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, producer, and director. Rising to prominence as a teenager, she has starred in both blockbuster and independent films. She is highly acclaimed, with awards including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards.

Sections (4)

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

1963: Assassination of JFK

In 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The aftermath of this event was the central focus 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. She is an actress, film producer, and director holding dual Israeli and American citizenship.

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1988: Relocation to Connecticut

In 1988, Natalie Portman's family relocated to Connecticut before settling in Syosset, Long Island.

1994: Filming Developing and Enrolling at Stagedoor Manor

In 1994, Natalie Portman filmed a part in Marya Cohn's short film Developing and enrolled at the Stagedoor Manor performing arts camp.

1999: Graduation and Role in Anywhere but Here

In 1999, Natalie Portman graduated from Syosset High School and took on a lead role 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

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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2003: Graduation from Harvard University

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

2003: Graduation from Harvard and Role in Cold Mountain

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

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2004: Studying in Israel

During the spring of 2004, while working on the film Free Zone, Natalie Portman spent six months taking graduate courses at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, studying subjects such as the anthropology of violence and Middle Eastern studies.

2005: Apartment purchase in West Village

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

2006: 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, where she spoke about her film V for Vendetta.

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2008: Apartment listed for sale

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

2008: The Other Boleyn Girl, Cannes Jury and handsomecharlie films

In 2008, Natalie Portman starred in The Other Boleyn Girl with Scarlett Johansson. She also served as a jury member of the Cannes Film Festival and launched her own production company, handsomecharlie films. She also debuted as a director with the short film Eve.

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2009: Becoming a 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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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.

2013: Living in Los Angeles

In 2013, Natalie Portman was living in Los Angeles.

January 2014: Millepied to convert to Judaism

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

2015: Knight of Cups and A Tale of Love and Darkness

In 2015, Natalie Portman appeared in Knight of Cups and released her directorial venture A Tale of Love and Darkness, based on Amos Oz's autobiographical novel. She starred, produced, and co-wrote the Hebrew-language film.

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2017: Montecito mansion purchase

In 2017, Natalie Portman bought a Montecito mansion.

2018: Portman clarifies stance on Israel

In 2018, Natalie Portman clarified that she does not support boycotting Israel or the BDS movement. She stated that she can criticize Israel's leadership without wanting to boycott the nation, expressing disagreement with Prime Minister Netanyahu and condemning the mistreatment of those suffering from atrocities as not aligning with her Jewish values. Portman also criticized the Nation-State Bill as racist.

2020: Endorsing defund the police movement and collaborating 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 about the health of people in L.A. County jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Later in 2020, Portman co-founded and invested in Angel City FC.

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, co-founded and invested in by Portman, began play in the NWSL season.

October 18, 2023: Portman calls for release of hostages held by Hamas

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

November 12, 2023: 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 rise in antisemitism since the start of the Gaza war.