Kate Beckinsale is an actress.
Kathrin Romary Beckinsale ( born 26 July 1973 ) is an English actress . Since being cast as Selene in the Underworld film series ( 2003-present ) , Beckinsale has become known primarily for her work in action films , including Van Helsing ( 2004 ) , Whiteout ( 2009 ) , Contraband ( 2012 ) , and Total Recall ( 2012 ) . Love & Friendship . Based on Jane Austen 's epistolary novel Lady Susan , written ca. 1794 , the film stars Kate Beckinsale , Chloë Sevigny , Xavier Samuel , and Stephen Fry . Much Ado About Nothing (1993 film) . The film also stars Branagh 's then-wife Emma Thompson , Robert Sean Leonard , Denzel Washington , Michael Keaton , Keanu Reeves , and Kate Beckinsale in her film debut . Snow Angels is a 2007 drama film starring Sam Rockwell and Kate Beckinsale .