Natalie Portman was discovered at the age of 10 in a pizza parlor and was offered a modeling contract, which she turned down to focus on acting.
She made her film debut at the age of 12 in 'Léon: The Professional' (1994), where she played a young girl who forms a bond with a hitman.
Portman graduated from Harvard University with a degree in psychology in 2003, all while continuing to act in major films.
She is fluent in Hebrew, English, and conversational French, German, and Japanese, showcasing her linguistic abilities.
Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Black Swan' (2010), a performance that required her to undergo extensive ballet training.
She was the youngest member of the jury at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in 2008, demonstrating her influence and respect in the film industry.
Portman shaved her head for her role in 'V for Vendetta' (2005) and has said it was one of the most liberating experiences of her career.
She has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts, including serving as an ambassador for FINCA International, an organization that provides financial services to low-income women.
Portman directed her first feature film, 'A Tale of Love and Darkness' (2015), based on the memoir of Israeli author Amos Oz, in which she also starred.
She has been a vegetarian since childhood and later became a vegan, advocating for animal rights and environmental sustainability.
Portman is married to French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, whom she met on the set of 'Black Swan,' and they have two children together.
She is the first person born in the 1980s to have won an Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her place in film history.
Portman has been a strong advocate for gender equality in Hollywood, using her platform to speak out against sexism and support women's rights.
She has appeared in multiple blockbuster franchises, including the 'Star Wars' prequels as Padmé Amidala and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jane Foster.
Natalie Portman was a guest lecturer at Columbia University in 2006, where she spoke about her experiences in Hollywood and her academic pursuits.