Melissa Ann

Opening post all courtesy of the lovely Lee

Here's a Kate Biography:

Kate Beckinsale (b 26. July 1973) is one of England's most finest acting exports. Alongside the likes of Rachel Weisz and Keira Knightley, Beckinsale has made an impact on the Hollywood industry in recent years. Like all English actresses, it takes a lot of patience and the perfect time to embody yourself in the American public eye, and of course: the world. The film that gave Beckinsale that worldwide recognition was the Bruckheimer produced film Pearl Harbor.

Before the dizzying heights of Hollywood, Beckinsale was just your regular English scholar, attending Oxford. It was there, that whilst studying French and Russian literature she got her feature film debut in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of the classic Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing. Previously, Beckinsale had done bits of acting here and there, but never on a truly professional basis. After a tumultuous youth, which included the death of her father, actor Richard Beckinsale (d. 1979), she took a life-changing trip to Paris as part of a "study abroad" scheme employed by Oxford. It was in France that she decided a change was needed career-wise.

Returning home, Beckinsale claimed parts in successful TV series and movies. One of the highlights, portraying a philanthropic con artist in the 1996 movie, Shooting Fish. In 1999, after the release of the thriller Brokedown Palace, co-starring Claire Danes, Beckinsale's life changed dramatically with the arrival of her daughter Lily with then partner, Welsh actor, Michael Sheen.

Balancing motherhood with a promising film career, Beckinsale got her worldwide film debut in the war romance Pearl Harbor alongside Ben Affleck after first choice Charlize Theron pulled out due to filming conflicts. The film grossed over $200 million worldwide. Star status had arrived.

These days, comic book adaptations seem to be a common occurrence on Beckinsale's CV. 2003 saw the release of uber vampire/werewolf cross-over movie Underworld. Her next release is the highly anticipated Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman, due May this year. Fan rumours are circulating the internet that Beckinsale could be starring alongside Jackman again in Bryan Singer's as of yet, untitled, third X Men movie. Another project, due for release is the Martin Scorsese Oscar friendly biopic The Aviator. Beckinsale co-stars with Leonardo DiCaprio and Australian movie chameleon Cate Blanchett.

It'd be interesting to see if Beckinsale can find time during her busy schedule to tie the knot with fiance Len Wiseman. After all, there are plans for them to re-team with a possible Underworld sequel, which would see her reprise her role as vampire warrior Selene, and give the film a 2005 release.

Melissa Ann

Last posts from previouis thread:

sarah11650

^Yep, same here. I heard a while ago that they were going to, but that it was going to be a prequel and she wouldn't be in it. I was like, wtf? Who would go see that?

Melissa Ann

I just love her as an action chick.

sarah11650

Me too! I love chicks that can hold there own.

She's such an amazing actress though. She can do like ANY accent.

Casandra

Yeah, I love Kate in kicking ass roles. Totally has the female empowerment thing going.

sarah11650

Damn straight

Hey Cas

ETA: I feel like we should update the opening lol. It's kind of old.

Casandra

Hey chica!

sarah11650

I didn't know you were a KB fan! Do you or do you not love Underworld?

Casandra

Flove! I actually like the second one better than the first. And I liked Van Helsing too.

sarah11650

Um me too! I don't know why it did so poorly... i mean.. did you SEE that sex scene?

Casandra

I know! I mean, I'm not a Scott Speedman fan, but dayum it was hot.

sarah11650

Exactly! I mean.. I like him and all... but i'ts ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL about Kate.

Casandra

Definitely, and the black leather doesn't hurt either.

sarah11650

Nope!

Guh. I just saw Pearl Harbor for the first time.. jesus I can't believe the ending. Evelyn and Danny were perfect.