Kate Romany Beckinsale, born July 26, 1973, in London, England, is an actress. Beckinsale began her acting career in British television productions in the early 1990s. Her breakthrough role came in 1993 with the film "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Kenneth Branagh.
She gained widespread recognition for her role in the film “Pearl Harbor” (2001), but achieved worldwide fame after starring as Selene in the "Underworld" film series, which began in 2003. This action-horror franchise solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. Throughout her career, Beckinsale has starred in various genres, including romantic comedies like "Serendipity" (2001), dramas such as "The Aviator" (2004), and action films like "Van Helsing" (2004) and "Total Recall" (2012).
Known for her versatility and striking looks, Beckinsale has received critical acclaim for her performances in independent films like "Love & Friendship" (2016), for which she earned numerous award nominations.
Outside of acting, she is renowned for her wit and intelligence, having studied French and Russian literature at Oxford University before fully pursuing her acting career.
Beckinsale has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and has been open about her experiences with anxiety and body image issues in the entertainment industry.