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 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.
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.
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: Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International
In 2004, Natalie Portman traveled to Uganda as the Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International.
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: Guest Lecturer at Columbia University
In 2006, Natalie Portman served as a guest lecturer at Columbia University for a course in terrorism and counterterrorism.
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.
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: Became a Vegan
In 2009, Natalie Portman became a vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer's Eating Animals.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
January 2018: Donation to Time's Up Initiative
In January 2018, Natalie Portman donated $50,000 to the Time's Up initiative.
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."
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.
2020: Endorsement of "Defund the Police" Movement
In 2020, Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement and collaborated with JusticeLA.
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.
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.
March 8, 2024: Divorce from Benjamin Millepied
On March 8, 2024, it was officially announced that Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied had divorced.
