Cate blanchett informed the British press that she is retiring from her career. "I am serious about giving up acting." Early life Cate Blanchett was born in Melbourne, Australia, to an Australian mother and an American father who worked as a U.S. Navy officer and later as an advertising executive who died when Cate had onlt ten She studied fine arts and economics at the University of Melbourne before realizing her passion for acting. Blanchett then enrolled at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, graduating in 1992. Career highlight Blanchett began her career in Australian theatre before moving into television and film. She gained international recognition with her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth (1998) , earning her first Academy Award nomination. Cate was knows for her versatility when playing many roles and commanding presence in both independent films and big blockbusters. She made her film debut with a role acting as a nurse during ...