Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is an award-winning actress and filmmaker. She is best known for her powerful performances in Black Swan, V for Vendetta, Jackie, and the Thor franchise. Having dual Israeli-American citizenship, her diverse cultural upbringing has significantly shaped her identity. Natalie Portman’s ethnicity is Ashkenazi Jewish, with her ancestry tracing back to Israel, Poland, Romania, Russia, Austria, and Lithuania.
Natalie Portman Bio
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Natalie Hershlag |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Jerusalem, Israel |
| Nationality | Israeli-American |
| Profession | Actress, Filmmaker |
| Education | Harvard University (Bachelor’s in Psychology) |
| Spouse | Benjamin Millepied (m. 2012; div. 2024) |
| Children | Aleph Portman-Millepied, Amalia Portman-Millepied |
| Notable Works | Black Swan, V for Vendetta, Jackie, Thor |
Natalie Portman Ethnicity is Ashkenazi Jewish
Natalie Portman’s ethnicity is Ashkenazi Jewish, originating from both her father’s and mother’s sides of the family. Her father, Avner Hershlag, is an Israeli-born gynecologist whose family immigrated to Israel from Poland and Romania. Her mother, Shelley Stevens, is an American of Jewish descent with ancestral roots in Austria, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine.
Portman has always embraced her Jewish heritage. She is fluent in Hebrew and has spoken about her strong connection to Israel, often visiting her birthplace and engaging in Jewish cultural and educational activities. She has also taken on roles that explore Jewish identity and history, further showcasing her deep connection to her ancestry.
While she has been raised in a secular household, her Jewish identity remains a vital part of her life. She has openly discussed her experiences with anti-Semitism, particularly in Hollywood, and continues to advocate for Jewish representation and cultural awareness.
Family Background of Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman was born to Avner Hershlag and Shelley Stevens. Her parents met at a Jewish student center at Ohio State University. After corresponding for years, they got married and later moved to Israel, where Natalie was born.
In 1984, when she was three years old, her family relocated to the United States for her father’s medical training. They first lived in Washington, D.C., then Connecticut, before settling in Long Island, New York. Her upbringing was academically and culturally rich, fostering her love for science, languages, and the arts.
About Natalie Portman’s Family
| Family Member | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Avner Hershlag |
| Mother | Shelley Stevens |
| Son | Aleph Portman-Millepied |
| Daughter | Amalia Portman-Millepied |
Natalie Portman’s Career
Natalie Portman’s career began at an early age when she was discovered by a talent scout at just 11 years old. She made her film debut in Léon: The Professional (1994) at age 12, portraying Mathilda, a role that showcased her incredible talent and set the stage for a successful acting career.
As a teenager, she balanced her education with acting, starring in Mars Attacks! (1996) and Anywhere but Here (1999). In 1999, she took on the role of Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, which catapulted her to worldwide fame.
Despite her rising success, she remained committed to her education, earning a degree in psychology from Harvard University in 2003. She continued to take on diverse roles, starring in critically acclaimed films like V for Vendetta (2005) and Closer (2004), for which she won a Golden Globe.
Her career reached new heights in 2010 when she starred in Black Swan, a psychological thriller that earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since played a variety of roles, including Jackie Kennedy in Jackie (2016) and Jane Foster in the Thor franchise.
Beyond acting, Portman has also directed and produced films, making her directorial debut with A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015), a film adaptation of Amos Oz’s memoir.
More Info about Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is not only a highly accomplished actress but also an advocate for numerous social causes. She is a strong supporter of women’s rights, environmental sustainability, and animal rights. She has been vegetarian since childhood and later became vegan, promoting ethical and sustainable living.
In addition to her activism, Portman is multilingual, speaking Hebrew, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Her intellectual curiosity and global perspective have influenced her career choices, allowing her to portray complex, thought-provoking characters.
In her personal life, Portman married French choreographer Benjamin Millepied in 2012, whom she met on the set of Black Swan. They had two children together, Aleph and Amalia. However, in 2024, it was announced that the couple had divorced.
Throughout her career, Natalie Portman has remained deeply connected to her Jewish heritage. She has used her platform to educate others about Jewish culture and history while continuing to push boundaries in Hollywood. With her impressive resume, dedication to advocacy, and intellectual pursuits, she remains one of the most influential and respected actresses of her generation.
