Natalie Portman was born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel as the only child of a Doctor (father) and an artist (mother, who also acts as Natalie's agent). Natalie left Israel for Washington when she was still very young. After a few more moves, her family finally settled in New York, where she lived until her graduation from high school. She graduated with honors, and her academic achievements allowed her to attend Harvard.
She was discovered by an agent in a pizza parlor at the age of 11. She was pushed towards a career in modeling but she decided that she would rather pursue a career in acting. She was featured in many live performances, but she made her powerful film debut in the movie Léon (1994) (The Professional). Following this role Natalie won roles in such films as Heat (1995), Beautiful Girls (1996) and Mars Attacks! (1996).
It wouldn't be until 1999 when she received worldwide fame as Queen Amidala in the highly anticipated $431 million grossing Prequel Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). Natalie next starred in two critically acclaimed comedy dramas Anywhere But Here (1999), and Where the Heart Is (2000).
Turned down a role in Horse Whisperer, The (1998) to act in "The Diary of Anne Frank" on Broadway.(29 June 1999) Graduated from Syosset High School, Syosset, NY.
Has been a strict vegetarian since the age of 8. Has taken dance lessons since the age of 4.
Says that math was her favorite subject in school because, "There's always an answer."
(1999) Stated in a TV interview that with the exception of the Star Wars prequels, she will not act for the next four years in order to concentrate on studying at Harvard University.
Can speak fluent Hebrew, French, and Japanese.
Originally turned down the role of Ann August in the film Anywhere But Here (1999) because of the love scene between herself and Corbin Allred which required nudity. Susan Sarandon who had co-star approval, said she couldn't continue the movie without Portman, so the script was re-written without the scene and sent to Natalie, and she accepted.Was a member of the environmental song and dance troupe The World Patrol Kids under her real name, Natalie Hershlag.
Her mother is an artist, and her father a doctor. She is an only child.
She went to Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Camp in 1994 and 1995 where she was Anne in "Anne of Green Gables" in 1994 and "Tapestry" in 1995.
Was the first choice to play Juliet in Romeo + Juliet (1996) movie but turned it down because of the scenes, and the age difference, between her and Leonardo DiCaprio.
She was discovered in a Pizza parlor and was originally turned down for the role of Mathilda in Léon (1994) because she was too young.
Harpers and Queen magazine said that she is "the new Audrey Hepburn".
Turned down the title role in Adrian Lyne's Lolita (1997), due to her feelings about young adult actors/actresses being exposed to sex in films.Before she was cast in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), she had never seen the original 3 Star Wars movies.
Moved to the US when she was 3 years old.
Turned down the role of Wendy in Ice Storm, The (1997) because she felt the material was "too dark." The role went to Christina Ricci, who has said she often gets the projects Natalie turns down.
Said would never be in a horror movie or any other "Jennifer Love Hewitt type" film
Has said in interviews that when she gets older, she would like to be a doctor like her father.
Was reportedly caught using a fake ID trying to sneak into the Roxy. The performer Moby insisted that she was invited by him, and refused to perform unless she was admitted. She was admitted and security watched her as she stood in the back, watched the show, and didn't drink.
Stated in an online interview that the story about sneaking into the Roxy to see Moby is not true, and that she and her friends went home after they were denied entrance.
2000) Studying psychology at Harvard (where she has three room-mates), and says that she may plan to make that her career.
Takes pride in the fact that she is a role model for girls and choses roles that are positive so that they will have a positive role model to look up to.
Her father is an infertility specialist. Auditioned for Little Women (1994).
Became interested in acting after spending three summers at the prestigious (and expensive) Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Camp.
Is very close to her parents and says, "The best part about being friends with your parents is that no matter what you do, they always love you."
Grew up in Syosset, Long Island, New York, where her parents still reside.
(July 2001) Dated Lukas Haas.
Natalie Portman and actor Bart DeFinna grew up in the same neighborhood. At the 2000 VH-1 Fashion awards they were asked to take a photo together and refused.
Natalie is Israeli. Has one dog, a female Poodle-Schnauzer mix called Noodles.
Is a straight-A student.
(April 2002) Has confirmed that she will continue acting, but will be more selective when it comes to selecting a script.
(May 2002) Is majoring in psychology at Harvard, where she is also co-chair of the Harvard Concert Commission, which she helped found.
Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002. Natalie was born on her mother's 29th birthday.
Father's name: Avner. Mother's name: Shelley.
(2002) One of Teen People Magazine's "25 Hottest Stars under 25"
Went to Usdan Camp for the arts as a child. The make-up brand Stila has a lip gloss named after her.
As of June 2002, she has appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman", eight times.
