Natalie Portman
There are movie stars, and then there is Natalie Portman. She arrived on screen as a tiny girl with a big attitude in 1994, and the world simply stopped to watch. You probably remember the first time you saw her—maybe as the fierce young Mathilda in “Léon: The Professional,” or perhaps as the elegant Queen Amidala with those incredible costumes in “Star Wars.”
What makes Natalie different from other Hollywood stars is simple. She never wanted to be just famous. While other actors were chasing parties and paparazzi, she was chasing knowledge. She went to Harvard, for goodness sake. She speaks six languages. She won an Oscar. She became a mother. She directs movies. She fights for important causes.
And yes, people search for “natalie portman hot” and “natalie portman sexy” because she’s stunning. But she’s so much more than that. She’s proof that you can be both beautiful and brilliant, both a movie star and a serious person.
Today, let’s walk through her incredible journey. From her young days in Israel to her divorce headlines, from her Star Wars fame to her Oscar moment. I promise you’ll discover things about Natalie you never knew before.
Quick Bio: Natalie Portman at a Glance
Let me give you the fast facts first. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing woman in one simple table.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Neta-Lee Hershlag (Natalie Portman is her stage name) |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1981 |
| Natalie Portman Age | 44 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Jerusalem, Israel |
| Nationality | Israeli and American (dual citizen) |
| Natalie Portman Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Education | Harvard University, Psychology degree |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Producer, Writer |
| Years Active | 1994–present |
| Natalie Portman Husband | Benjamin Millepied (m. 2012–div. 2024) |
| Natalie Portman Children | Son Aleph (born 2011), Daughter Amalia (born 2017) |
| Natalie Portman Net Worth | $90 million (estimated) |
| Famous For | Star Wars, Black Swan, V for Vendetta, Léon |
| Awards | Oscar, 2 Golden Globes, BAFTA |
Early Life: From Jerusalem to Hollywood
Natalie came into the world on June 9, 1981, in West Jerusalem, Israel . Her father, Avner Hershlag, was a doctor specializing in fertility. Her mother, Shelley Stevens, was an artist from Ohio who also became Natalie’s agent later on .
When Natalie was just three years old, her family packed up and moved to America. They lived in Washington, D.C., first, then Connecticut, and finally settled on Long Island in New York . Growing up, she was that kid—the serious one, the ambitious one. She once said she was “different from the other kids. I was more ambitious. I knew what I liked and what I wanted, and I worked very hard” .
Here’s something cool. Natalie attended a Jewish elementary school and learned Hebrew as her first language. Today, she speaks not just Hebrew and English, but also French, Japanese, German, and Arabic. Six languages! That’s not something you learn for movie roles—that’s genuine curiosity about the world .
At age ten, a Revlon agent spotted her at a pizza restaurant. They wanted her to be a child model. But Natalie, even at ten, knew what she wanted. She said no to modeling but used the contact to find an acting agent instead . Smart kid.
She studied ballet and modern dance at the American Theater Dance Workshop. Little did she know those dance lessons would one day help her win an Oscar .
The Breakthrough: Young Natalie Portman in “Léon”
Let’s talk about 1994. Natalie was just twelve years old when she auditioned for a French director named Luc Besson. The movie was “Léon: The Professional.” And here’s the thing—she almost didn’t get it.
Besson thought she was too young. She got rejected after her first try. But Natalie went back. She wanted another shot. And that determination paid off. Out of 2,000 girls who tried out, she got the part .
She played Mathilda, a tough twelve-year-old girl whose family gets murdered. She teams up with a hitman (Jean Reno) to get revenge. The role was intense. It had violent themes and even some uncomfortable hints of grown-up feelings. Natalie’s parents were worried. They only agreed after Besson removed some scenes from the script .
The movie became a classic. Critics praised young Natalie for bringing “a genuine sense of tragedy” to her role . Even today, people discover this movie and fall in love with that fierce little girl with the short haircut and the choker necklace.
But here’s the thing about young Natalie Portman. After this movie, Hollywood wanted her to play more of these “sexy youngster” roles. They offered her the lead in “Lolita”—a movie about a grown man obsessed with a young girl. She turned it down flat . She later said those early roles “dictated a lot of my choices afterwards ‘cos it scared me… it made me reluctant to do sexy stuff” .
That’s the kind of person she was—even as a teenager, she had principles.
Natalie Portman Movies: A Complete Journey
Let me walk you through her incredible film career. From indie darlings to massive blockbusters, she’s done it all.
The 1990s: Rising Star
After “Léon,” she appeared in “Heat” with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Then came “Beautiful Girls” in 1996, where she played a wise-beyond-her-years teenager. Woody Allen cast her in “Everyone Says I Love You.” Tim Burton put her in “Mars Attacks!” .
But instead cashing in on her fame, she did something unexpected. She went to Broadway. She starred in “The Diary of Anne Frank” for eight months, performing at night while attending high school during the day . That takes serious dedication.
1999–2005: The Star Wars Era
This is when the whole world learned her name. George Lucas cast her as Padmé Amidala, the queen (and later senator) of Naboo in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy .
The “Star Wars” movies she appeared in:
- “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)
She was 16 when she started filming the first one. The costumes were incredibly elaborate. The makeup took hours. The dialogue was sometimes tricky. But she made Padmé feel real—graceful, strong, and principled.
Fun fact: She didn’t even attend the premiere of “The Phantom Menace” because she had to study for her high school finals . That’s so Natalie.
2004–2005: Critical Acclaim
In 2004, she played a mysterious stripper named Alice in “Closer.” It was a grown-up role for a grown-up actress. She won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and got her first Oscar nomination .
Then came “V for Vendetta” in 2005. She played Evey, a woman rescued by a masked freedom fighter in a dystopian Britain. For this role, she shaved her head completely. She learned about freedom fighters and political protest. The movie became a favorite for people who love smart action films .
2010: The Black Swan Triumph
This was the big one. “Black Swan” changed everything.
She played Nina, a ballet dancer who loses her mind while preparing for “Swan Lake.” The role was physically brutal. She lost 20 pounds. She trained in ballet for months—and she already had dance training from childhood. She dislocated a rib during filming .
But the result was magic. She won the Oscar for Best Actress. She won the Golden Globe. She won the BAFTA. At the Academy Awards ceremony, she stood on that stage, pregnant with her first child, holding her gold statue. It was one of those perfect Hollywood moments .
People still search for “natalie portman black swan” constantly. That movie cemented her place in history.
2011–Present: Marvel and Beyond
She joined the Marvel universe as Jane Foster in “Thor” (2011) and “Thor: The Dark World” (2013). Then, years later, she surprised everyone by returning in “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022)—this time as The Mighty Thor herself, holding the hammer and saving the day .
Other important movies:
- “Jackie” (2016): She played Jacqueline Kennedy after the assassination. Another Oscar nomination .
- “Annihilation” (2018): A trippy sci-fi film about a mysterious zone called Area X.
- “May December” (2023): A Netflix drama where she played an actress studying a controversial woman .
- “The Gallerist” (2025): Her latest project, a dark comedy thriller .
Upcoming movies:
- “Fountain of Youth” (2025)
- “The Twits” (2025, voice role)
Natalie Portman Husband and Divorce
Let’s talk about love, marriage, and what happened.
Natalie met Benjamin Millepied in 2009 on the set of “Black Swan.” He was the choreographer. She was the star learning ballet. They spent hours together, him teaching her to move like a real dancer. Something beautiful grew between them .
She once described it as “one of those romantics… it was exciting and fun… it was beautiful” .
They got engaged in 2010. In 2011, their son Aleph was born. They married in August 2012 in a Jewish ceremony in Big Sur, California . In 2017, they welcomed daughter Amalia.
For over a decade, they seemed like a solid Hollywood couple—private, focused on family, both successful in their creative fields.
But in February 2024, news broke that Natalie Portman and her husband had finalized their divorce . Reports suggested challenges in the marriage, including rumors about Benjamin’s infidelity. The couple kept quiet through it all, handling their separation with dignity.
In early 2025, Natalie opened up a little about life after divorce. She told Interview Magazine that her kids remain her biggest joy. “My kids are always a source of excitement, because you just see them develop into the individuals they are,” she shared .
She’s protective of Aleph and Amalia. No photo shoots with them. No sharing too much. She wants them to have normal lives, away from the cameras .
Natalie Portman Children
Natalie has two beautiful kids, and she adores them completely.
Aleph Portman-Millepied was born in 2011. He’s now a teenager—13 years old. His name is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which feels fitting for the first child of a woman so connected to her Jewish roots.
Amalia Millepied arrived in February 2017. She’s eight now, and reportedly just as creative as her famous parents.
Natalie balances motherhood with her career carefully. She takes her kids to school. She spends time with their friends and her friends’ children. She told GMA that hanging out with the kids and their friends is “pretty fun” .
After her divorce, she’s focused even more on being present for them. Like any mom, she wants them to feel safe and loved, even when life changes.
Natalie Portman Net Worth
Let’s talk money. Natalie has worked steadily for over 30 years. She’s been in massive blockbusters and tiny indies. She’s directed, produced, and endorsed products.
According to recent estimates, Natalie Portman’s net worth sits at approximately $90 million as of 2026 .
How she makes her money:
- Movie salaries: She earned millions for the Star Wars prequels and Marvel films. For “Thor: Love and Thunder,” her paycheck was reportedly substantial.
- Producing: Through her company MountainA, she produces films she stars in .
- Dior endorsement: Since 2010, she’s been the face of Dior’s beauty line. These deals pay millions annually .
- Directing: Her film “A Tale of Love and Darkness” added director fees to her income.
Her lifestyle:
She owns beautiful homes. She had a Montecito estate that she sold for $8 million in 2021 . She drives a mix of cars—practical choices like a Toyota Prius and Honda Civic, plus luxury vehicles like a Mercedes S-Class hybrid .
But she’s not flashy. She’s known for being thoughtful about money and supporting causes she believes in.
Natalie Portman Age and Height
People ask about these things constantly. Let me give you clear answers.
Natalie Portman age: She was born on June 9, 1981. That makes her 44 years old in 2026. She’ll turn 45 in June .
Natalie Portman height: She stands at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) . She’s petite—but on screen, she fills the frame completely. Height doesn’t matter when you have that much presence.
She maintains her health through dance, yoga, and a vegan lifestyle. She’s been vegan since 2009 after reading a book about animal agriculture .
Natalie Portman Young: Then and Now
Let’s take a sweet trip down memory lane.
When we talk about young Natalie Portman, we mean that twelve-year-old girl with the bowl haircut in “Léon.” We mean the teenager in “Beautiful Girls” who stole scenes from grown-up actors. We mean the young queen in “Star Wars” who held herself with dignity despite being surrounded by digital effects.
What’s remarkable is how consistent she’s been. She was serious then, she’s serious now. She protected her privacy then, she protects it now. She chose smart roles then, she chooses smart roles now.
Some actors burn out or fade away. Natalie just gets better.
Natalie Portman Hot and Sexy: Her Style Evolution
Let’s address the searches honestly. People look for “natalie portman hot” and “natalie portman sexy” because she’s genuinely stunning. But her beauty comes with something extra—intelligence.
On red carpets, she’s consistently one of the best-dressed women in Hollywood. She works with top stylists and designers. From her early Dior gowns to her more recent structured looks, she understands fashion as art.
In movies, she’s played seductive characters—the stripper in “Closer,” the ballerina losing her grip in “Black Swan.” She brings depth to those roles. They’re not just about looking good. They’re about complex women with desires and problems.
Natalie once talked about playing sexualized roles as a young actress. She said it made her cautious. She wanted to be more than just a pretty face. And she succeeded.
Natalie Portman Nude and Naked Scenes
This is a sensitive topic. People search for “natalie portman nude” and “natalie portman naked” because of certain roles.
In “Closer” (2004), she played a stripper. There are scenes in a club, but they’re about character and story, not exploitation. In “Black Swan,” there’s a famous scene with Mila Kunis. It’s intimate, but it serves the story—two dancers exploring boundaries, losing themselves in their roles.
Natalie has always been careful about what she shows on screen. She chooses projects where nudity, if present, feels necessary to the art. She’s never been one for gratuitous scenes.
Social Media: Where to Find Natalie
Natalie Portman keeps a relatively low profile online. She’s not constantly posting selfies or sharing every meal. But she does have official accounts where fans can follow her work.
| Platform | Handle | What to Expect |
| @natalieportman | Official account. Movie updates, causes she supports, rare personal glimpses | |
| Twitter/X | @NataliePortman | Activism, awards announcements, professional news |
| Natalie Portman | Official page with movie trailers and interviews | |
| YouTube | Search “Natalie Portman” | Interviews, movie clips, red carpet appearances |
Note: Like many celebrities, she has team members helping manage these accounts. Don’t expect daily personal updates.
Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know
Let me share some fun trivia about Natalie.
- She’s a published scientist. In high school, she co-wrote a paper called “A Simple Method to Demonstrate the Enzymatic Production of Hydrogen from Sugar.” It got into the Intel Science Talent Search .
- She turned down “Romeo + Juliet.” The 1996 movie with Leonardo DiCaprio? She was cast, but dropped out when people thought she was too young .
- She produced “Eating Animals.” The 2017 documentary about factory farming reflects her vegan beliefs .
- She’s directed movies. Her feature directorial debut was “A Tale of Love and Darkness” (2015), based on the memoir by Amos Oz .
- She speaks out for women. In January 2026, she criticized the Oscars for overlooking female directors. She said, “You just see the barriers at every level” .
Natalie Portman Movies List (Must-Watch)
If you’re new to her work, here are the essential films to watch.
| Movie | Year | Why Watch |
| Léon: The Professional | 1994 | Her debut. Unforgettable. |
| Star Wars Episodes I-III | 1999–2005 | Sci-fi epic. Queen Amidala. |
| Closer | 2004 | Sharp dialogue. Great cast. |
| V for Vendetta | 2005 | Political thriller. Bold choices. |
| Black Swan | 2010 | Oscar winner. Intense. Brilliant. |
| Thor | 2011 | Fun Marvel entry. |
| Jackie | 2016 | Haunting performance. |
| Annihilation | 2018 | Weird sci-fi. Beautiful. |
| May December | 2023 | Complex drama. |
FAQs About Natalie Portman
How old is Natalie Portman?
Natalie Portman was born on June 9, 1981. She is 44 years old as of 2026 .
How old was Natalie Portman in Episode 1?
She was about 16 when filming “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” which came out in 1999 .
Who is Natalie Portman’s husband?
She was married to Benjamin Millepied, a French dancer and choreographer, from 2012 until their divorce in 2024 .
Does Natalie Portman have children?
Yes. She has two children: son Aleph (born 2011) and daughter Amalia (born 2017) .
What is Natalie Portman’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $90 million .
How tall is Natalie Portman?
She is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall .
What movies made Natalie Portman famous?
“Léon: The Professional” launched her career. The “Star Wars” prequels made her a global star. “Black Swan” won her an Oscar .
Is Natalie Portman married now?
No. She divorced Benjamin Millepied in 2024 and hasn’t remarried .
What languages does Natalie Portman speak?
She speaks English, Hebrew, French, Japanese, German, and Arabic .
What did Natalie Portman study at Harvard?
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University .
Is Natalie Portman vegan?
Yes, she adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2009 .
What is Natalie Portman’s real name?
Her birth name is Neta-Lee Hershlag. Portman is her paternal grandmother’s maiden name .
Conclusion: Why We Love Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman isn’t just another actress. She’s proof that you can be both beautiful and brainy. You can be a movie star and a serious student. You can win Oscars and raise kids. You can go through a public divorce and handle it with grace.
From that fierce twelve-year-old in “Léon” to the Oscar winner on stage with her baby bump, from Queen Amidala to The Mighty Thor, she’s shown us range that few actors possess.
She’s 44 now, still making interesting choices, still speaking up for what’s right. Her kids are growing up. Her career keeps evolving. New movies are coming.
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