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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Actor

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is an Israeli-American actress known for film roles in *Léon: The Professional*, the *Star Wars* prequel trilogy, *Black Swan*, and *Jackie*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Natalie Portman is an Israeli-American actress known for film roles in *Léon: The Professional*, the *Star Wars* prequel trilogy, *Black Swan*, and *Jackie*. Born in Jerusalem in 1981, she has won an Academy Award and has also worked as a producer and director.

Early life

Portman was born in Jerusalem in 1981 and moved to the United States as a child. She later studied psychology at Harvard University while continuing her acting career.

Acting career

She gained early recognition in *Léon: The Professional* and later became widely known for the *Star Wars* prequels, *V for Vendetta*, *Black Swan*, and *Jackie*.

Awards and recognition

Portman won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for *Black Swan*. She has also received multiple other major film nominations, including for *Closer* and *Jackie*.

Personal life

Portman married dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied in 2012. The two have children and were later reported as separated.

Key facts

  • Born Natalie Hershlag in Jerusalem and raised in the United States.
  • Began acting as a child and made her film debut in *Léon: The Professional* (1994).
  • Played Padmé Amidala in the *Star Wars* prequel trilogy.
  • Won the Academy Award for Best Actress for *Black Swan* (2010).
  • Graduated from Harvard University with a degree in psychology.
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Canadian context

She is a major international film star whose movies have had wide release in Canada and whose awards and performances are widely covered by Canadian entertainment media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Natalie Portman?
Natalie Portman is an Israeli-American actress, producer, and director known for films including *Léon: The Professional*, *Star Wars*, *Black Swan*, and *Jackie*.
How old is Natalie Portman?
She was born on June 9, 1981, which makes her 45 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What movies has Natalie Portman been in?
Her film credits include *Léon: The Professional*, the *Star Wars* prequels, *V for Vendetta*, *The Other Boleyn Girl*, *Black Swan*, *Thor*, and *Jackie*.
Is Natalie Portman married?
She married dancer Benjamin Millepied in 2012. Later reports indicate the couple separated.
What is Natalie Portman's net worth?
A reliable, consistently updated net worth figure was not available in the provided sources.
Did Natalie Portman win an Oscar?
Yes. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for *Black Swan* and was also nominated for *Closer* and *Jackie*.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Natalie-Portman
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, Oscar win, and major career facts.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalie_Portman
    Supports: Early career, film roles, award history, and biographical overview.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/natalie-portman
    Supports: Birth date, film debut, Harvard education, marriage, and Oscar win.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Natalie-Portman
    Supports: Age, spouse, and key biographical facts.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000204/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, place of birth, and award summary.