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 a dual Israeli-American actress, producer, and director. Rising to prominence early in her career, Portman has starred in both blockbuster and independent films. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished figure in the film industry.

Sections (4)

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

1963: Jackie - Based on Jackie Kennedy's life

In 2016, Natalie Portman starred as Jackie Kennedy in the Pablo Larraín-directed biopic Jackie, about Kennedy's life immediately after the 1963 assassination of her husband.

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June 9, 1981: Natalie Portman's Birth

On June 9, 1981, Natalie Hershlag, known professionally as Natalie Portman, was born. She is an actress, film producer, and director with dual Israeli and American citizenship.

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1988: Relocation to Connecticut

In 1988, Natalie Portman and her family, after initially living in Washington, D.C., relocated to Connecticut before settling in Syosset, Long Island.

1999: Graduation from High School

In 1999, Natalie Portman graduated from Syosset High School and co-authored a research paper for the Intel Science Talent Search.

2004: Campaigned for Senator John Kerry

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

2004: Traveled to Uganda as Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International

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

2004: Graduate courses at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

In the spring of 2004, Natalie Portman spent six months taking graduate courses at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, studying the anthropology of violence and Middle Eastern studies.

2005: Apartment Purchase

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

2005: Traveled to Guatemala and Ecuador as Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International

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

2006: 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: 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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April 2007: Discussed work with FINCA on This Week with George Stephanopoulos

In April 2007, Natalie Portman discussed her work with FINCA International and how it can benefit women and children in Third World countries on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos".

2007: Launched animal-friendly footwear brand

In 2007, Natalie Portman launched her own brand of animal-friendly footwear and traveled to Rwanda to film the documentary "Gorillas on the Brink".

2008: Apartment Listing

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

2008: Supported Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

In 2008, Natalie Portman supported Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries before campaigning for Senator Barack Obama.

2009: Became vegan after reading Eating Animals

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

Eating Animals

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January 2011: Appointed ambassador of WE Charity

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

March 2011: Promoted Hadassah Medical Center fundraising campaign

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

2011: Signed 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: Worked with Richard Mille to develop limited-edition timepiece

In May 2012, Natalie Portman worked 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.

2012: Supported 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.

February 2015: Signed open letter demanding Harvard University divest from fossil fuel companies

In February 2015, Natalie Portman, along with other Harvard University alumni, signed an open letter to the school demanding it divest its $35,900,000,000 endowment from coal, gas, and oil companies.

2017: Montecito Mansion Purchase

In 2017, Natalie Portman bought a Montecito mansion.

January 2018: Donated to the Time's Up initiative

In January 2018, Natalie Portman donated $50,000 to the Time's Up initiative.

December 2019: Visited Kenya with WE Charity

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

July 2020: Became co-owner of Angel City FC

In July 2020, Natalie Portman became one of the leaders in the creation of NWSL soccer team Angel City FC and also became one of the team's owners.

2020: Endorsed "defund the police" movement

In 2020, Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement and co-founded and invested in Angel City FC, a National Women's Soccer League team.

2021: Founded MountainA production company

In 2021, Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas founded the production company MountainA and signed a first-look television deal with Apple TV+.

2021: Montecito Mansion Sale

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

2022: Angel City FC began play

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

September 2023: Spoke at United Nations event to eliminate violence against women and girls

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

October 18, 2023: Call for Hostage Release

On October 18, 2023, Natalie Portman called for the release of hostages held by Hamas and condemned their actions. She also advocated for Israeli children who have been kidnapped and publicized information about Dror Israel on Instagram to raise funds for children near the Gaza border.

November 12, 2023: March Against Antisemitism

On November 12, 2023, Natalie Portman participated in the March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism in Paris in response to the rise in antisemitism since the start of the Gaza war.