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, born Natalie Hershlag, is an Israeli-American actress renowned for her versatile career spanning both blockbuster and independent films. Beginning her career as a teenager, she has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, solidifying her status as a prominent figure 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. This event is the key subject of the 2016 film Jackie, in which Natalie Portman played Jacqueline Kennedy.

June 9, 1981: Natalie Portman's Birth

On June 9, 1981, Natalie Hershlag, known professionally as Natalie Portman, was born in Jerusalem. She is an Israeli-born American actress who has received multiple accolades for her work in blockbusters and independent films.

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1988: Move to Connecticut

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

1990: Move to Long Island

In 1990, Natalie Portman and her family moved to Long Island, further shaping her upbringing and education.

1999: Graduation from High School and Role in Anywhere but Here

In 1999, Natalie Portman graduated from Syosset High School and starred in Anywhere but Here, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

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

In 2000, Natalie Portman appeared in Where the Heart Is and began attending Harvard University, reducing her acting roles.

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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, arguing against comparisons to racial apartheid.

2003: Graduation from Harvard University

In 2003, Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in psychology, balancing her acting career with her education.

2003: Role in Cold Mountain and Graduation from Harvard

In 2003, Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard and appeared in Cold Mountain, marking a difficult period in her life where she felt criticized for her Star Wars performances and struggled to find work.

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2004: Campaigns for John Kerry

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

2004: Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International

In 2004, Natalie Portman traveled to Uganda as the Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International, promoting micro-lending.

2005: FINCA International Ambassador

In 2005, Natalie Portman continued her role as the Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International, traveling to Guatemala and Ecuador to promote micro-lending.

2005: Apartment Purchase

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

2006: Expression of Jewish Identity

In 2006, Natalie Portman expressed a strong connection to her Jewish identity, especially in Israel, and conveyed her intention 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, speaking about her film 'V for Vendetta'.

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April 2007: Discusses Microfinance on This Week

In April 2007, Natalie Portman discussed her work with FINCA on 'This Week with George Stephanopoulos', highlighting the benefits of microfinance for women and children.

2007: Animal-Friendly Footwear Brand Launch and Rwanda Documentary

In 2007, Natalie Portman launched her own brand of animal-friendly footwear. Also in 2007, she traveled to Rwanda with Jack Hanna to film the documentary 'Gorillas on the Brink'.

2008: Apartment Listing

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

2008: Supports Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

Prior to the 2008 presidential election, Natalie Portman supported Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and later campaigned for Senator Barack Obama.

2009: Becomes a Vegan

In 2009, Natalie Portman became a vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer's 'Eating Animals'.

Eating Animals

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2009: Signs Petition Defending Roman Polanski

In 2009, Natalie Portman signed a petition that defended Roman Polanski, who was charged with drugging and raping a thirteen-year-old girl in 1977.

January 2011: Ambassador for WE Charity

In January 2011, Natalie Portman was appointed an ambassador of WE Charity, spearheading their Power of a Girl campaign.

March 2011: Fundraising Campaign for Hadassah Medical Center

In March 2011, Natalie Portman began voluntarily promoting a fundraising campaign for Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, aiming to raise funds for the construction of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower.

2011: Petition in Support of 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.

May 2012: Collaboration with Richard Mille

In May 2012, Natalie Portman announced she 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 French dancer and choreographer 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, saying that the advert "misleadingly exaggerated the likely effects of the product".

DiorShow Waterproof Mascara - 090 Catwalk Black by Christian Dior for Women - 0.38 oz Mascara

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2012: Supports 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 residing 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

In February 2015, Natalie Portman and other Harvard alumni wrote an open letter to the school demanding it divest its endowment from fossil fuel companies.

2015: Criticizes Benjamin Netanyahu's Re-Election

In 2015, Natalie Portman criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election, expressing disappointment and calling his comments racist.

2017: Montecito Mansion Purchase

In 2017, Natalie Portman purchased 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 Polanski Petition

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

2018: Clarification on Israel Boycott and Criticism of Nation-State Bill

In 2018, Natalie Portman clarified that she was not boycotting Israel, stating, "I am not part of the BDS movement and do not endorse it." She also criticized the passing of the Nation-State Bill, describing the law as "racist".

2018: Backlash from Israeli Politicians

In 2018, Natalie Portman’s decision to not attend the Genesis Prize sparked backlash from Israeli politicians, who accused her of falling into the hands of the BDS movement.

2018: Cancels Genesis Prize Ceremony Attendance

In April 2018, Natalie Portman announced she did not plan to attend the Genesis Prize awards ceremony scheduled for June, citing "recent events in Israel" that left her feeling uncomfortable attending public events there, leading to the ceremony being canceled.

December 2019: Visit to Kenya with WE Charity

In December 2019, Natalie Portman visited Kenya for a second time with WE Charity and spoke with young girls about the importance of education.

2019: Referencing of the 2018-2019 Gaza border protests

Natalie Portman’s decision to not attend the Genesis Prize ceremony was suggested as referencing the killings and wounding of Palestinian protestors by Israeli fire during the 2018–2019 Gaza border protests.

2020: Endorses 'Defund the Police' Movement and Collaborates with JusticeLA

In 2020, Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement. Also in 2020, Portman collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement #SuingToSaveLives.

2021: Montecito Mansion Sale

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

2022: Angel City FC Begins Play

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

September 2023: Speaks at United Nations 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.

October 18, 2023: Support for Israeli Hostages and Children

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

November 12, 2023: Participation in March Against Antisemitism

On November 12, 2023, Natalie Portman participated in the March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism in Paris, which was a response to the rise in antisemitism following the start of the Israel–Hamas war.