ABOUT
Natalie Portman is a distinguished Israeli-American actress, director, and producer renowned for her versatility and depth in both major blockbuster films and indie productions. Born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Portman has built a prolific career since her teenage years, earning numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. With an impressive array of roles spanning multiple genres, she has become one of the most respected and influential actresses of her generation.
BEFORE FAME
Natalie Portman, originally named Neta-Lee Hershlag, moved to the United States with her family at the age of three, settling in Syosset, New York. Her early affinity for performing arts led her to the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Camp in the Catskills. She was discovered by a Revlon agent at the age of 10 but instead found her calling in acting. Portman made her film debut at the age of 12 in Luc Besson's "Léon: The Professional" (1994), where she gained critical acclaim for her mature and compelling performance. Balancing her burgeoning career and education, she attended Harvard University, earning a degree in psychology while continuing to act in significant film roles.
TRIVIA
- Portman is multilingual, fluent in Hebrew and English, and proficient in French, German, and Japanese.
- Renowned for her commitment to her roles, she shaved her head for her part in "V for Vendetta" (2006) and trained extensively in ballet for "Black Swan" (2010), which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
- She is an advocate for various social and political causes, including animal rights, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. Portman is a prominent supporter of the Time's Up movement.
- Besides her acting career, she has directed several projects, including the feature film "A Tale of Love and Darkness" (2015), which she also wrote and starred in.
FAMILY LIFE
Natalie Portman was born to Avner Hershlag, an Israeli gynecologist, and Shelley Stevens, an American homemaker who later worked as Portman's agent. She has a strong connection to her Jewish heritage, often discussing its influence on her life and career. In 2012, Portman married French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, whom she met while filming "Black Swan". The couple has two children, a son named Aleph and a daughter named Amalia, and they splits their time between Los Angeles and Paris.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Portman has collaborated with a myriad of acclaimed directors and actors throughout her career. She starred alongside Jean Reno and Gary Oldman in her debut film, "Léon: The Professional". She portrayed Padmé Amidala in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, directed by George Lucas, sharing the screen with Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor. Her role in "Black Swan" saw her working under the direction of Darren Aronofsky and acting opposite Mila Kunis. Additionally, she has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jane Foster in "Thor" (2011) and its sequels, directed by Kenneth Branagh and Taika Waititi.
Natalie Portman continues to astonish audiences with her transformative performances and remains a profound influence in contemporary cinema.
