In a surprising revelation, acclaimed Hollywood actress Keira Knightley has admitted to watching the beloved Christmas classic 'Love Actually' only a single time since its release. The star, who played the pivotal role of Juliet in the 2003 romantic comedy, confessed she finds it "weird" to watch herself on screen and has actively avoided revisiting the festive favourite.
The 'Delete Button' in Her Head
Speaking candidly on the 'Dish from Waitrose' podcast, the 40-year-old actress explained her unusual relationship with her past work. Knightley shared that she possesses what she describes as a "delete button" in her head, which makes her forget lines and scenes from films she has acted in almost immediately after filming wraps.
"Somebody wanted me to say a line from the film, but I hadn't seen it. So, I was like, I don't know what you're talking about!" Knightley recounted. She elaborated that fans often quote her lines with a recognisable look, but she is usually clueless. "I get the look, but I have no idea what the line is," she said. This mental mechanism is so strong that even if a scene required a retake, she would have to relearn her dialogue from scratch.
Acting as a Carrot for Overcoming Dyslexia
Beyond her quirky memory habits, Knightley opened up about the unconventional start to her illustrious career. The daughter of actor Will Knightley and playwright Sharman Macdonald, she revealed that her parents allowed her to pursue acting as a direct incentive to manage her dyslexia.
"I'm dyslexic. So the school said to my parents... I couldn't read at all," Knightley recalled. The school suggested using a "carrot" to motivate her. Since young Keira desperately wanted an agent like her parents, a deal was struck. Her acting opportunities were directly tied to her academic improvement.
"I was only allowed to go up for parts if my school work improved. So I had to practice reading every single day and it was literally dangled in front of me," she explained. If her schoolwork slipped, her audition privileges were revoked. This unique bargain laid the foundation for her journey into the film industry.
A Lasting Legacy Despite Personal Distance
Despite Knightley's personal detachment from 'Love Actually', the film directed by Richard Curtis remains a monumental success and a staple of holiday viewing for millions worldwide. Her role as Juliet, caught in a poignant love triangle, is one of the film's most memorable storylines.
The actress's candid comments highlight the fascinating disconnect that can exist between an artist and their art once it is released to the public. While fans can recite lines and scenes by heart, the performer herself has moved on, her memories of the work erased by a professional 'delete button'. Knightley's story adds a unique layer to the legacy of this enduring Christmas classic.
