Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is an acclaimed actress, producer, and director. She holds dual Israeli and American citizenship and is known for her versatility in portraying a wide range of characters across film genres. Portman grew up in the United States, moving there with her family at a young age. She is fluent in both Hebrew and English.
Early Life and Education
Portman was raised in Syosset, New York, where she excelled academically. She attended Harvard University, earning a degree in psychology in 2003. During her studies, she also contributed to research and co-authored scientific papers. Despite her academic pursuits, Portman continued acting, successfully balancing both her education and career.
Acting Career
Portman made her film debut in 1994 at the age of 12 in Léon: The Professional, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of Mathilda. Her career continued to flourish with roles in films such as:
- Heat (1995)
- Beautiful Girls (1996)
- Star Wars Prequel Trilogy (1999–2005) as Padmé Amidala
- Closer (2004), for which she won a Golden Globe Award.
Her performance in Black Swan (2010) marked a career peak, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The physically and emotionally demanding role showcased her dedication to her craft.
Other Notable Roles
- V for Vendetta (2006)
- Thor (2011) and its sequels as Jane Foster
- Jackie (2016), portraying Jacqueline Kennedy, for which she received another Oscar nomination.
Directing and Producing
In addition to acting, Portman has ventured into directing and producing. Her feature directorial debut was A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015), based on Amos Oz’s memoir. She has also been an advocate for gender equality in the film industry.
Philanthropy and Activism
Portman is a vocal advocate for various social causes, including animal rights, environmental sustainability, and women’s rights. She has been a vegetarian since childhood and later became vegan. Portman is also involved in numerous charitable organizations and has served as an ambassador for FINCA International, which focuses on microfinance.
Personal Life
Portman married French choreographer Benjamin Millepied in 2012, whom she met while working on Black Swan. The couple has two children.
Portman continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood and beyond, celebrated for her intelligence, talent, and commitment to meaningful causes.
