Kate Beckinsale, born Kathrin Romany Beckinsale on July 26, 1973, in London, England, is a distinguished English actress renowned for her versatile performances across film and television. As of December 2024, she is 51 years old and has an estimated net worth of $25 million.
Early Life and Education
Beckinsale hails from a family deeply rooted in the acting profession. Her father, Richard Beckinsale, was a celebrated British actor known for his roles in sitcoms like “Porridge” and “Rising Damp.” Tragically, Richard passed away from a heart attack in 1979 when Kate was just five years old. Her mother, Judy Loe, also an actress, continued her career in British television. Kate has a half-sister, Samantha Beckinsale, who is also an actress.
For her education, Beckinsale attended Godolphin and Latymer School in London. She later pursued studies in French and Russian literature at New College, Oxford. During her time at Oxford, she was actively involved in the Oxford University Dramatic Society, where she directed a production of “A View from the Bridge.”
Career Beginnings
Beckinsale’s acting career commenced at a young age. She made her television debut at the age of four in the series “This Is Your Life.” Her film debut came in 1993 with a brief role in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing.” She gained prominence in the UK with leading roles in period dramas such as “Prince of Jutland” (1994), “Cold Comfort Farm” (1995), and “Emma” (1996).
Breakthrough and Hollywood Success
Beckinsale’s international breakthrough occurred with her role in “Pearl Harbor” (2001), where she starred alongside Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett. She continued her success with films like “Serendipity” (2001) and “The Aviator” (2004). In 2003, she starred as Selene in the “Underworld” series, solidifying her status as an action star. She also appeared in “Van Helsing” (2004) and “Total Recall” (2012).
Recent Work
In recent years, Beckinsale has showcased her versatility with roles in both action and drama. She starred in “Love & Friendship” (2016), earning critical acclaim for her performance. She also appeared in “The Only Living Boy in New York” (2017) and “Jolt” (2021). In 2019, she returned to television with the limited series “The Widow.”
Personal Life
Beckinsale has been in high-profile relationships throughout her career. She was in a relationship with actor Michael Sheen from 1995 to 2003, with whom she has a daughter, Lily Mo Sheen, born in 1999. In 2004, she married director Len Wiseman, but the couple separated in 2015 and finalized their divorce in 2019.
Recent Developments
In early 2024, Beckinsale faced health challenges, spending several weeks hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. She shared updates on social media, expressing gratitude for the support from fans and friends.
Despite these challenges, Beckinsale celebrated her 51st birthday in July 2024 with friends in London, appearing in good spirits.