Natalie Portman

Guide Note

Natalie Portman is an Academy Award-nominated Israeli-American actress. Portman's breakout roles were Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and Evey in V for Vendetta.

In 2008, Portman starred in The Other Boleyn Girl with Scarlett Johansson. Other films include Brothers and New York, I Love You.

Fast Facts

1. Birth Name: Natalie Hershlag
2. Date of Birth: June 9, 1981
3. Height: 5'3
4. Discovered at age 11
5. Home Town: Jerusalem, Israel
6. An only child
7. Film Debut: Leon: The Professional (1994)
8. Notable Films: Closer and Luc Besson's The Professional
9. 2005: Oscar-nominated for Closer
10. Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002
11. Vegetarian since the age of 8
12. Dating musician Devendra Banhart

In 2008, Portman starred in a music video, Carmencita, by musician Devendra Banhart. The video parodies Bollywood films and Portman plays a princess who is rescued from an evil king. Banhart plays the prince who rescues her. Portman and Banhart are reportedly dating.¹

1. "Young actors often don't think of the consequences of doing nudity or sex scenes. They want the role so badly that they agree to be exploited, and then end up embarrassing family, friends, and even strangers."
2. "I also feel I'm a positive role model by not putting my education on hold."
3. "I don't know if acting is what I want to do for the rest of my life, it's just what I've, you know, ended up doing when I was little, and I've kinda grown up with it."
4. "Cute is when a person's personality shines through their looks. Like in the way they walk, every time you see them you just want to run up and hug them."
5. "I've never tried smoking. I don't drink. I've never tried drugs."