Sir Ben Kingsley, born Krishna Pandit Bhanji, is an actor who has starred in some of the most memorable films of our generation. He was knighted in 2002 for his services to drama. But why was he knighted?
Kingsley first came to prominence in the 1976 film Bugsy Malone. His performance as a hitman earned him critical acclaim and led to roles in other British films such as Gandhi, for which he won an Oscar. In the 1980s, Kingsley moved to Hollywood where he appeared in blockbusters like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Sneakers.
He has continued to work steadily throughout his career, appearing in both mainstream and independent films.
In 2001, Kingsley was appointed a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama. Just one year later, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
So why was this esteemed actor knighted?
There are many reasons why someone may be awarded a knighthood or damehood from the British monarchy. For Sir Ben Kingsley, it is likely due to his lengthy and successful career as an actor, both in Britain and Hollywood.
His role in Gandhi is especially noteworthy as it helped increase awareness of Indian culture and history around the world. In addition to his acting achievements, Sir Ben Kingsley has also been involved with various charities over the years. For all these reasons and more, Sir Ben Kingsley was rightfully knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.
Ben Kingsley was knighted in 2002 for his services to drama. He is an accomplished actor with a long and celebrated career. He has won many awards, including an Oscar, and has appeared in some of the most iconic films of our time.
His body of work is truly impressive, and it’s no wonder he was chosen to receive this great honor.
Why Did Sir Ben Kingsley Get Knighted?
On March 12, 2014, Sir Ben Kingsley was knighted by Prince William at Buckingham Palace. The actor was bestowed with the honor for his “services to drama.” Throughout his prolific career, Kingsley has appeared in over 100 films, including Gandhi (for which he won an Academy Award), Schindler’s List, and Hugo.
He has also been nominated for Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Emmy Awards. In addition to his achievements in film, Kingsley is also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and has done extensive work with charities. Kingsley was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji in Snainton, Yorkshire in 1943.
His father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, was a Kenyan-born medical doctor of Gujarati Indian descent while his mother Anna Lyna Mary (née Goodman) was an English actress. As a teenager he attended Manchester Grammar School where he excelled in drama. After graduating from high school he changed his name to Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt before changing it again to Ben Kingsley when he started appearing professionally on stage.
Kingsley began acting in small roles on British television throughout the late 1960s but it wasn’t until 1976 that he had his breakout role as Mohandas Gandhi in Richard Attenborough’s biographical film Gandhi that earned him critical acclaim and international fame. For his performance as Gandhi, Kingsley won an Academy Award for Best Actor as well as a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award. He would go on to receive Oscar nominations for Best Actor for Bugsy (1991) and Sexy Beast (2000).
Throughout his career Ben Kingsley has appeared in some of the most iconic films ever made including Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Schindler’s List (1993), Becket(1964), Sleuth(1972), and Ghandi(1982). He has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks , Dustin Hoffman , Steven Spielberg , Ridley Scottand Martin Scorsese . In 2013 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame .
Aside from being one of the most successful actors of all time , Ben Kingsley is also known forhis work with charities .
When Did Ben Kingsley Become a Sir?
Ben Kingsley was born on December 31, 1943 in Snainton, North Riding of Yorkshire, England as Krishna Bhanji. He is an actor and producer, known for Gandhi (1982), Schindler’s List (1993) and Sexy Beast (2000). He has been married to Daniela Lavender since September 2006.
They have two children. He was previously married to Alexandra Christmann and Angela Morant. Kingsley was made a Knight Bachelor in the 2002 New Year Honours for “services to the British film industry”.
Ben Kingsley Films
Ben Kingsley is an English actor who has appeared in many films throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in Gandhi, Bugsy and Schindler’s List. In recent years, he has also appeared in The Help, Ender’s Game and Life of Pi.
Kingsley began his acting career on the stage, appearing in various productions including Shakespeare’s Macbeth. He made his film debut in 1967 with a small role in Billion Dollar Brain. His first major film role came the following year with the 1968 release of Deadfall.
In the 1970s, Kingsley starred in a number of films including Fear Is the Key (1972), Sleuth (1972), Zulu Dawn (1979) and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Mohandas Gandhi in Richard Attenborough’s 1982 biopic Gandhi. The 1980s saw Kingsley appear in such films as Betrayed (1988), Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) and without a Clue (1988).
He also lent his voice to the character of Mr Miyagi in The Karate Kid Part III (1989). During the 1990s, Kingsley starred in such films as Sneakers (1992), Dave (1993), Searching For Bobby Fischer (1993) and Schindler’s List (1993). He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance as Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Mauricio Papalini’s 2001 TV movie adaptation of Eichmann’s memoirs.
More recently, Kingsley has appeared in such films as Sexy Beast (2000), House Of Sand And Fog(2003), Thunderbirds(2004), Lucky Number Slevin(2006) , Shutter Island(2010) , Hugo(2011) , Iron Man 3(2013) and Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb(2014).
Did Ben Kingsley Win an Oscar?
Yes, Ben Kingsley won an Oscar for his role in Gandhi in 1982.
What Did Ben Kingsley Star In?
Ben Kingsley is an English actor who has starred in many different movies and television shows. Some of his most famous roles include Gandhi in the movie Gandhi, Don Logan in Sexy Beast, and Trevor Slattery/Mandarin in Iron Man 3. He has also starred in many other movies such as Schindler’s List, Shutter Island, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
Conclusion
Ben Kingsley is an actor who has starred in many films, including Gandhi, for which he won an Academy Award. He was knighted in 2001 by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to drama.