resulted in a **PTSD diagnosis**.

Knightley’s candid reflections highlight the hidden struggles that can accompany early fame in Hollywood, especially for young actors suddenly thrust into the global spotlight. Despite the glamour and adoration associated with blockbuster films, the mental and emotional toll of fame can be profound.

Today, Knightley continues to work selectively in film, emphasizing the importance of balance and personal well-being over the pressures of celebrity. Her story serves as a reminder of the human cost behind some of the industry’s most iconic roles and the resilience required to navigate fame at such a young age.