Natalie Portman: The First 80s Baby Oscar Winner & More

By Ms. Amira Nolan VMay 06, 2025

Could a young girl, born in Jerusalem, become a globally recognized actress, winning an Academy Award and captivating audiences worldwide? Natalie Portman not only answered that question with a resounding 'yes,' but has also crafted a career marked by both critical acclaim and enduring popularity.

Born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, Portman's journey to Hollywood stardom is a fascinating tale of talent, dedication, and a touch of destiny. Her family moved to the United States when she was still young, setting the stage for her future career. Choosing the stage name "Natalie Portman" was a strategic decision, and it's a name now synonymous with elegance, intelligence, and remarkable acting prowess. She is the first person born in the 1980s to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, a testament to her impact on the film industry.

Portman's trajectory began with a captivating debut in Luc Bessons 1994 action thriller, "Lon: The Professional," where she played the young protg of a hitman. This early role, opposite Jean Reno, showcased her precocious talent and established her as a force to be reckoned with. Subsequently, she was cast as Padm Amidala in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, further solidifying her presence in the cinematic world. Beyond the big screen, Portman has also made a name for herself as a producer and director, demonstrating her multifaceted skills.

Full Name:	Natalie Hershlag (stage name: Natalie Portman)
Date of Birth:	June 9, 1981
Place of Birth:	Jerusalem, Israel
Nationality:	Israeli-American
Parents:	Avner Hershlag (father, Israeli physician specializing in fertility) and Shelley Stevens (mother, American homemaker and agent)
Education:	Syosset High School (graduated 1999), Harvard University (BA in Psychology)
Notable Awards:	Academy Award for Best Actress (Black Swan, 2010), Golden Globe Award (Black Swan, 2010), BAFTA Award (Black Swan, 2010)
Key Films:	Lon: The Professional (1994), Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (1999), Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002), Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith (2005), V for Vendetta (2005), Black Swan (2010), Thor (2011, 2013, 2022)
Current Relationship Status:	Dating Tanguy Destable
Former Relationships:	Benjamin Millepied (divorced, 2 children)
Height:	5' 3" (1.60 m)
Website:	IMDb

Portman's early roles demonstrated her ability to excel in a wide range of genres. Her portrayal of Padm Amidala, the queen and later senator of Naboo, in the "Star Wars" prequels, catapulted her to international fame. These roles not only showcased her acting skills but also introduced her to a massive global audience.

Her decision to pursue higher education while simultaneously building her acting career is indicative of her intellectual curiosity and commitment to personal growth. She graduated from Syosset High School in 1999 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Harvard University, demonstrating a remarkable capacity to balance academic pursuits with her demanding profession. One of her final high school projects, a collaborative effort with Ian Hurley and Jonathan Woodward, explored "a simple method to demonstrate the enzymatic production of hydrogen from sugar", and was published in the Intel Science Talent Search, showcasing her early interest in scientific fields. This blend of artistic talent and intellectual curiosity has been a hallmark of her career.

The film "Black Swan" in 2010 marked a defining moment, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress. This role highlighted her exceptional acting abilities, and versatility. It showcased her commitment to her craft and her ability to portray complex characters with depth and emotional nuance. Her performance was universally praised and cemented her status as one of the leading actresses of her generation.

Portmans work extends beyond acting; she has also produced and directed films, including "A Tale of Love and Darkness," based on the novel by Amos Oz, which she also starred in. This demonstrates her dedication to creative control and her capacity to contribute to the filmmaking process in multiple ways. She is involved in various projects, consistently pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression.

Her filmography showcases her diverse roles and performances. From action thrillers to romantic dramas, she has shown remarkable versatility. For instance, her role in "V for Vendetta" and her appearances in the "Thor" franchise demonstrate her ability to take on diverse roles. She made her film debut in Luc Besson 's action thriller "Lon: The Professional," where she portrayed a young protégée of a hitman.

Her life, as of her forties, suggests new ventures, new projects, and a more open approach to life. Her move to a new city, with new projects, showcases her openness to new experiences and a willingness to embrace change, she continues to evolve as an artist.

In her personal life, Portman was married to French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, with whom she has two children. While they have divorced, she is now reportedly dating French musician Tanguy Destable. She is a private person, but her choices and relationships have been of interest to the media and public alike.

Natalie Portman, who was born in Jerusalem, Israel, she is the only child of Avner Hershlag, a fertility specialist and Shelley Stevens, an American homemaker who also serves as her artistic agent. She embodies the qualities of a medieval princess, as seen in a recent red-carpet appearance at the Deauville American Film Festival in France. Natalie Portman remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her talent, intelligence, and commitment to her craft, continuing to inspire future generations.

Natalie Portman Biography, Movies, & Facts Britannica

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