Natalie Portman, born in Israel, has amassed a net worth of $90 million, making her one of the wealthiest and most famous actresses worldwide. Thanks to her consistent success in the entertainment industry, combined with lucrative endorsement deals, she remains at the top of her game. Her collaborations with brands like Dior bring in at least $10 million annually, underscoring her status as a highly paid celebrity.
Portman’s acting journey began early, with her breakout role in the 1994 film The Professional. In this movie, she portrays a young girl who forms a unique relationship with a hitman, showcasing her ability to take on complex roles even at such a young age. Her performance was praised, setting the stage for a long-lasting and varied career in Hollywood.
Iconic Roles in “Star Wars” and Beyond
Portman’s global fame soared in 1999 when she joined the Star Wars franchise as Queen Padmé Amidala in The Phantom Menace. The film was a commercial success, grossing $924 million worldwide, despite mixed reviews. Portman reprised her role in the subsequent Star Wars prequel trilogy, solidifying her place as a leading actress in major blockbuster films.
At the same time, Portman kept her artistic integrity intact, choosing more indie roles that allowed her to expand her range. Her roles in Garden State and Closer, both in 2004, earned her widespread acclaim, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Closer. This marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Academy Award for “Black Swan”
Portman’s most acclaimed role came in 2010 with Black Swan, a psychological thriller centered around the competitive world of ballet. Her portrayal of a troubled ballerina not only earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress but also numerous other accolades. This film further established her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, with her commitment to the role garnering both critical and commercial success.
Endorsements and Fashion Icon
Beyond acting, Portman’s influence extends into the world of endorsements. She has been the face of Dior’s fragrance line since 2010, representing the brand with grace and sophistication. Her involvement in high-profile fashion and beauty campaigns has further cemented her status as a style icon, admired for her timeless elegance and poise.
Portman’s career also includes her role as an advocate for social causes. Known for her intelligence and activism, she uses her platform to speak out on environmental issues, animal rights, and gender equality. She has also made strides in directing, with her directorial debut A Tale of Love and Darkness released in 2015, further demonstrating her multifaceted talents.
Early Life
Natalie Portman, born Neta-Lee Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, grew up in a Jewish family. She moved with her family to Washington, DC, and later to Connecticut before settling in Long Island, New York. It was here that she attended a Jewish elementary school, further strengthening her cultural roots. During this time, she became involved in ballet and performing arts, marking the beginning of her path toward the entertainment industry.
From Theater to Film
Portman’s career took off in 1992 when she performed as the understudy for Laura Bell Bundy in the off-Broadway musical Ruthless! Afterward, she found her big break with the role of Mathilda in the 1994 film Léon: The Professional. Her performance was widely praised, and the film grossed over $46 million at the box office. Although the film sparked controversy over the sexualization of her character, it nonetheless propelled Portman into the spotlight.
Following this success, Portman appeared in various films, including Heat (1995), Beautiful Girls (1996), and Mars Attacks! (1996). She continued to receive praise for her versatility and range, even as she transitioned into adult roles in blockbuster films, most notably in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
While Star Wars made her a household name, Portman did not allow fame to distract her from education. In 1999, she enrolled at Harvard University, where she pursued a degree in psychology. Despite her busy film career, she attended college and continued acting in plays and films during breaks. Portman graduated in 2003 with a degree in psychology, proving that she could balance both intellectual pursuits and her flourishing acting career.
A Variety of Roles and Continued Success
Portman’s career flourished in the years following her graduation. She reprised her role as Queen Amidala in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), which grossed $653 million worldwide. Portman continued to expand her repertoire with films like Cold Mountain (2003) and Garden State (2004), where she portrayed a quirky, troubled character that garnered her much praise.
Her role in Closer (2004) marked a turning point in her career, as she took on a more mature and sexually explicit role, which had initially been a difficult decision for her. Despite her earlier hesitations, Portman received praise for her portrayal of a stripper, and the film itself was a financial success. Following Closer, she starred in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), completing her involvement in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Expanding Horizons with Directorial Debut
Over the years, Portman starred in several notable films, including V for Vendetta (2005), My Blueberry Nights (2007), and Brothers (2009). In 2010, Portman starred in Black Swan, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. This role, along with her appearances in Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013), solidified her place as a leading actress in both independent and blockbuster films.
In 2015, Portman ventured into directing, with A Tale of Love and Darkness marking her directorial debut. Though her film Jane Got a Gun (2016) was a commercial failure, she received widespread acclaim for her role as Jackie Kennedy in Jackie (2016), a biographical drama. Her portrayal earned her several award nominations and critical praise.
Real Estate Investments
Portman’s real estate ventures are notable as well. In 2008, she sold her New York City apartment for $6.55 million, which was the asking price at the time. In 2009, she purchased a 1930s home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, for $3.25 million. The property spans over 4,800 square feet, with expansive gardens and a pool. It’s a peaceful retreat equipped with advanced security features.
In 2017, Portman bought a vacation home in Montecito, California, for $6.5 million. The property, set on 10 acres with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, was sold in 2021 for $8 million, reflecting her keen real estate investments.
Portman’s life, both professionally and personally, reflects her versatility and dedication to her craft, while her smart business choices further reinforce her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
