Natalie Portman (born Neta-Lee Hershlag; Hebrew: נטעלי הרשלג) was born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, to Avner Hershlag, an Israeli physician specializing in fertility and reproductive endocrinology, and Shelley Stevens, an American artist who also acts as Portman’s agent. Her mother is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and her father is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with Polish, Russian, and Romanian ancestry. When she was three years old, Portman’s family moved to the United States. She lived in Washington, D.C., before settling in Long Island, New York, in 1990. Portman graduated from Syosset High School in 1999 and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University in 2003.
Portman began her acting career at the age of 12, when she was cast as Mathilda in Luc Besson’s film Léon: The Professional (1994). This role launched her into international recognition. She balanced her acting career with her education, taking time off to attend university. She is known for her versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles across various genres.
Portman has starred in a wide range of films, demonstrating her acting prowess. Some of her most notable works include: