• Kate Beckinsale has recently faced harsh criticism for sharing swimsuit photos at 50.
• Despite the backlash, Beckinsale has openly discussed her struggles with grief, health issues, and the loss of loved ones.
• Take a look at how the movie star’s appearance has changed over the years since 1979, as she emphasizes her focus on survival.

Kate Beckinsale is a renowned actress known for her roles in films like “Underworld” and “Pearl Harbor.” She was born on July 26, 1973, in Hounslow, Middlesex, England, and has lived in London for most of her life.

The movie star has recently faced harsh criticism for sharing photos of herself in a swimsuit at 50. Social media users have slammed her for what they perceive as an inappropriate display for her age. However, the actress has been through a lot, and here is how her appearance has transformed over the years, since the late 1970s.

Kate Beckinsale in 1979

Beckinsale’s parents were both in the entertainment industry. Her dad, Richard Beckinsale, who died at 31, was in some popular British television comedies such as “Rising Damp” and “Porridge.”

The actress’s mother, Judy Loe, starred in some British dramas and sitcoms. She is still an actress appearing mostly in British television productions. The mother and daughter seemed to have a good relationship as they posed together in 1979. The duo looked photogenic, wearing similar charming smiles and fringe hairstyles.

Kate Beckinsale in 1991

Beckinsale made her acting debut in 1991 in the TV film, “One Against the Wind.” The film was about World War II and was shot during the summer of 1991 in Luxemburg. However, it first aired on television in December of the same year.

Kate Beckinsale in 1995

The actress was a young woman with a striking presence in 1995. She used this quality to exude charm and mystery in her role as Christina Mariell on “Haunted.”

Kate Beckinsale starred in the romance and horror movie alongside Aidan Quinn and John Gielgud. In this film, shot in West Sussex, the actress wanted to star as an object of desire.

This approach differed from her previous films where her characters were withdrawn and worldly innocent. Beckinsale’s character was often in attire with matching hand gloves and red lipstick.

Her wardrobe which was a classic 1920s attire also included elegant dresses and period-appropriate hairstyles that added to the film’s atmospheric tension.

Kate Beckinsale in 1996

In 1996, the actress starred in the British ITV production of Jane Austen’s novel “Emma.” She personified the character with elegance. She wore costumes reflective of the Regency era, featuring high-waisted gowns. The high-waisted dresses also showcased her cleavage.

Kate Beckinsale in 2001

Beckinsale starred in Disney’s “Pearl Harbor” in 2001, alongside Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett. The movie retold the events surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II and focused on the lives and romances of two pilots and a nurse.

The actress attended “Pearl Harbor’s” premiere in a gorgeous off-white dress. She posed alongside her co-star Ben Affleck. In another picture for the movies’ photocall, she is seen in a stunning black off-the-shoulder attire.

In 2001, Beckinsale looked chic as she attended the VH-1 Music Awards. For this event, her hair was styled longer with the curls below her shoulders. She opted for a floral halterneck dress and finished her look with a bright smile while posing for pictures.

Kate Beckinsale in 2002

Beckinsale attended numerous red carpet events in 2002, looking stunning at each appearance. Mostly, her hair was styled in elegant updos, leaving her youthful and glowing face in full view.

Her accentuated cheekbones and impeccable dress options made her a standout at every event. On one occasion, she wore silver drop earrings that matched beautifully with her dress, adding a touch of sophistication to her already glamorous look.

Kate Beckinsale in 2003

Beckinsale kept her glow in 2003. At one event, she opted for a simple hairstyle as her long hair was styled straight below her shoulders. She never failed to showcase her signature radiant skin and cute smile.

At another event, her style changed with her hair styled short and in curls, adding a fresh and playful touch to her look. On both occasions, she often wore hanging earrings and sometimes a choker or a necklace, enhancing her elegant and versatile style.

Kate Beckinsale in 2004

Beckinsale played Anna Valerious in the horror and action film “Van Helsing” in 2004, starring alongside Hugh Jackman. She attended the premiere looking magnificent in a white cut-out dress that showed off her toned figure. Her aura made a striking impression on the red carpet.

Kate Beckinsale in 2005

In 2005, Beckinsale had the chance to announce the nominations for the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. Her appearance was sophisticated, featuring a low ponytail, silver earrings, and a sleek black outfit. Wearing glasses, she exuded a polished and professional demeanor.

Kate Beckinsale in 2010

The actress attended the Annual International Cannes Film Festival for the “Il Gattopardo” premiere in 2010. She looked elegant in an off-shoulder dress with a touch of silver, which beautifully highlighted her collarbones.

Kate Beckinsale in 2012

She also attended the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards and wore her signature dangling earrings. Her hair was styled in a low bun while her gorgeous dress highlighted her cleavage and collarbones, adding to her stunning appearance at the event.

In 2012, Kate Beckinsale attended “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” wearing a stylish black dress. Her hair was parted sideways, with curls flowing down on one side of her shoulders.

Kate Beckinsale in 2015

Beckinsale attended the Met gala in 2015 and her silver drop earrings were replaced with cute gold ones. Her full, curly hair was styled to reveal part of her stunning face, highlighting her sparkling eyes. Her graceful silhouette was accentuated in a halterneck green dress.

The actress was also at the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2015. Her hair was styled in a high bun, revealing her firm cheekbones and radiant complexion. She embraced a silver theme with her shimmering dangling earrings and a stunning silver dress.

Kate Beckinsale in 2017

In October 2017, Beckinsale faced a harrowing time. At around 1 a.m., a disturbing man had banged on her door, prompting her to call 911. After the police had dealt with the prowler, Beckinsale’s attention was drawn to a rapidly advancing fireball outside her front door.

She quickly realized the Los Angeles wildfires were approaching her neighborhood. Forced to evacuate due to the imminent danger, she quickly gathered her cats, Clive and Willow, and her dogs, Ingrid and Myf.

She took their food and her passport before evacuating. The actress spent the following week in a hotel, feeling thankful that she and her pets were safe.

Kate Beckinsale in 2019

Two years after having to stay in a hotel, the actress was officially single again after a four-year split from her ex-husband, Len Wiseman. The actress and the director reportedly separated in late 2015, and Wiseman then filed for divorce in October 2016, citing irreconcilable differences.

An insider said the two had drawn apart due to complicated schedules. Beckinsale and her ex-husband had tied the knot in 2004 after meeting on the set of “Underworld,” which Wiseman directed.

While speaking about her divorce, Beckinsale said, “I think more people would do well married if they didn’t have to live in the same house. Being married is kind of easy, but the living-with-the-person thing is a lot.”

Beckinsale added that she believes it’s common for women to prioritize the needs of others over their own. She mentioned that generally speaking, women often prioritize the plans of others when they have a husband, boyfriend, children, or parents.

However, women end up saying, “Oh no, no, no, it’s fine,” to accommodate others. She found it quite refreshing not to always have to negotiate that balance.

This marriage was Beckinsale’s second one as she was previously married to Michael Sheen. The actress and Sheen share a daughter, Lily Mo. Wiseman was also previously married to Dana, a schoolteacher before they divorced in 2003.

Kate Beckinsale in 2020

In 2020, Beckinsale attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a sequined red dress, looking stunning with her blushed cheekbones and loose hair. Her makeup was impeccable, complementing the glamorous outfit.

In the same year, the actress was also at the 31st Annual Producers Guild Awards, where she swapped her drop earrings for small loop ones. She wore a gold jumpsuit featuring a plunging neckline and caped sleeves.

Kate Beckinsale in 2022

In 2022, Beckinsale seemed to embrace more outfits with plunging necklines. At Paris Fashion Week, she looked splendid in a purple Elie Saab dress with ruffled sleeves while showing off her cleavage.

This similar style was showcased again when she appeared at the 2022 National Film Awards. She epitomized beauty in a silver sequinned dress highlighting her cleavage. Her outfit perfectly complemented her choice of jewelry.

In 2022, Beckinsale starred as Maxine, alongside Brian Cox, in “Prisoner’s Daughter.” She attended the premiere in Toronto, Canada, wearing a striking pink strapless dress styled with black leather fingerless gloves.

Kate Beckinsale in 2023

In 2023, the actress was spotted at the 80th Venice International Film Festival. She stunned in a sheer black outfit with a touch of gold, posing elegantly on the red carpet.

At the annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Cannes Gala, Beckinsale looked radiant in a gorgeous purple outfit. Her impeccable style and poise made her a standout on the red carpet, showcasing her timeless fashion sense.

Kate Beckinsale in 2024

Over the years, the actress has proven she’s stylish. Recently, she showcased her toned physique in the chic two-piece. She showed off her stunning body while giving fans a glimpse into her girls’ holiday.

The actress posted several stunning swimwear photos on her Instagram page on July 8, 2024. She captioned the post, “Girls trip/60’s vibes/breathing.”

The 50-year-old looked fantastic in the photos, flaunting a tiny orange bikini while enjoying her vacation with friends. She accessorized her look with an oversized black bow headband.

The star styled her highlighted brunette hair in a bouncy updo as she opted for a glamorous makeup look. The actress also added a pair of white heart-shaped sunglasses and a selection of gold jewelry to complete her look.

As much as Beckinsale looked proud and happy with her appearance, some fans weren’t impressed. One user wrote, “What a shame.”

Another disappointed person said, “Wth happened to her?! Plumped her lips and deflated any dignity.” “She always acts like a child. She’s embarrassing,” a third user chimed in.

These comments are not the first time the actress has been accused of changing her appearance. Beckinsale once responded to persistent rumors about plastic surgery. She also criticized the bullying she has faced over the years regarding her appearance.

She expressed frustration at being repeatedly accused of having undergone significant cosmetic procedures, despite her efforts to clarify that she hasn’t. She emphasized how tiring and subtly harmful these accusations are.

Beckinsale shared that this scrutiny has been ongoing since she was about 30. She pointed out that people often comment that she looks unrecognizable. Others attribute her appearance to plastic surgery.

She pointed out the irony in these assumptions, given her real fear of not living past her 20s. Her fear stemmed from her father’s early death when she was just five. Additionally, she mentioned that she is not overly concerned about aging, having spent much of her youth anxious about dying young.

After sharing her experience on Instagram, in a now-deleted post, she thanked her followers for their support and for sharing their own stories of bullying.

Beckinsale has also opened up about the challenges she has been through after an online user accused her of being too thin. In the now-deleted post, the user told the actress that her body had lost balance and her cheekbones were showing because she was now thinner.

The actress reacted, revealing that in January 2024, she nursed her stepfather, who sadly passed away. Beckinsale had announced the death of her stepfather earlier in 2024, writing, “I fought for you with everything I had.”

She also later shared another post with a few of her stepfather’s videos. The actress wrote that she missed her stepfather and mentioned they both didn’t know they would be celebrating his last birthday together when the photos were taken.

Aside from stress and grief, Beckinsale shared that she had lost her weight due to health issues. In the period around the Golden Globes 2024, she was hospitalized due to a Mallory Weiss infection.

She copiously vomited blood. The actress explained that her condition was caused by stress, which led to the ripping of a hole between her esophagus and stomach.

During the same time, she endured a severe flare-up of her mast cell disease, caused by stress, shock, and grief. The actress’s grief also came from losing her cat of close to 19 years, which she called her soulmate.

Beckinsale stated that what others think of her appearance and how she should look is not important. She noted that these people did not consider her personal circumstances and her family’s situation.

The movie star explained, “I am trying to survive what feel like unbearable losses, reactivated PTSD from discovering my very young father’s almost dead body as a very young child alone in the night, and working to support the family I have left.”

Despite the criticism the actress got for wearing a bikini and her appearance in general, many fans came to her defense. One fan wrote, “Absolutely gorgeous.”

Another exclaimed in agreement, “Astonishing!!!” A third fan concurred with others, “So much beauty 🔥🔥🔥.” Another supportive comment read, “Looks blissful! Hope you are enjoying yourselves 🖤 you deserve the timeout😍.”

One fan praised Beckinsale’s beauty and talent. “Okay, you look great! Loving the swimsuit and hot ensemble and I watch Pearl Harbor on Fourth of July! You’re fabulous in it as usual 🔥.”

Ultimately, true fans of Beckinsale love her for who she is, a talented actress with a vibrant personality. They appreciate her for her work not just her appearance and recognize her accomplishments.