Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan were one of the most famous young celebrity couples in the early 2000s. Though their relationship was relatively brief, lasting just two years, it garnered significant media attention at the time. In this post, we’ll explore the full story of their romantic history, why they broke up, and where both actors are today.
Summery:
- Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan met in 2003 on a photo shoot and dated for two years.
- Knightley was a massive star while Dornan was an emerging model when they got together.
- Dornan felt pressure being the less famous half of the couple.
- Knightley was devastated when they broke up in 2005.
- Dornan disliked the paparazzi attention on their relationship.
- Both moved on and married other people but had a memorable time as a celebrity couple.
How Did Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan Meet?
In 2003, Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan met on the set of a photo shoot for the luxury jewellery brand Asprey. Knightley was already a rising star, having recently appeared in blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually. Dornan was just starting out as a model, trying to break into the industry.
The shoot brought these two gorgeous stars together and they quickly hit it off. By 2004, they were officially a couple and became a popular fixture in the British tabloids. At the time, Knightley gushed about her new boyfriend, telling the Mirror “I’m mad about him. He keeps me sane when things get stressful. We always have fun together.”
What Was Jamie Dornan and Keira Knightley Relationship Like?
For the most part, Knightley and Dornan kept their romantic life very private. Knightley reportedly wouldn’t even confirm they were dating when asked by the paparazzi. But from the limited glimpses we got in the media, they seemed very happy together.
They made many public appearances walking hand-in-hand and were considered one of the most fashionable celebrity couples in Britain. One particular memorable moment came in 2004 when they were photographed grocery shopping together. Dornan wore a pair of extremely low-slung jeans, while Knightley rocked a denim miniskirt and leather boots.
Why Did Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan Break Up (split up)?
In 2005, after just two years together, Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan made the decision to end their relationship. Not many details were given at the time, but shortly after, Dornan told the Daily Mirror that he felt a lot of “pressure” dating someone as famous as Knightley.
Dornan explained “The man is meant to be the Alpha in the relationship on the money and power front and clearly I was not.” As a rising model and aspiring actor, he was not yet close to Knightley’s level of fame and success. This imbalance seemed to contribute to their split.
How Did Each Handle the Breakup?
By all accounts, Knightley took the breakup very hard. An insider told the Mirror she “shed a river of tears” and was completely heartbroken. Dornan also appears to have struggled, even channeling the pain into his music.
He was part of a band called Sons of Jim and reportedly wrote lyrics about the split like “I can see your fancy friends trying to steal your innocence…you’re so weak around them.” While the end of their relationship was difficult, Dornan and Knightley did vow to remain friends.
Was Knightley More Famous Than Dornan at the Time?
When Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan got together in 2003, Knightley’s fame eclipsed her new boyfriend’s by a wide margin. She had starred in several major box office hits, including Pirates of the Caribbean, which grossed over $650 million.
Meanwhile, Dornan was just emerging as a model, with some smaller ad campaigns under his belt. Knightley clearly had greater name recognition and star power during their relationship. Dornan has even admitted he never imagined reaching her level of success.
Did Knightley Help Dornan’s Career?
It’s very possible that by dating Keira Knightley, Jamie Dornan received increased media attention that helped elevate his profile. Being her boyfriend certainly put him in the spotlight.
But in later interviews, Dornan downplayed Knightley’s impact on his career. He claimed the relationship did not really affect his professional success in acting. While the fame may have been a factor, Dornan also landed roles based on pure talent.
How Did Dornan Feel About the Paparazzi Attention?
One downside of dating a massive star like Keira Knightley was constantly being hounded by paparazzi. Jamie Dornan made it clear he despised the paparazzi and having his privacy invaded.
In an interview after their breakup, he criticized the photographers as “cretins” and said “There are so many ways to make a living that don’t involve hiding in bushes outside the houses of 18-year-old girls with a camera in your hand.” Dornan understandably disliked his every move being documented.
Where Are Knightley and Dornan Now?
Both Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan moved on after their relationship ended and went on to marry other people.
Knightley wed musician James Righton in 2013. They have two daughters together. She continues acting in films such as Misbehaviour and recently earned a 2022 Oscar nomination for her performance in The Aftermath.
Dornan also married in 2013, to musician Amelia Warner. They have three daughters. He achieved global fame starring in the Fifty Shades of Grey film series. Recently, he earned acclaim for his role in Belfast, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
While no longer a couple, both Knightley and Dornan remain successful in their careers. Their early 2000s relationship will always be remembered fondly by fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How did Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan meet?
Knightley and Dornan met in 2003 on the set of a photo shoot they were both participating in for the Asprey luxury brand. They began dating shortly afterwards.
2. When did they start dating?
Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan officially began dating in 2004, about a year after they first met. Their relationship lasted about 2 years.
3. Why did they break up?
The main reason given for their breakup in 2005 was that Dornan felt pressure dating someone as famous as Knightley when he was less established career-wise at the time. He didn’t like the imbalanced dynamic.
4. How long were they together?
Knightley and Dornan dated for around two years, from 2004 until 2005 when they announced their split.
5. Did they remain friends after the breakup?
Yes, Knightley and Dornan vowed to stay friends after ending their romantic relationship in 2005. They spoke positively about one another in later interviews.
6. Are Knightley and Dornan married now?
No, neither married each other. Both Keira Knightley and Jamie Dornan got married in 2013 to other people. Where Keira Knightley married to musician James Righton and Jamie Dornan to musician Amelia Warner.
