Natalie Portman is known for big movies, smart choices, and hard work. She has played queens, heroes, and real-life leaders. Many people also admire her for education and strong values. In this 2026-updated guide, you’ll learn 20 interesting facts about Natalie Portman in a simple, easy way.

If you enjoy celebrity facts, movie trivia, and quick biographies, this list is for you.

1) Natalie Portman was born in Jerusalem

Natalie Portman was born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem. This is one of the most searched facts about her because many fans are surprised she was not born in the U.S.

2) Her real last name is not “Portman”

Her birth name is Natalie Hershlag. She later chose “Portman” as her stage name. It came from her family (her grandmother’s maiden name).

3) She has dual citizenship

Natalie Portman is both Israeli and American. So, she has dual citizenship. This is often mentioned in her official bios and major news stories about her.

4) She moved to the United States when she was very young

Her family moved to the U.S. when she was small. She later grew up in New York (Long Island area). That’s where her school life and early acting also grew.

5) Her parents met at Ohio State University

A fun “Ohio connection” is that her parents reportedly met at The Ohio State University. Fans like this fact because it connects her story to a famous U.S. campus.

6) One of her grandmothers worked as a spy in World War II

This sounds like a movie plot, but it’s widely reported in biographies: Natalie’s paternal grandmother worked as a spy for the British during World War II.

7) She and Britney Spears were understudies in the same musical

When Natalie was a child, she was part of the Off-Broadway musical “Ruthless!”. The surprising part: Britney Spears was also an understudy in that same show.

8) Her first movie role was in Léon: The Professional

Natalie’s film debut was Léon: The Professional (1994), directed by Luc Besson. It is a French-made film, and it became a major early step in her career.

9) She was almost Juliet in Romeo + Juliet

Natalie Portman was connected to the role of Juliet in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (1996). But the filmmakers felt she looked too young next to Leonardo DiCaprio, so the role went to Claire Danes.

10) She graduated from Harvard University

Natalie Portman studied at Harvard University and graduated in 2003. Many people know her as “the Harvard actress,” because she balanced college with a busy film career.

11) She worked with famous Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz

While at Harvard, she worked as a research assistant for lawyer and professor Alan Dershowitz on a book project. This is one of the strongest proof points of how serious she was about studies.

12) She performed in a big outdoor theater show in 2001

In 2001, she returned to theater and acted in Chekhov’s “The Seagull” in Central Park, directed by Mike Nichols, with stars like Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

13) She became Star Wars royalty as Padmé / Queen Amidala

She played Padmé Amidala (Queen Amidala) in the Star Wars prequel films, starting with The Phantom Menace (1999). This role made her known worldwide.

14) She said she had not watched Star Wars before getting the role

In later interviews reported by outlets quoting Radio Times, she said she did not really know the Star Wars movies before she was cast, even though she knew the famous terms and characters from pop culture.

15) She won an Oscar for Black Swan

Natalie Portman won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actress for Black Swan (2010). She also earned major awards for other films, including a Golden Globe win for Closer.

16) She met Benjamin Millepied on Black Swan — and they share two kids

She met dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied while working on Black Swan. They later married and have two children. Reports confirm their divorce was finalized in February 2024, and they co-parent.

17) She acted in comic-book style movies too

She played Jane Foster in Marvel’s Thor films. She also starred in V for Vendetta, another well-known comic-based movie.

18) She appeared in a Paul McCartney music video with Johnny Depp

Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp appear in Paul McCartney’s music video for “My Valentine.” It’s a famous celebrity video that many fans still re-watch.

19) She was part of the Cannes Film Festival jury in 2008

Natalie Portman served as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008. This is a big honor because jury members help judge films at the festival.

20) In recent years, she has spoken up about fairness in film

In public interviews and festival talks, she has supported better chances for women in film, including fair recognition for women directors. This is part of her public image in the 2020s.

Quick FAQs (Simple Answers)

Is Natalie Portman her real name?
No. Her birth name is Natalie Hershlag.

Did Natalie Portman really go to Harvard?
Yes. She graduated from Harvard in 2003.

Was she in a Paul McCartney video?
Yes. She appears in “My Valentine.”

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