Early Life and Education of Natalie Portman: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Natalie Portman. From birth to education, explore key events.

Natalie Portman is an Israeli-born American actress with a distinguished career spanning blockbusters and independent films. Starting as a teenager, she quickly gained recognition for her acting abilities, receiving numerous awards including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. Her notable performances showcase her versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy

In 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Natalie Portman would later portray his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, in the 2016 biopic Jackie, focusing on her life immediately following the assassination.

June 9, 1981: Natalie Portman's Birth

On June 9, 1981, Natalie Hershlag, known professionally as Natalie Portman, was born in West Jerusalem. She is an Israeli-born American actress with a prolific career in both blockbuster and independent films.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Move to the United States

In 1984, Natalie Portman and her family moved to the United States, first residing in Washington, D.C.

1988: Relocation to Connecticut

In 1988, Natalie Portman and her family relocated from Washington, D.C. to Connecticut.

1990: Relocation to Long Island

In 1990, Natalie Portman and her family moved from Connecticut to Long Island.

1999: Turning Down and Accepting Anywhere but Here

In 1999, Natalie Portman initially turned down a lead role in Anywhere but Here but later accepted after script revisions. She also graduated from Syosset High School and entered her high school paper in the Intel Science Talent Search.

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1999: Release of Star Wars: Episode I and High School Graduation

In 1999, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was released, and Natalie Portman graduated from Syosset High School.

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2000: Appearance in Where the Heart Is and Enrollment at Harvard

In 2000, Natalie Portman appeared in Where the Heart Is and began attending Harvard University to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology.

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2002: Letter to The Harvard Crimson

In 2002, while at Harvard, Natalie Portman wrote a letter to The Harvard Crimson responding to an essay critical of Israeli actions toward Palestinians, arguing against comparisons to racial apartheid.

2003: Graduation from Harvard and Role in Cold Mountain

In 2003, Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University and had a small role in the war film Cold Mountain.

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2003: Graduation from Harvard University

In 2003, Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology.

2004: Campaigning for John Kerry

In 2004, Natalie Portman campaigned for Senator John Kerry in the presidential election, supporting the Democratic Party.

2005: Apartment Purchase in West Village

In 2005, Natalie Portman purchased an apartment in Richard Meier's glass tower in West Village for $5.7 million.

2006: Expressing Connection to Jewish Identity

In 2006, Natalie Portman expressed a strong connection to her Jewish identity, particularly in Israel, and shared her desire to raise her children Jewish.

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, discussing her film V for Vendetta.

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2008: Listing Apartment for Sale

In 2008, Natalie Portman listed her West Village apartment for sale at $6.55 million.

2008: Support for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

In 2008, prior to the presidential election, Natalie Portman supported Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and later campaigned for Senator Barack Obama. She also expressed respect for John McCain despite disagreeing with his war stance.

2009: Becoming Vegan

In 2009, Natalie Portman became a vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer's Eating Animals and later produced a documentary on factory farming systems in the U.S. by the same title.

Eating Animals

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2011: Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In 2011, Natalie Portman and her then-fiancé Benjamin Millepied signed a petition to President Obama in support of same-sex marriage.

August 4, 2012: Marriage to Benjamin Millepied

On August 4, 2012, Natalie Portman married French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied in a Jewish ceremony in Big Sur, California.

2012: Support for Obama's Re-election Campaign

In 2012, Natalie Portman supported Barack Obama's re-election campaign.

2013: Living in Los Angeles

In 2013, Natalie Portman was living in Los Angeles.

January 2014: Millepied's Conversion to Judaism

In January 2014, Benjamin Millepied announced that he was in the process of converting to Judaism.

February 2015: Open Letter to Harvard University

In February 2015, Natalie Portman, among other Harvard alumni, wrote an open letter to Harvard University demanding it divest its endowment from coal, gas, and oil companies.

2015: Criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu

In 2015, Natalie Portman criticized the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing disappointment and calling his comments racist.

2017: Purchase of Montecito Mansion

In 2017, Natalie Portman bought a mansion in Montecito.

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 Petition

In February 2018, Natalie Portman expressed regret over signing the 2009 petition that defended Roman Polanski.

2018: Clarification on Israel stance and criticism of Nation-State Bill

In 2018, Natalie Portman clarified that she was not boycotting Israel and criticized the passing of the Nation-State Bill, describing it as "racist".

2018: Cancellation of Genesis Prize Ceremony

In April 2018, Natalie Portman announced she would not attend the Genesis Prize ceremony due to "recent events in Israel", leading to its cancellation.

2020: Endorsement of 'Defund the Police' and Collaboration with JusticeLA

In 2020, Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement and collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement about the health of people in L.A. County jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also announced as a co-founder and investor in Angel City FC.

2021: Sale of Montecito Mansion

In 2021, Natalie Portman sold her Montecito mansion for $8 million.

2022: Angel City FC Begins Play

In 2022, Angel City FC, co-founded and invested in by Natalie Portman, began play in the National Women's Soccer League.

September 2023: Speaking at UN Spotlight Initiative

In September 2023, Natalie Portman spoke at an event for the United Nations Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls, urging member states to reinvest in the Initiative and ending gender-based violence.

October 18, 2023: Advocating for Hostage Release and Support for Israeli Children

On October 18, 2023, Natalie Portman advocated for the release of hostages held by Hamas, condemned their actions, and urged support for kidnapped Israeli children. She also promoted Dror Israel on Instagram to raise funds for children near the Gaza border and called on the Red Cross to address breaches of International Humanitarian Law within Israel.

November 12, 2023: Participation in March Against Antisemitism in Paris

On November 12, 2023, Natalie Portman participated in the March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism in Paris, which was held in response to the increase in antisemitism following the start of the Gaza war.