Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman, originally named Neta-Lee Hershlag, is a renowned Israeli-American actress and filmmaker. Her cinematic debut occurred in 1994 with her role as Mathilda, a young apprentice to a hitman, in the action-packed thriller "Léon: The Professional." This breakout performance marked the beginning of a prolific career. Notably, while still in high school, Portman secured the iconic role of Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, propelling her to international stardom.

Portman's versatility as an actress became evident as she delved into diverse roles, portraying characters such as Evey Hammond in "V for Vendetta" and Anne Boleyn in "The Other Boleyn Girl." However, her portrayal of a troubled ballerina in the psychological thriller "Black Swan" garnered widespread acclaim, culminating in her Academy Award win for Best Actress.

Continuing to captivate audiences, Portman assumed the role of Jane Foster in Marvel's "Thor" series and delivered a poignant performance as Jacqueline Kennedy in the biographical drama "Jackie," earning her a third Academy Award nomination. Portman also co-starred in the drama "May December" alongside Julianne Moore. The film was nominated for an Academy Award, and Portman was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance. Beyond acting, Portman ventured into directing, showcasing her creative vision with projects like the short film "Eve" and the biographical drama "A Tale of Love and Darkness."

Portman prioritized education and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Harvard University. She is an advocate for women in STEM and partnered with Marvel on a mentoring program called Ultimate Mentor Adventure. The program partnered high school girls with STEM professionals, where they aided in scientific projects.

Off-screen, Portman is recognized for her activism. She is a vocal advocate for animal rights and maintains a vegan lifestyle. Portman aligns herself with the Democratic Party in the United States, using her platform to address social and political issues. Notably, she condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's divisive rhetoric and expressed disappointment with his policies.