Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is an acclaimed actress, producer, and director. Raised in the United States, Portman became one of Hollywood’s most respected and recognized talents. Here’s an overview of her biography up until my last update in September 2021:
Natalie Portman’s Early Life and Education
Portman was born in Israel to an Israeli father and an American mother. Her family moved to the United States when she was young, settling in Long Island, New York. Natalie Portman demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and attended Harvard University, where she earned a degree in psychology while continuing to pursue her acting career.
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Acting Career
Portman’s acting career began early, and she gained critical acclaim for her debut film role in “Léon: The Professional” (1994) when she was just 13 years old. She received widespread recognition for her portrayal of Padmé Amidala in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy (1999-2005).
Her remarkable performances in films such as “Closer” (2004), “V for Vendetta” (2005), and “Black Swan” (2010), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, solidified her reputation as a versatile and talented actress.
Education and Other Interests
Despite her acting success, Portman prioritized her education. She attended graduate school at Harvard University and completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has also pursued graduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Apart from acting, Portman is an advocate for various social and environmental causes. She has supported initiatives related to animal rights, poverty, and women’s issues.
Personal Life
Natalie Portman is known for maintaining a private personal life. In 2012, she married Benjamin Millepied, a dancer and choreographer. The couple has two children together.
Directing and Producing
In addition to acting, Portman has ventured into directing and producing. She made her directorial debut with “A Tale of Love and Darkness” (2015), a film adaptation of the autobiographical novel by Israeli author Amos Oz. She has also been involved in producing various projects.
Recent Work:
Natalie Portman continued to work in high-profile films, including “Annihilation” (2018), “Vox Lux” (2018), and “Lucy in the Sky” (2019).
Natalie Portman Movies
Natalie Portman, a talented and versatile actress, has appeared in a wide range of films throughout her career. Here’s a list of some of her notable movies up until my last update in September 2021:
Filmography
- “Léon: The Professional” (1994) – Portman made her film debut as Mathilda, a young girl who forms an unusual relationship with a hitman.
- “Beautiful Girls” (1996) – A coming-of-age film where she played Marty, a young girl who captures the attention of older men.
- “Mars Attacks!” (1996) – A sci-fi comedy directed by Tim Burton, where she portrayed Taffy Dale.
- “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999) – Portman played Queen Padmé Amidala in the first instalment of the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy.
- “Anywhere But Here” (1999) – A drama where she starred as a teenager dealing with her unconventional mother, played by Susan Sarandon.
- “Where the Heart Is” (2000) – A drama-comedy based on the novel by Billie Letts, where she played a pregnant teenager named Novalee Nation.
- “Zoolander” (2001) – A comedy film in which she made a cameo appearance as herself.
- “Cold Mountain” (2003) – A period drama where she portrayed Sara, a woman waiting for her lover to return from the Civil War.
- “Garden State” (2004) – A romantic comedy-drama where she played Sam, a quirky and free-spirited girl.
- “Closer” (2004) – A drama exploring complicated relationships, where she portrayed Alice, a young stripper. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for this role.
- “V for Vendetta” (2005) – A dystopian thriller based on the graphic novel, where she played Evey Hammond.
- “Paris, je t’aime” (2006) – An anthology film in which she appeared in a segment directed by Mira Nair.
- “The Other Boleyn Girl” (2008) – A historical drama where she played Anne Boleyn opposite Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana.
- “Black Swan” (2010) – A psychological thriller where she played Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for this role.
- “Thor” (2011) and its sequels “Thor: The Dark World” (2013) and “Thor: Love and Thunder” (upcoming) – Portman portrayed Jane Foster, a scientist and love interest of Thor.
- “No Strings Attached” (2011) – A romantic comedy where she starred opposite Ashton Kutcher.
- “Jackie” (2016) – A biographical drama where she played Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for this role.
- “Annihilation” (2018) – A sci-fi horror film where she portrayed Lena, a biologist exploring a mysterious environmental disaster zone.
- “Vox Lux” (2018) – A drama where she played a troubled pop star named Celeste.
- “Lucy in the Sky” (2019) – A drama inspired by true events, where she portrayed an astronaut struggling with re-entry into normal life after a space mission.
Natalie Portman’s Personal lifestyle
Natalie Portman, known for her talent and elegance, maintains a relatively private personal life. While specific details about her daily routine might not be extensively publicized, here are some aspects of her lifestyle based on publicly available information and interviews:
1. Marriage and Family
Natalie Portman is married to French ballet dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied. The couple got engaged in 2010 and married in 2012. They have two children together: a son named Aleph and a daughter named Amalia. Portman is known for keeping her family life out of the public eye as much as possible.
2. Education and Intelligence
Portman is not only a talented actress but also highly educated. She graduated with a degree in psychology from Harvard University, which she attended while continuing her acting career. Her intelligence and eloquence are often praised in interviews and public appearances.
3. Advocacy and Philanthropy
Natalie Portman is an advocate for various social and environmental causes. She is vocal about issues such as animal rights, environmental conservation, and gender equality. Portman has supported initiatives like the micro-lending platform Kiva and the FINCA International Foundation, which aims to alleviate poverty through community-based financial services.
4. Veganism
Portman follows a vegan lifestyle, abstaining from the consumption of animal products. Her commitment to veganism aligns with her advocacy for animal rights and environmental sustainability.
5. Privacy and Low-Key Lifestyle
Portman and her family maintain a low-key lifestyle, valuing their privacy away from the media spotlight. She is often seen engaging in regular activities with her family, emphasizing a sense of normalcy amidst her successful acting career.
6. Professionalism
In her professional life, Natalie Portman is known for her dedication to her craft. She is highly respected in the industry for her professionalism, talent, and ability to portray a wide range of characters convincingly.
7. Cultural Identity
Being born in Jerusalem, Israel, Portman has often spoken about her Jewish heritage and her connection to Israel. She has expressed her views on various cultural and political issues related to the region.
