History of Natalie Portman in Timeline
Natalie Portman is an Israeli-born American actress with a successful career spanning both blockbuster and independent films. Starting as a teenager, she has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, recognizing her talent and contributions to the film industry.
1963: Jackie Kennedy's life
In 1963, Jackie Kennedy's husband was assassinated, the topic of the biopic Jackie.
June 9, 1981: Natalie Portman's Birth
On June 9, 1981, Natalie Portman, originally named Natalie Hershlag, was born in Jerusalem. She would later become a celebrated Israeli-American actress known for her roles in both blockbuster and independent films.
1988: Move to Connecticut
In 1988, Natalie Portman and her family relocated from Washington, D.C., to Connecticut.
1990: Move to Long Island
In 1990, Natalie Portman and her family moved to Long Island.
1992: Understudy Role in Ruthless!
In 1992, Natalie Portman auditioned for and was chosen as an understudy for the musical Ruthless!, alongside Britney Spears.
1994: Filming Developing
During the summer break of 1994, after filming The Professional, Natalie Portman filmed a part in Marya Cohn's short film Developing.
1994: Securing Leading Role in Léon: The Professional
In 1994, Natalie Portman secured a leading role in Luc Besson's action drama Léon: The Professional and adopted her paternal grandmother's maiden name, Portman, as her stage name.
1994: Acting Career Debut
In 1994, at the age of twelve, Natalie Portman began her acting career by starring in Léon: The Professional as the young protégée of a hitman.
1996: Beautiful Girls and Other Roles
In 1996, Natalie Portman appeared in Beautiful Girls, Everyone Says I Love You, and Mars Attacks!.
1996: Romeo + Juliet Casting and Lolita Offer
In 1996, Natalie Portman was cast in Romeo + Juliet but dropped out. She was also offered the lead in Lolita, but declined.
December 1997: The Diary of Anne Frank
In December 1997, Natalie Portman starred as Anne Frank in a Broadway revival of The Diary of Anne Frank.
1997: Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
In 1997, Natalie Portman began filming the Star Wars prequel trilogy, marking her first big-budget production.
May 1998: End of Anne Frank Play
In May 1998, Natalie Portman's role in The Diary of Anne Frank ended.
1998: Broadway Debut
In 1998, Natalie Portman made her Broadway debut in "The Diary of a Young Girl" while still in high school.
1999: International Recognition
In 1999, Natalie Portman gained international recognition for her role as Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace".
1999: Star Wars: Episode I Release
In 1999, Natalie Portman starred in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace", which became one of her highest-grossing films.
1999: Anywhere But Here
In 1999, Natalie Portman starred in Anywhere but Here, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
1999: The Phantom Menace Release
In 1999, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace was released, establishing Natalie Portman as a global star.
2000: Where the Heart Is
In 2000, Natalie Portman appeared in Where the Heart Is, a romantic drama filmed in Texas, as well as began attending Harvard University to pursue her bachelor's degree in psychology.
2001: The Seagull and Zoolander
In 2001, Natalie Portman performed in Chekhov's drama The Seagull on Broadway and made a cameo appearance in the comedy Zoolander.
2001: The Seagull
In 2001, Natalie Portman performed in a revival of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull at The Public Theater.
2002: Star Wars Episode II
In 2002, Natalie Portman appeared in Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
2002: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
In 2002, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Amidala in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
2002: Letter to The Harvard Crimson
In 2002, Natalie Portman wrote a letter to The Harvard Crimson in response to an essay critical of Israeli actions toward Palestinians.
2003: Cold Mountain and Harvard Graduation
In 2003, Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University and had a brief part in the war film Cold Mountain.
2003: Graduation from Harvard
In 2003, Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in psychology, balancing her academic pursuits with her acting career.
2004: Campaigning for John Kerry
In 2004, Natalie Portman campaigned for Senator John Kerry in the presidential election.
2004: Closer Release
In 2004, Natalie Portman starred in "Closer", which became one of her most acclaimed films.
2004: Garden State and Closer
In 2004, Natalie Portman starred in Garden State and Closer, winning a Golden Globe and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Closer.
2004: Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International
In 2004, Natalie Portman traveled to Uganda as the Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International.
2004: Golden Globe and Academy Award Nomination
In 2004, Natalie Portman won a Golden Globe and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Closer.
2004: Original Release of Brothers
In 2004, the original version of the film Brothers, which Natalie Portman would later star in, was released.
2005: Star Wars Episode III
In 2005, Natalie Portman appeared in Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
2005: V for Vendetta
In 2005, Natalie Portman played Evey Hammond in V for Vendetta.
2005: Star Wars: Episode III and V for Vendetta Release
In 2005, Natalie Portman starred in "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" and "V for Vendetta", both of which became highly successful films.
2005: Star Wars: Episode III, Free Zone, V for Vendetta
In 2005, Natalie Portman's first film release was Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. She also starred in Free Zone and V for Vendetta. She won the Saturn Award for Best Actress for V for Vendetta.
2006: Expressed Connection to Jewish Identity
In 2006, Natalie Portman expressed a strong connection to her Jewish identity and shared her desire to raise her children Jewish.
2006: Saturday Night Live, Paris, je t'aime, Goya's Ghosts
In 2006, Natalie Portman hosted Saturday Night Live and appeared in Paris, je t'aime and Goya's Ghosts.
2006: Guest Lecturer at Columbia University
In 2006, Natalie Portman served as a guest lecturer at Columbia University for a course in terrorism and counterterrorism.
April 2007: Discussion of Microfinance on This Week with George Stephanopoulos
In April 2007, Natalie Portman discussed her work with FINCA International and microfinance on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
2007: Brothers filming during strike
Filming for Brothers happened during the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike
2007: Animal-Friendly Footwear Brand Launched
In 2007, Natalie Portman launched her own brand of animal-friendly footwear.
2007: My Blueberry Nights, Hotel Chevalier, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, Dance Tonight
In 2007, Natalie Portman starred in My Blueberry Nights, Hotel Chevalier, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, and Paul McCartney's music video "Dance Tonight".
2008: Directorial Debut
In 2008, Natalie Portman directed the short film Eve, marking her directorial debut.
2008: The Other Boleyn Girl
In 2008, Natalie Portman played Anne Boleyn in The Other Boleyn Girl.
2008: The Other Boleyn Girl, Cannes Film Festival, handsomecharlie films, Eve
In 2008, Natalie Portman starred in The Other Boleyn Girl, served as a jury member of the Cannes Film Festival, launched her production company handsomecharlie films, and debuted her short film Eve at the Venice International Film Festival.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama
In 2008, Natalie Portman supported Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and later campaigned for Senator Barack Obama.
2009: The Other Woman, Greed, New York, I Love You, Brothers
In 2009, Natalie Portman appeared in The Other Woman, Greed, New York, I Love You, and Brothers.
2009: Became a Vegan
In 2009, Natalie Portman became a vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer's Eating Animals.
2009: Meeting Benjamin Millepied
In 2009, Natalie Portman met Benjamin Millepied while working together on Black Swan.
2009: Signed Roman Polanski Petition
In 2009, Natalie Portman signed a petition defending Roman Polanski.
2009: "Natalie's Rap" released on Incredibad
In 2009, Natalie Portman's song "Natalie's Rap", from her 2006 appearance on Saturday Night Live, was released on The Lonely Island's album Incredibad.
2010: Dior Ambassador
In 2010, Natalie Portman became an ambassador for Dior, starring in multiple advertising campaigns for the brand.
2010: Hesher, Black Swan
In 2010, Natalie Portman produced and co-starred in Hesher and starred in Black Swan, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
2010: Black Swan Release
In 2010, Natalie Portman starred in "Black Swan", which became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
2010: VH1 Do Something Awards Nomination
In 2010, Natalie Portman's activist work earned her a nomination for VH1's Do Something Awards.
January 2011: WE Charity Ambassador
In January 2011, Natalie Portman was appointed an ambassador of WE Charity, spearheading their Power of a Girl campaign.
March 2011: Promotion of Hadassah Medical Center Fundraising Campaign
In March 2011, Natalie Portman began promoting a fundraising campaign for Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem to raise funds for the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower.
2011: Petition in Support of Same-Sex Marriage
In 2011, Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied signed a petition to President Obama in support of same-sex marriage.
2011: No Strings Attached and Thor Release
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in "No Strings Attached" and "Thor", both of which became highly successful films.
2011: No Strings Attached, Your Highness, Thor
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in No Strings Attached, Your Highness, and Thor.
2011: No Strings Attached
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in the romantic comedy No Strings Attached.
May 2012: Partnership with Richard Mille for WE Charity
In May 2012, it was announced that Natalie Portman would be working with watch designer Richard Mille to develop a limited-edition timepiece with proceeds supporting WE Charity.
August 4, 2012: Marriage to Benjamin Millepied
On August 4, 2012, Natalie Portman married Benjamin Millepied in a Jewish ceremony in Big Sur, California.
October 2012: Dior Advertisement Banned
In October 2012, Britain's Advertising Standards Authority banned a Dior advertisement featuring Natalie Portman wearing Dior mascara, after a complaint from L'Oreal.
2012: My Valentine, Most Bankable Star
In 2012, Natalie Portman appeared in Paul McCartney's music video "My Valentine" and topped Forbes' list of most bankable stars in Hollywood.
2012: Support for Obama's Re-election Campaign
In 2012, Natalie Portman supported Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2013: Thor: The Dark World
In 2013, Natalie Portman played Jane Foster in Thor: The Dark World, as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
2013: Living in Los Angeles
In 2013, Natalie Portman was residing in Los Angeles.
January 2014: Millepied Announces Conversion to Judaism
In January 2014, Benjamin Millepied announced that he was in the process of converting to Judaism.
2014: Forbes' Celebrity 100
In 2014, Natalie Portman was featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100 listing.
February 2015: Open Letter to Harvard University
In February 2015, Natalie Portman and other Harvard alumni wrote an open letter to the school demanding it divest from fossil fuel companies.
2015: Criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu
In 2015, Natalie Portman criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election and his comments as racist.
2015: A Tale of Love and Darkness
In 2015, Natalie Portman directed and starred in the biographical drama A Tale of Love and Darkness.
2015: Knight of Cups, A Tale of Love and Darkness, Jane Got a Gun
In 2015, Natalie Portman starred in Knight of Cups, released A Tale of Love and Darkness (which she directed, produced, and co-wrote), and starred in Jane Got a Gun.
2016: Jackie, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Planetarium
In 2016, Natalie Portman portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie and served as producer for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. She also starred in Planetarium.
2016: Third Academy Award Nomination
In 2016, Natalie Portman portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie, which earned her a third Academy Award nomination.
2016: Jackie Release
In 2016, Natalie Portman starred in "Jackie", which became one of her most acclaimed films.
September 2017: Environmental Media Association Awards
In September 2017, Natalie Portman was recognized by the Environmental Media Association Awards with the Ongoing Commitment Award for her work on the film Eating Animals.
November 2017: Genesis Prize Recipient
In November 2017, Natalie Portman was announced as the Genesis Prize recipient for 2018.
2017: Montecito Mansion Purchase
In 2017, Natalie Portman acquired a mansion in Montecito.
2017: Song to Song release
In 2017, the experimental romance Song to Song was released.
January 2018: Donation to Time's Up Initiative
In January 2018, Natalie Portman donated $50,000 to the Time's Up initiative.
February 2018: Regret Over Signing Polanski Petition
In February 2018, Natalie Portman expressed regret over signing the petition defending Roman Polanski.
2018: Cancellation of Genesis Prize Ceremony
In 2018, Natalie Portman announced that she did not plan to attend the Genesis Prize ceremony due to "recent events in Israel," leading to the ceremony being canceled.
2018: Criticism of Nation-State Bill
In 2018, Natalie Portman criticized the passing of the Nation-State Bill, describing the law as "racist."
2018: Annihilation Release
In 2018, Natalie Portman starred in "Annihilation", which became one of her most acclaimed films.
2018: Annihilation, The Death & Life of John F. Donovan, Vox Lux
In 2018, Natalie Portman starred in Annihilation, The Death & Life of John F. Donovan, and Vox Lux.
December 2019: Visit to Kenya with WE Charity
In December 2019, Natalie Portman visited Kenya a second time with WE Charity, speaking with young girls about education.
2019: Avengers: Endgame Appearance
In 2019, Natalie Portman appeared briefly in Avengers: Endgame, using unused footage from Thor: The Dark World and a new voice-over.
2020: Endorsement of "Defund the Police" Movement
In 2020, Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement and collaborated with JusticeLA.
2021: MountainA Production Company Founded
In 2021, Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas founded the production company MountainA and signed a first-look television deal with Apple TV+.
2021: Co-founding MountainA
In 2021, Natalie Portman co-founded the production company MountainA.
2021: Promoting Miss Dior Rose N'Roses
In 2021, Natalie Portman promoted a new version of the Miss Dior fragrance, Rose N'Roses.
2021: Montecito Mansion Sale
In 2021, Natalie Portman sold her Montecito mansion for $8 million.
2022: Angel City FC Inaugural Season
In 2022, Angel City FC, co-founded and invested in by Natalie Portman, began play in the NWSL season.
2022: Thor: Love and Thunder
In 2022, Natalie Portman played Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder, solidifying her status as one of the world's highest-paid actresses.
September 2023: Speaks at UN Spotlight Initiative Event
In September 2023, Natalie Portman spoke at an event for the United Nations Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls.
November 12, 2023: Participation in March Against Antisemitism
On November 12, 2023, Natalie Portman took part in the March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism in Paris.
2023: May December Premieres at Cannes
In 2023, MountainA's first project, May December, starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Portman also received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2023: May December
In 2023, Natalie Portman produced and starred in the film May December under her production company, MountainA.
2023: Reports of Extramarital Affair
In early 2023, reports surfaced alleging an extramarital affair by Benjamin Millepied.
March 8, 2024: Divorce from Benjamin Millepied
On March 8, 2024, it was officially announced that Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied had divorced.
2024: Lady in the Lake Miniseries
In 2024, MountainA's third project was Lady in the Lake, an Apple TV+ miniseries adaptation of Laura Lippman's thriller novel, in which Portman starred.
