Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is an Israeli-American actress, producer, and director celebrated for her wide-ranging and powerful performances. Holding dual citizenship, she has built a remarkable career over more than 30 years, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Profile Summary
Full Name | Natalie Hershlag |
Date of Birth | June 9, 1981 |
Place of Birth | Jerusalem, Israel |
Nationality | Israeli-American |
Partner | Benjamin Millepied (married 2012, separated 2024) |
Children | Two: Aleph Portman-Millepied and Amalia Millepied |
Occupations | Actress, Producer, Director |
Net Worth | Approximately $90 million (as of 2025) |

Early Life and Education
Portman is the only child of Avner Hershlag, an Israeli-born gynecologist, and Shelley Stevens, an American artist and her longtime agent.
When she was three years old, her family relocated from Israel to the United States, settling first in Washington, D.C., and later on Long Island, New York.
Raised in a Jewish household, she attended Jewish day schools and graduated from Syosset High School.
Discovered at age 11 by a Revlon agent, she chose to pursue acting rather than modeling. She successfully balanced her early acting career with academics and earned a psychology degree from Harvard University in 2003.
Career
Portman’s acting career took off at age 12 with her role as Mathilda in Léon: The Professional (1994), which brought her early critical recognition. She gained international stardom playing Queen Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy (1999, 2002, 2005), solidifying her status as a leading actress.
Her career is marked by versatility, with standout performances in Closer (2004), which earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win, and Black Swan (2010), which won her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
She has also starred in V for Vendetta (2005), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), and the Thor franchise (2011, 2013, 2022).
Beyond acting, Portman has directed and produced films, including A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015). Her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie (2016) earned her another Academy Award nomination.
Personal Life

Natalie Portman married dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied in 2012, whom she met during the filming of Black Swan. The couple has two children. In 2024, they reportedly separated.
Portman is also known for her advocacy work in environmentalism, animal rights, and social justice.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Portman’s net worth is estimated to be around $90 million, stemming from her prolific film career, lucrative endorsement deals—particularly with Dior, which reportedly brings her about $10 million annually—and wise real estate investments.
Selected Filmography
- Léon: The Professional (1994) as Mathilda
- Heat (1995) as Lauren Gustafson
- Beautiful Girls (1996) as Marty
- Mars Attacks! (1996) as Taffy Dale
- Everyone Says I Love You (1996) as Laura Dandridge
- Anywhere but Here (1999) as Ann August
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) as Queen Padmé Amidala
- Where the Heart Is (2000) as Novalee Nation
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) as Padmé Amidala
- Cold Mountain (2003) as Sara
- Garden State (2004) as Sam
- Closer (2004) as Alice
- Free Zone (2005) as Rebecca
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) as Padmé Amidala
- V for Vendetta (2005) as Evey Hammond
- Goya’s Ghosts (2006) as Ines
- Paris, Je T’aime (2006) as Francine
- My Blueberry Nights (2007) as Leslie
- Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007) as Molly Mahoney
- The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) as Anne Boleyn
- Love and Other Impossible Pursuits (2009) as Emilia Greenleaf
- New York, I Love You (2009) as Rifka
- The Other Woman (2009) as Carly
- Brothers (2009) as Grace Cahill
- Black Swan (2010) as Nina Sayers
- Hesher (2010) as Nicole
- No Strings Attached (2011) as Emma
- Your Highness (2011) as Isabel
- Thor (2011) as Jane Foster
- Thor: The Dark World (2013) as Jane Foster
- A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015) as Fania (also director)
- Knight of Cups (2015) as Elizabeth
- Jackie (2016) as Jacqueline Kennedy
- Planetarium (2016) as Laura Barlow
- Jane Got a Gun (2016) as Jane Hammond
- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) (producer)
- Song to Song (2017) as Rhonda
- Eating Animals (2017) (narrator and producer)
- Vox Lux (2018) as Adult Celeste
- Annihilation (2018) as Lena
- Lucy in the Sky (2019) as Lucy Cola
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) as Jane Foster (cameo)
- Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) as Jane Foster / Mighty Thor
- May December (2023) as Elizabeth Berry
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards:
- Best Actress Winner for Black Swan (2010)
- Best Actress Nominee for Jackie (2016)
- Best Supporting Actress Nominee for Closer (2004)
- Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Supporting Actress for Closer (2004)
- Best Actress for Black Swan (2010)
- BAFTA Awards:
- Winner for Black Swan (2010)
Natalie Portman holds the distinction of being the first person born in the 1980s to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her career blends commercial success with critical acclaim, establishing her as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.