What wise words can we steal from Keira Knightley on her 30th birthday?

Time has flown by since we first laid eyes on Keira and it’s really quite hard to believe that was almost 13 years ago.

The actress has managed to dig her claws into the film industry, as well as conquering the fashion world, but it hasn’t been a smooth sail to stardom…

A young Keira first appeared in adverts, TV programmes and minor film roles (including the science fiction blockbuster Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace) but we pretty much date Keira’s face back to Bend it Like Beckham.

The teen was then thrown into the limelight, bagging herself a role alongside Johnny Depp and the emerging Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Despite very early success, Keira found herself battling through fusillades of criticism while trying to establish herself in the industry, blasted with insults targeting everything from her body to her accent.

But the 30-year-old came through it all and has starred in an array of Hollywood blockbusters alongside acting royalty, racking up a number of prestigious Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta nominations.

Now, with a successful career and happy marriage to her name – not to mention a baby on the way - it’s safe to say we could do with a few wise words from the birthday girl herself…

1. On romance

“I left fairy tales behind. Why should you be told to wait for some fucking dude to rescue you?”

2. On success

“I think if I get to the end of my life having hurt as few people as possible, I will be happy, making sure that the people who mean the most to me know they’ve been loved. Success in work, whatever work, will come and go .”

3. On body image

“I think it’s much better to go with the flow and embrace your body, whatever shape it is, and just be happy. “

4. On a career

“Right now jobs are meant to be vocational and it puts a hell of a pressure on people. You don’t just have to earn a living, you have to enjoy what you do.”

5. On growing up

“I’m not actually worried about turning 30. Because, honestly, my early 20s were not much fun. Then, after 25, things just got better and better. I allowed myself to chill out. Since then, everything’s been amazing.”

6. On criticism

“Who gives a shit? My attitude now is that some people will enjoy [my work] and some people won’t. Just make it for the people who enjoy it.”

7. On being yourself

“I don’t want to emulate anyone else. I’m perfectly happy trying to figure out everything on my own.”