Scarlett Johansson, born November 22, 1984, in New York City, is an acclaimed American actress and singer, widely known for her versatile performances across a variety of genres, from blockbuster action films to critically acclaimed dramas. She is considered one of the most talented and highest-paid actresses in the world.
Early Life and Education: Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett was born to an Ashkenazi Jewish mother, Melanie Sloan, and a Danish father, Karsten Johansson, making her of mixed European descent. She has three siblings, including her twin brother Hunter Johansson, who is also in the entertainment industry. Scarlett developed an interest in acting at a young age, and her parents supported her passion. She attended PS 41, a public school in Greenwich Village, and later enrolled in Professional Children’s School in New York City to hone her acting skills.
Career Beginnings: Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson’s acting career began when she was just 8 years old. She made her film debut in “North” (1994), a family comedy film. However, it was her performance in “Manny & Lo” (1996), a critically acclaimed independent film, that garnered her attention and set the stage for her future success. Her breakout role came in “The Horse Whisperer” (1998), directed by Robert Redford, where she played a teenage girl recovering from a traumatic accident, a role that earned her widespread praise.
Rise to Fame: Scarlett Johansson
In the early 2000s, Scarlett Johansson became a prominent face in Hollywood. She gained significant attention for her roles in “Lost in Translation” (2003), directed by Sofia Coppola, where she starred opposite Bill Murray. The film was a commercial success and earned Johansson a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. That same year, she also starred in “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, a historical drama where she portrayed the young model who became the subject of Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting. These performances established Scarlett as a serious, talented actress capable of handling complex roles.
Transition to Action and Blockbusters: Scarlett Johansson
As her career progressed, Scarlett Johansson took on a variety of roles, both in independent films and large-scale productions. However, her international breakthrough came in 2010 when she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Natasha Romanoff, or Black Widow. First appearing in “Iron Man 2” (2010), Scarlett’s portrayal of the espionage agent quickly became a fan favorite, leading to her inclusion in multiple MCU films, including “The Avengers” (2012), “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014), and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019). Her role as Black Widow cemented her status as one of the most iconic action stars of her generation.
In addition to her MCU roles, Scarlett starred in “Lucy” (2014), a sci-fi action thriller directed by Luc Besson, which was a commercial success and showcased her ability to lead high-concept, action-packed films.
Critical Acclaim and Awards: Scarlett Johansson
Throughout her career, Scarlett Johansson has excelled in both commercial blockbusters and smaller, character-driven dramas. In 2019, she earned two Academy Award nominations. She was nominated for Best Actress for Marriage Story and Best Supporting Actress for Jojo Rabbit. This achievement made her one of the few actresses nominated in both categories in the same year. She won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Marriage Story”, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most versatile actresses of her time.
Music Career: Scarlett Johansson
In addition to acting, Scarlett Johansson pursued a music career. She released her debut album, “Anywhere I Lay My Head” (2008), which featured covers of songs by Tom Waits. While her music received mixed reviews, Johansson’s venture into the music industry highlighted her artistic range beyond film. She followed this up with “Break Up” (2009), a collaborative album with Pete Yorn. The album was well-received, showcasing her soft, soulful vocals.
Personal Life: Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson’s personal life has attracted much media attention. She married actor Ryan Reynolds in 2008, but they divorced in 2011. Afterward, she married journalist Romain Dauriac in 2014. They separated in 2017. Together, they have a daughter, Rose Dorothy Dauriac. In 2020, she married Colin Jost, a comedian and writer for Saturday Night Live.
Outside of acting and music, Scarlett is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has supported numerous charities, including organizations focused on poverty, cancer research, and human rights.
Recent Projects and Legacy: Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson continues to take on challenging roles, expanding her repertoire to include both dramatic and comedic performances. Some of her more recent work includes “Marriage Story” (2019), “Jojo Rabbit” (2019), and “Black Widow” (2021), which marked her final solo outing as Black Widow in the MCU.
Johansson’s legacy is defined by her versatility, her strong presence in both independent and blockbuster films, and her continued success as one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. She has proven herself as a performer who is both a box office draw and a critically respected artist.
Her contributions to the entertainment industry, as well as her work in music, philanthropy, and social causes, make her one of the most influential figures of her generation.
Profile: Scarlett Johansson
- Full Name: Scarlett Ingrid Johansson
- Date of Birth: November 22, 1984
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
- Occupation: Actress, Singer
- Years Active: 1994–present
Physical Stats
- Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
- Weight: Approximately 125 lbs (57 kg)
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Eye Color: Green
Personal Life
Scarlett Johansson is known for her private nature regarding her personal life. She has been involved in several high-profile relationships and marriages.
Controversies
- Casting Backlash: Johansson faced criticism for being cast in roles intended for Asian characters, such as in “Ghost in the Shell,” leading to discussions about representation in Hollywood.
- Comments on Sexuality: She has made headlines for her candid comments regarding her sexuality and relationships, which some have perceived as controversial.
Career
- Breakthrough Roles: Gained fame in “Lost in Translation” (2003) and “The Girl with a Pearl Earring” (2003).
- Marvel Cinematic Universe: Known for her role as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow, appearing in multiple films including “Iron Man 2” (2010) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019).
- Voice Acting: Provided voices for characters in animated films like “Sing” (2016) and “The Jungle Book” (2016).
- Awards: Received numerous awards, including a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for “A View from the Bridge” (2010) and multiple Golden Globe nominations.
Family
- Parents: Her father, Karsten Johansson, is an architect, and her mother, Melanie Sloan, is a producer.
- Siblings: She has an older sister, Vanessa, and a brother, Adrian.
- Marriages: Scarlett has been married three times: to Ryan Reynolds (2008–2011), to French journalist Romain Dauriac (2014–2017), and to comedian Colin Jost (2020–present).
Religion and Ethnicity
- Religion: Scarlett was raised in a Jewish household and has expressed pride in her Jewish heritage.
- Ethnicity: She has Danish, Swedish, and Polish ancestry.
Hobbies
- Music: She has a passion for music and has released two albums.
- Traveling: Enjoys exploring different cultures and countries.
- Cooking: She has mentioned a love for cooking and experimenting with new recipes.
Favorite Things
- Food: Johansson has expressed a fondness for sushi and Italian cuisine.
- Movies: She admires films by directors like Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese.
Relationship Status
Scarlett Johansson is currently married to comedian Colin Jost, with whom she has a daughter, Cosette Jost, born in August 2021.
Financials
- Net Worth: As of 2024, her estimated net worth is around $165 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.
- Salary: Johansson’s earnings from her roles, particularly in the Marvel franchise, have significantly contributed to her wealth.
Lesser Known Facts About Scarlett Johansson
- She began acting at a young age, with her first role in the film “North” (1994).
- Johansson has a twin brother named Hunter, who is also in the entertainment industry.
- She is a strong advocate for various social and political issues, including women’s rights and environmental causes.
- Johansson has a passion for theater and has performed in several stage productions, showcasing her range as a performer.
- She is multilingual, speaking English, Danish, and some French.
