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Keira Knightley has revealed she wants to quit acting, saying: "I want a life instead."
The 22-year-old Pirates Of The Caribbean star said the pressures of fame have become too much to bear.
And she is "devastated" at becoming a poster girl for anorexia because of her slender frame.
Speaking to Elle magazine, Knightley said of her career: "The celebrity thing is completely crazy. I think I just have to move away or give it up altogether.
"I couldn't have kids in the situation I'm in now. But I could just do something else. That's probably what's going to happen. I'm just not so hungry any more. I made a decision very recently that I wanted a life instead."
Knightley said she reached her decision after a trekking holiday in the Himalayas.
"I spent 10 days in a place where no-one knew me or cared what films I'd been in," she said. "I got to have some total peace and balance and see myself as a tiny insignificant speck - something I really needed."
The actress spoke of her upset over pictures of her appearing on pro-anorexia websites.
There were fears for her health when she was photographed looking very thin in a striped bikini.
Knightley said the "physically gruelling" film schedule for Pirates Of The Caribbean had caused her to lose weight.
She eventually went to a doctor asking how to become a size 12 - but he told her she would have to eat unhealthy food and stop exercising.
"Basically, my body type is naturally thin. There is nothing I can do about it," she said, adding: "I hate the fact that naturally thin women like me are becoming scapegoats for promoting a mental illness."

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I have to tip my hat to her, she's kept her feet on the ground and knows how she feels and what she wants. If she leaves the Industry she can always choose to come back when it suites her, put yourself in her position before you judge her.
John, Patna, Scotland
Why on earth is this woman complaining? There are many actresses far better than her in the world. Yet we have to see this stick thin wooden actress getting all the parts. She has had alot of luck. I only wish directors gave more unknowns a chance Natural thin?? wait til your 30!! Absurd nonsense.
Louise, London,
I really like Kiera. She is a beautiful young woman. God created her in a very stunning way. If she really wants to give up acting and start a life, I think that's ok. An actress deserves a break and some time. She is skinny, but what does it matter? Natural skinny is eccalent! I wish i was that skinny! =) She can't really control that, and i understand. I think she is a smart and pretty young lady.
Laura, Hillsboro, Oregon
Im inspired by Keira Knightly in her work. She is slim but she doesnt seem to look unhealthy. I am actually anorexic but people need to know when others say 'i dont have an eating disorder' that people with eating disorders will deny it because they think they are perfectly fine. I have issues with eating a cake and then thinking im going to be fat just from that. I dont enjoy not being able to fit into clothes as size 0 is hard to get hold of and im not proud of it at all. Keira Knightly is stunning though and if she thinks taking a break or leaving is a good idea then all for it because its what she feels and her needs. I can't stand the press always pointing out when someone has put on a bit of weight but look great then slandering size 0's, how do they know where to stop?
Emma, oxfordshire, england
I don't think she'll quit acting forever. She'll probably take a break - I mean, she's young, she's got years to go. She can get back to acting at anytime and the directors will always have her because she's got talent and passion (and appeal). It is unfair that she gets picked on for her appearance but then that's all they can judge her on because they can't be bothered to know the true Keira.
It will be sad to not watch new Keira films if she quits... but then again we got DVDs, right? She's one hell of a role model and one of the greatest actresses of the 21st century.
PS Jade from Birmingham: you'd rather be thin than fat? come on - real women have curves (and for you Keira fans who'll want to hurt me now - Keira's got hips and a JLo arse).
PPS me, here person - that's what Renee Zellwegger had to do for Bridget Jones: 12 doughnuts a day!
Harriet Sparrow, My ship: Nemesis, I do a bit of travelling
if hse wants to quite thats her choice, i just hope that she hangs in there for a fourth pirates movie!it wouldnt be the same without elizabeth swan
joey, new york,
oh, I really don't want her to quit!! she's so so talented, and she's a wonderful person... but this is her choice. even if it's not great, it's up to her to decide what life she's going to lead, and I don't think people should go urge her not to or something, even though I really really hope she doesn't quit! but maybe she can always come back if she does...
jeanne, LA, US
thankfully she's quitting! The sooner the better!
dennis, auckland, nz
i think that keira knightley is the best and the most beutiful actress.....when i found out that they might make a fourth
'pirates of the caribbean' movey, i was soooooooo exited to see it.....but then i also found out that keira might not be in the forth pirate movey......i was heartbroken.....she is my favourite actress, and so talented, if she is not going to be in the forth movey, theres no point of making it, because pirates just isent pirates without her.......plezzzzzzz keira, dont quit acting....but whatever you choose, you will always be my favourite celebrity.... : ) XXxxXXxxXXxxXX
jovita akstinaite, ardee, ireland
I'd be heartbroken if kiera gave up acting! she soooo talented and very cute! She definatley has to be in the fourth pirate film.
SHE HAS TOO!!! I love the third movie and if she's not going to be in the fourth, then there's no point in making one!(pppppppllllllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz) don't quit!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kristi, new york, US
Obviously i think keira knightley is absolutly stunning, and (talented too!) nah seriously great actress and glowing personality if she quit id be gutted but would still adore her as shes so hot! so ignore em all keira you will always be amazing to me (dont quit plzzzzzzzzz) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Paul, Manchester, uk
Thats not fair leave skinny celebs alone i would hate to be film every hour on the hour. So what if shes thin i would rather be thin than fat. Im thin im 16 and i am a size 8 my mom makes me eat food but i just don't put it on. Im a big fan of keira and not just because of her films but also because of what she has done and her personality. Good luck kk.xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jade, Birmingham, UK
I simply adore Keira Knightley sje is my favourite actress! I understand that the life of a celebrity can be tough and challenging. Although I would be thouroughly heart broken if she quit. However it is her life and what she does is up to her. I will still love Keira even if she does quit acting!
Natalie, London, UK
Keira Knightley is my favorite actress and I hate to see her give up acting, as she is SO talented. But sometimes you have to make sacrifices and as a big fan, i think that keira's decision is wise to make that sacrifice. I'm sure being a celebrity can be tough, and if being famous means having terrible rumours and lack of freedom, then i think keira knightley should do what she wants.
Sara, boston, US
I think Kiera should do what she wants to do
if she has kids when she is acting then the kids wont see her half the time and if she gives up and has kids then the kids will be happy and when they are older ,she could take acting up again!
I am a big fan of her and i will be supporting her all the way!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Heza, Birmingham, UK
I think, perhaps fame is ruining her life, you only get one and you should live it how you want. If acting has proved not to make her happy, then why carry on? of course, she is an amazing actress but her sanity is the most important thing. If she would rather live a more normal life away from the public eye then she should go for it. She will still be keira knightly, only happier and perhaps with a family of her own? sit down and think about what you want keira, put yourself and your family first!!xxxx your fans wil be happy for you, whatever you decide to do!x
Lauren J, liverpool, England
I definately think she has some eating issues. But who doesnt in hollywood? I don't understand why she is targeted so much more than the rest of the actresses out there. It really isnt fair. Maybe leaving for a short while so she can find herself and have a break would be a good idea. But not forever! She is an amazing actress and i wish her all the best of luck and happiness! She worked so hard to get where she is now!
Crystal, Tacoma, WA
Miss Knightley is a lovely actress and it would be a shame she should go sour on her craft. Leaving it is a good idea. It will give her the opportunity to regain some perspective and balance and it is quite likely she will return later.
B.P., Portland, OR, USA
Hearsays can ruin an entire career,the thing is, do you listen to them or just keep on being who you are and avoid comments that are bound to be upsetting? I think she should continue with her life, and work! Blimey, if we all woud listen to stuff like that, we wouldn't be able to grow up! Besides, I think she's a brilliant actress and she is doing so great! If she quits, i can only hope that she does it just for her, and to because of media harrassing her.
Synnove Miller , Bristol, London
I am 14 years old and I am really upset how she is giving up all she had worked up for because of the press. No matter how much she tells them to get lost they keep bugging her of her weight. I have seen people who are aneroxic and i can honestly say she isn't.The writers are bullying her. Anyway she is a brilliant actress, and i dont think she should give up on that.She is my idol and i hope that soon i will be a brilliant actress just like her.I think she should ignore the press, what the hell do they know, they are people who couldn't make it as actresses.
Lilly Colette, Bournemouth, England
I am naturally thin myself and have constant tuanting from my work collegues, about anorexia. It is horrible and it really very upsetting, I can not imagine the what it is like for Keria Knightly. I can understand her decsion to get out of the lime light.
Chralotte , Marlow, Bucks
Fine. She's not that good an actress. She was dreadful in Pride and Prejudice.
MISS Swan, Isla de Muerta , Caribbean Islands
Her decision to quit acting supposes that Keira Knightley was ever able to act in the first place.
Abe Lincoln, Gettysburg,
I am naturally thin myself and have constant tuanting from my work collegues, about anorexia. It is horrible and it really very upsetting, I can not imagine the what it is like for Keria Knightly. I can understand her decsion to get out of the lime light.
Chralotte , Marlow, Bucks
"he told her she would have to eat unhealthy food and stop exercising."
Does anyone believe that a doctor actually said that?
me, here,