Natalie Portman is a renowned Israeli-American actress, director, and producer, celebrated for her extraordinary talent and versatility across a wide range of roles. Born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, Portman is known for her compelling performances in both independent and mainstream films, earning numerous accolades including an Academy Award.
Early Life and Education: Natalie Portman
Natalie Hershlag (her birth name) was born in Jerusalem to Avner Hershlag, an Israeli gynecologist, and Shelley Stevens, an American homemaker. She moved to the United States with her family when she was three years old, settling in Long Island, New York.
Portman was a bright student, excelling academically alongside her early passion for acting. She attended Syosset High School in New York and went on to study at Harvard University, where she earned a degree in Psychology in 2003. Despite her academic success, Portman continued to pursue acting throughout her studies, demonstrating her ability to balance both intellectual and artistic pursuits.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough (1994–2000): Natalie Portman
Portman’s acting career began at a young age. She was discovered at the age of 11 by a Revlon agent while dining with her parents in a pizza parlor, and this led to her first film role in “Léon: The Professional” (1994), directed by Luc Besson. In this film, she played Mathilda, a young girl who forms a bond with a hitman, played by Jean Reno. Despite her youth, Portman’s performance was widely praised for its maturity and emotional depth, setting the stage for her future success.
After her debut, Portman appeared in several films, including “Heat” (1995) with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, and “Everyone Says I Love You” (1996), a musical comedy directed by Woody Allen. In 1999, she starred in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace”, portraying Padmé Amidala, the queen and later senator of Naboo. The film became a massive commercial success and introduced Portman to a global audience.
Rise to Fame (2000–2005): Natalie Portman
In the early 2000s, Portman took on increasingly diverse roles, showcasing her ability to transition between genres. She appeared in “Where the Heart Is” (2000), a drama about a young woman who gives birth in a Walmart store, and “Zoolander” (2001), a comedic role in a satirical fashion industry film.
Portman’s career took another major leap in 2004 with her portrayal of Mathilde in “Closer”, directed by Mike Nichols. Her performance as a complex and emotionally conflicted character earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. That same year, Portman starred in “Garden State”, written and directed by Zach Braff, where she played Sam, a quirky, emotionally scarred woman who helps the protagonist heal. The film’s success further cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most talented young actresses.
Breakthrough Roles and Critical Success (2006–2010):
Portman continued to take on challenging roles during the late 2000s. In 2006, she starred in the controversial political thriller “V for Vendetta”, in which she portrayed Evey Hammond, a young woman who becomes embroiled in a dystopian plot for freedom and justice. The film was a success and added a darker dimension to Portman’s acting range.
Her performance in “Black Swan” (2010) is often considered one of her greatest achievements. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the film follows Portman’s character, Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer who becomes consumed by her quest for perfection. Portman’s portrayal of Nina earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as numerous other accolades. The film also marked a major turning point in Portman’s career, as she became one of the most respected actresses in the industry.
Directorial and Producing Career (2011–Present):
In addition to acting, Portman began to explore directing and producing. Her directorial debut came with “A Tale of Love and Darkness” (2015), an adaptation of Israeli author Amos Oz’s memoir. The film, in which Portman also starred, was well-received for its sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of Oz’s early life in Israel.
Portman continued to expand her influence in the film industry by producing and starring in various projects, such as the critically acclaimed “Jackie” (2016), where she portrayed Jackie Kennedy, the wife of assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Her performance was highly praised, and she received another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
Portman also starred in “Annihilation” (2018), a sci-fi thriller directed by Alex Garland, and “Lucy in the Sky” (2019), a psychological drama. Both films allowed her to showcase her acting range once again, though they received mixed reviews.
Personal Life: Natalie Portman
Portman is known for her political activism and strong social conscience. She has been outspoken on issues such as women’s rights, environmental conservation, and human rights. She is also a vocal advocate for animal rights and veganism.
Portman married Benjamin Millepied, a French choreographer, in 2012. The couple met while working on “Black Swan”, where Millepied served as the film’s choreographer. They have two children, Aleph and Amalia.
Despite her fame, Portman has remained relatively private about her personal life and continues to balance her career with her family and philanthropic endeavors.
Legacy: Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is considered one of the most talented and influential actresses of her generation. She has built an impressive career marked by both critical and commercial successes. Whether playing complex dramatic roles or starring in action-packed franchises like “Thor” (where she portrays Jane Foster), Portman’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres and her dedication to her craft have made her one of the most respected figures in the film industry.
Her contributions as an actress, director, and producer, along with her advocacy for social justice, have solidified Portman’s place as an influential voice both on and off the screen.
Natalie Portman Profil
- Full Name: Natalie Hershlag
- Date of Birth: June 9, 1981
- Place of Birth: Jerusalem, Israel
Physical Stats: Natalie Portman
- Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
- Weight: Approximately 110 lbs (50 kg)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
Personal Life: Natalie Portman
- Religion: Jewish
- Ethnicity: Israeli (of Jewish descent)
- Language: Fluent in English and Hebrew
Controversies:
- Faced backlash for her comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her stance on various political issues.
- Criticized for her role in Star Wars and the impact it had on her acting career.
Career
- Debut Film: Léon: The Professional (1994)
- Notable Films: Black Swan, V for Vendetta, Star Wars series, Jackie, Annihilation
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress (2011), BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and more.
Family
- Parents: Avner Hershlag (father, a doctor) and Shelley Stevens (mother, an artist)
- Siblings: One older brother, Adam
- Spouse: Benjamin Millepied (married in 2012)
- Children: Two children, a daughter named Aleph and a daughter named Amalia
Religion and Ethnicity
- Religion: Judaism
- Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish descent
Hobbies
- Enjoys reading, dancing, and yoga.
- Has a passion for environmentalism and animal rights advocacy.
Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Vegan cuisine
- Favorite Movies: Amadeus and The Wizard of Oz
- Favorite Book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Relationship Status
- Current Status: Married to Benjamin Millepied
Financials
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $90 million
- Salary: Reportedly earns around $3 million per film
Lesser Known Facts About Natalie Portman
- Started acting at age 12 and has been in the industry for over two decades.
- She holds a degree in psychology from Harvard University.
- Is a trained ballet dancer and performed many of her own dance scenes in Black Swan.
- Voiced her support for various humanitarian causes, including education for girls and climate change initiatives.
