Natalie Hershlag, professionally known as Natalie Portman, is an Israeli-born American actress who has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Her multifaceted career spans blockbuster hits, critically acclaimed independent films, and even ventures into directing and producing.

Born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, her parents had roots in Poland, Russia, Austria, and Romania. She moved to the United States with her family at the tender age of three. Even as a child, Natalie displayed a passion for acting, participating in local theater productions from the age of four.

Her film debut came in 1994 with "Léon: The Professional," where she portrayed the young protégée of a hitman. Her talent caught the industry's attention, leading to significant roles. However, it was her portrayal of Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" (1999) that catapulted her to international fame.

Despite her rising stardom, Natalie remained committed to education. From 1999 to 2003, she attended Harvard University, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. During this time, she continued acting in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and graced the stage in Anton Chekhov's play "The Seagull."

In 2004, Natalie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her enigmatic role as a stripper in the romantic drama "Closer." Her career soared further with standout performances in "V for Vendetta" (2005), "The Other Boleyn Girl" (2008), and the psychological thriller "Black Swan" (2010), which earned her the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress.

Her versatility extends beyond acting. She starred in the romantic comedy "No Strings Attached" (2011) and portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the biopic "Jackie" (2016). Her role as Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films solidified her status as one of the highest-paid actresses globally.

In 2021, Natalie co-founded the production company MountainA. She produced and starred in the drama "May December" (2023). Additionally, she directed the short film "Eve" (2008) and the biographical drama "A Tale of Love and Darkness" (2015).

Natalie is a dual citizen of Israel and the United States. She passionately advocates for animal rights and environmental causes. She was married to dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied from 2012 to 2024, and they have two children.