Natalie Portman is a highly acclaimed American actress with a successful career spanning from her teenage years. She has starred in both blockbuster and independent films, earning numerous awards such as an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Her diverse filmography showcases her talent and versatility, making her a prominent figure in the film industry.
1963: Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. This event serves as the historical context for Natalie Portman's 2016 film "Jackie."
1977: Polanski charged with drugging and raping a minor
In 1977, Roman Polanski was charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl. This event is relevant to Natalie Portman's life because, years later, she signed a petition defending him.
June 9, 1981: Natalie Portman's Birth
Natalie Portman was born on June 9, 1981.
1988: Move to Connecticut
Natalie Portman and her family moved from Washington D.C. to Connecticut in 1988.
1990: Relocation to Long Island
In 1990, Natalie Portman and her family moved to Long Island.
1992: Understudy in "Ruthless!"
Natalie Portman's acting journey began in 1992 when she was chosen as an understudy, alongside Britney Spears, for the off-Broadway musical "Ruthless!"
1994: Film Debut in "Léon: The Professional"
At the age of twelve, Natalie Portman made her acting debut in 1994 with a starring role in the action film "Léon: The Professional."
1994: Adoption of Stage Name
Natalie Portman adopted her paternal grandmother's maiden name, Portman, as her stage name in 1994.
1996: Turning Down "Romeo + Juliet" and "Lolita"
In 1996, Natalie Portman decided against roles in Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" and Adrian Lyne's "Lolita", citing reasons related to age and excessive sexual content.
1996: Roles in "Beautiful Girls", "Everyone Says I Love You", and "Mars Attacks!"
Natalie Portman appeared in the ensemble comedy-drama "Beautiful Girls", Woody Allen's musical "Everyone Says I Love You", and Tim Burton's science fiction comedy "Mars Attacks!" in 1996.
December 1997: Broadway Run of "The Diary of Anne Frank" Begins
A Broadway revival of "The Diary of Anne Frank", starring Natalie Portman, opened at the Music Box Theatre in December 1997.
1997: Begins Filming "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace"
In 1997, Natalie Portman started filming her role as Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." This was her first experience working on a big-budget film.
May 1998: Conclusion of "The Diary of Anne Frank" on Broadway
Natalie Portman's run in the Broadway revival of "The Diary of Anne Frank" concluded in May 1998.
1998: Broadway Debut in "The Diary of a Young Girl"
Natalie Portman made her Broadway debut in 1998 in a production of "The Diary of a Young Girl" while attending high school.
1999: "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" released
"Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" was released in 1999, marking one of Natalie Portman's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
1999: "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" Released
In 1999, "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" was released. Natalie Portman, still in her senior year of high school, had a starring role. The film, while receiving mixed reviews, became a global success and launched Portman into stardom.
1999: Graduates High School and Stars in "Anywhere But Here"
Natalie Portman graduated from Syosset High School in 1999. She also starred in the coming-of-age film, "Anywhere but Here," after initially declining due to a sex scene. She requested a rewrite, and the film earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
1999: International Recognition for "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace"
Natalie Portman rose to international fame in 1999 for her role as Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace."
2000: Stars in "Where the Heart Is"
Natalie Portman starred in the romantic drama "Where the Heart Is" in 2000, portraying a pregnant teenager.
2001: Performance in Chekhov's "The Seagull"
In 2001, Natalie Portman appeared in The Public Theater's revival of Anton Chekhov's play "The Seagull."
2001: Attends Harvard and Performs in "The Seagull"
In 2001, Natalie Portman started her undergraduate studies in psychology at Harvard University. She also returned to Broadway to perform in Chekhov's "The Seagull," directed by Mike Nichols and co-starring Meryl Streep.
2002: Reprises Role in "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones"
Natalie Portman reprised her role as Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" in 2002, filmed during her summer break from Harvard. She embraced playing a strong and independent female character.
2002: "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" released
Natalie Portman starred in "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones," another critically acclaimed and commercially successful film, released in 2002.
2003: Graduation from Harvard University
Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in psychology.
2003: Graduates from Harvard and Appears in "Cold Mountain"
Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University in 2003. She made a brief appearance as a young mother in the war film "Cold Mountain" that year.
2004: Academy Award Nomination and Golden Globe Win for "Closer"
Natalie Portman's performance in the 2004 romantic drama "Closer" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe Award.
2004: Release of the Danish Film "Brothers"
The Danish film "Brothers," which Natalie Portman's 2009 film was based on, was released in 2004.
2004: Work as Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International
Beginning in 2004, Natalie Portman served as an Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International.
2004: Support for John Kerry's Presidential Campaign
Natalie Portman actively campaigned for Senator John Kerry during the 2004 presidential election.
2004: Stars in "Garden State" and "Closer"
In 2004, Natalie Portman appeared in two films: "Garden State," a romantic comedy, and "Closer," a romantic drama directed by Mike Nichols. Her role in "Closer" marked a significant step for Portman, as she took on her first sexually explicit adult role, reflecting her personal growth. The film brought her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination.
2004: "Closer" released
"Closer", starring Natalie Portman, was released in 2004 and received both critical and commercial success.
2005: Final "Star Wars" Installment and Roles in "Free Zone" and "V for Vendetta"
In 2005, Natalie Portman appeared in "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," the final chapter of the prequel trilogy. She also starred in "Free Zone," an Israeli drama directed by Amos Gitai, and "V for Vendetta," a political thriller set in a dystopian future. Her role in "V for Vendetta" required her to shave her head on camera, a move she saw as liberating and a way to shed vanity.
2005: "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" and "V for Vendetta" released
Natalie Portman appeared in two major films released in 2005: "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" and "V for Vendetta", both achieving significant critical and commercial success.
2006: Portman expresses desire to raise children Jewish
In 2006, Natalie Portman commented on her desire to raise her children Jewish, stating it was a priority for her.
2006: Portman guest lectures at Columbia University
In 2006, Natalie Portman served as a guest lecturer at Columbia University for a course on terrorism and counterterrorism. She discussed her film 'V for Vendetta' during her lecture.
2006: Hosts "Saturday Night Live" and Appears in "Paris, je t'aime" and "Goya's Ghosts"
Natalie Portman hosted an episode of "Saturday Night Live" in 2006. She also appeared in "Paris, je t'aime," an anthology film, and "Goya's Ghosts," directed by Miloš Forman.
April 2007: Advocacy for Microfinance on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos"
In April 2007, Natalie Portman appeared on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" to discuss her work with FINCA International, an organization that supports micro-lending initiatives to empower women-owned businesses in developing countries.
2007: Writers Guild of America Strike
The 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike posed challenges for the production of "Brothers," forcing Natalie Portman to film scenes without a finalized script.
2007: Natalie Portman in "My Blueberry Nights" and "Hotel Chevalier"
In 2007, Natalie Portman starred in Wong Kar-wai's "My Blueberry Nights" and Wes Anderson's "Hotel Chevalier," showcasing her versatility and maturity as an actress.
2007: Launch of Vegan Footwear Brand
In 2007, Natalie Portman launched her own brand of footwear made with animal-friendly materials.
2007: Reflections on Early Roles
In 2007, Natalie Portman expressed her views on being offered roles as a sexualized youngster during her early acting career.
2008: Natalie Portman in "The Other Boleyn Girl" and Directorial Debut
In 2008, Natalie Portman starred alongside Scarlett Johansson in "The Other Boleyn Girl" and made her directorial debut with the short film "Eve" at the Venice Film Festival.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama
In the 2008 presidential election, Natalie Portman initially supported Senator Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primaries but later campaigned for Senator Barack Obama.
2008: Directorial Debut with "Eve"
Natalie Portman made her directorial debut with the short film "Eve" in 2008.
2008: Starring Role in "The Other Boleyn Girl"
Natalie Portman took on the role of Anne Boleyn in the 2008 historical drama film "The Other Boleyn Girl."
2009: Natalie Portman in "The Other Woman," "Greed," and "New York, I Love You"
In 2009, Natalie Portman appeared in "The Other Woman," Roman Polanski's short film "Greed," and directed and starred in segments of the anthology film "New York, I Love You."
2009: Portman signs petition defending Roman Polanski
In 2009, Natalie Portman signed a petition defending Roman Polanski. Polanski was facing charges for drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977, and was a fugitive from justice.
2009: Featured on "Incredibad" Album
In 2009, Natalie Portman's song "Natalie's Rap," originally performed on "Saturday Night Live," was included on The Lonely Island's album, "Incredibad."
2009: Adoption of Veganism
Influenced by Jonathan Safran Foer's book "Eating Animals," Natalie Portman transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in 2009.
2009: Portman and Millepied begin dating
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied started dating in 2009 after meeting on the set of the film 'Black Swan'.
2010: Natalie Portman's Oscar-Winning Performance in "Black Swan"
Natalie Portman's performance as a ballerina in Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan" in 2010 earned her critical acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Actress, marking a significant milestone in her career.
2010: Academy Award for Best Actress for "Black Swan"
Natalie Portman's portrayal of a troubled ballerina in the 2010 psychological thriller "Black Swan" earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2010: Portman signs with Dior
In 2010, Natalie Portman signed an agreement with Dior, appearing in a number of the company's advertising campaigns.
2010: Nomination for VH1's Do Something Awards
Natalie Portman's activism and popularity among young people earned her a nomination for VH1's Do Something Awards in 2010.
2010: "Black Swan" released
Natalie Portman starred in the psychological thriller "Black Swan", which was released in 2010 and garnered both critical acclaim and box office success.
January 2011: Portman appointed ambassador for WE Charity
Natalie Portman was appointed as an ambassador for WE Charity (formerly Free The Children), an international charity and educational partner, in January 2011. She spearheaded their Power of a Girl campaign.
2011: Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2011, Natalie Portman and her then-fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, added their names to a petition urging President Obama to support same-sex marriage.
2011: Natalie Portman in "No Strings Attached," "Your Highness," and "Thor"
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in the romantic comedy "No Strings Attached," the fantasy comedy "Your Highness," and made her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jane Foster in "Thor."
2011: "Thor" and "No Strings Attached"
Natalie Portman starred in the romantic comedy "No Strings Attached" and portrayed Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film "Thor" in 2011.
2011: "No Strings Attached" and "Thor" released
Natalie Portman starred in two successful films in 2011: the romantic comedy "No Strings Attached" and the superhero film "Thor".
May 2012: Portman partners with Richard Mille for charity timepiece
Natalie Portman teamed up with watch designer Richard Mille in May 2012 to create a limited-edition timepiece, with proceeds supporting WE Charity.
August 4, 2012: Portman marries Benjamin Millepied
Natalie Portman and French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied were married in a Jewish ceremony in Big Sur, California on August 4, 2012.
October 2012: Dior advertisement featuring Portman banned in UK
In October 2012, the Advertising Standards Authority in Britain banned a Dior advertisement featuring Natalie Portman wearing Dior mascara. The ban was in response to a complaint from L'Oreal, a Dior competitor, who claimed that the advertisement misrepresented the product's effects. The ASA concurred that the advertisement had the potential to mislead viewers.
2012: Natalie Portman Tops Forbes' Most Bankable Stars List
In 2012, Natalie Portman achieved significant recognition by topping Forbes' list of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.
2012: Support for Barack Obama's Re-election Campaign
Natalie Portman continued her political activism in 2012 by supporting Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2012: Marriage to Benjamin Millepied
Natalie Portman married dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied in 2012.
2013: "Thor: The Dark World" released
Natalie Portman reprised her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of "Thor: The Dark World" in 2013, which was both a critical and commercial success.
2013: Appearance in "Thor: The Dark World"
Natalie Portman continued her role as Jane Foster in the 2013 Marvel film "Thor: The Dark World."
2013: Natalie Portman Returns in "Thor: The Dark World"
Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in "Thor: The Dark World" in 2013, further solidifying her presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
2013: Portman living in Los Angeles
By 2013, Natalie Portman was living in Los Angeles.
January 2014: Millepied begins conversion to Judaism
In January 2014, Benjamin Millepied, Natalie Portman's husband, shared that he was in the process of converting to Judaism.
2014: Natalie Portman Featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100 List
Natalie Portman was featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100 list in 2014, acknowledging her high income and influence in the entertainment industry.
February 2015: Portman urges Harvard to divest from fossil fuels
In February 2015, Natalie Portman, alongside other Harvard University alumni, signed an open letter urging the university to divest its $35.9 billion endowment from coal, gas, and oil companies.
2015: Portman criticizes Netanyahu's re-election
In 2015, Natalie Portman expressed disappointment with the re-election of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She characterized his comments as racist.
2015: Natalie Portman in "Knight of Cups," "A Tale of Love and Darkness," and "Jane Got a Gun"
In 2015, Natalie Portman showcased her versatility by appearing in Terrence Malick's experimental drama "Knight of Cups," directing and starring in the Hebrew-language film "A Tale of Love and Darkness," and taking on the lead role in the western "Jane Got a Gun."
2015: "A Tale of Love and Darkness" Release
Natalie Portman directed and starred in the biographical drama "A Tale of Love and Darkness," which was released in 2015.
2016: "Jackie" released
"Jackie", a biographical drama starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was released in 2016 and received critical acclaim.
2016: Academy Award Nomination for "Jackie"
For her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the 2016 biopic "Jackie," Natalie Portman received her third Academy Award nomination.
2016: Portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in "Jackie"
In 2016, Natalie Portman starred as Jacqueline Kennedy in the biographical drama "Jackie," directed by Pablo Larraín. The film focuses on the period immediately following President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963.
September 2017: Recognition for Animal Rights Activism
Natalie Portman received the Ongoing Commitment Award from the Environmental Media Association Awards in September 2017 for her work on the documentary "Eating Animals," which sheds light on factory farming practices in the U.S.
November 2017: Portman receives Genesis Prize, but does not attend ceremony
Natalie Portman was announced as the recipient of the 2018 Genesis Prize in November 2017. However, the following April, she announced she would not be attending the awards ceremony, citing her discomfort with "recent events in Israel."
2017: Portman purchases Montecito mansion
In 2017, Natalie Portman bought a mansion in Montecito, California.
2017: Release of "Song to Song" and "Planetarium"
In 2017, two of Natalie Portman's films, "Song to Song" and "Planetarium" were released. "Song to Song" marked her second collaboration with director Terrence Malick.
January 2018: Portman donates to Time's Up initiative
In January 2018, Natalie Portman donated $50,000 to the Time's Up initiative, a movement against sexual harassment.
February 2018: Portman expresses regret over signing Polanski petition
In February 2018, Natalie Portman expressed regret for signing a petition in 2009 that defended film director Roman Polanski, who was facing charges related to the drugging and raping of a 13-year-old girl in 1977.
2018: Starring Roles in Science Fiction and Drama Films
Natalie Portman had a busy year in 2018, starring in the science fiction film "Annihilation" and the ensemble drama "The Death & Life of John F. Donovan." She also took on the role of a troubled pop singer in "Vox Lux."
2018: "Annihilation" released
Natalie Portman starred in the science fiction horror film "Annihilation", released in 2018. The film garnered critical acclaim.
2018: Genesis Prize ceremony cancelled
The Genesis Prize ceremony, where Natalie Portman was to be honored, was cancelled in 2018. This followed Portman's announcement that she would not attend due to her discomfort with "recent events in Israel." She clarified that she was not boycotting Israel but did not want to appear as endorsing Netanyahu, who was scheduled to give a speech at the ceremony.
December 2019: Portman visits Kenya with WE Charity
In December 2019, Natalie Portman made her second trip to Kenya with WE Charity, where she engaged in discussions with young girls who are determined to improve their lives through educational opportunities.
2019: Appearance in "Avengers: Endgame" and Starring Role in "Lucy in the Sky"
In 2019, Natalie Portman briefly appeared in "Avengers: Endgame" using unused footage from a previous Thor film. She also played a psychologically troubled astronaut in "Lucy in the Sky."
2020: Portman endorses 'defund the police' movement and collaborates with JusticeLA
Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement in 2020. She also collaborated with JusticeLA on a public service announcement, #SuingToSaveLives, which highlighted the health concerns of individuals incarcerated in L.A. County jails during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Portman sells Montecito mansion
Natalie Portman sold her Montecito mansion in 2021 for $8 million.
2021: Portman promotes new Miss Dior fragrance
Natalie Portman promoted a new version of the Miss Dior fragrance, Rose N'Roses, in 2021. She has been the face of the fragrance, which was inspired by Catherine Dior, and has starred in campaign videos for it.
2021: Co-founding of MountainA Production Company
Natalie Portman co-founded the production company MountainA in 2021.
2021: Founding of Production Company MountainA
Natalie Portman and her producing partner, Sophie Mas, established the production company MountainA in 2021, securing a first-look television deal with Apple TV+.
2022: Angel City FC begins play in the NWSL
Angel City FC, a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team co-founded and invested in by Natalie Portman, began its inaugural season in 2022.
2022: Return as Jane Foster and Mighty Thor in "Thor: Love and Thunder"
Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in the 2022 Marvel film "Thor: Love and Thunder," in which her character becomes Mighty Thor.
2022: Return as Jane Foster in "Thor: Love and Thunder"
Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in the 2022 Marvel film "Thor: Love and Thunder."
2022: "Thor: Love and Thunder" released
Natalie Portman returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022 with "Thor: Love and Thunder", which was a commercial success.
September 2023: Portman speaks at UN event to eliminate violence against women
Natalie Portman spoke at a United Nations event in September 2023 for the Spotlight Initiative, a program aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls. She urged member states to reinvest in the initiative.
2023: Premiere of "May December" at Cannes Film Festival
"May December," a drama produced by MountainA and directed by Todd Haynes, premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Natalie Portman starred in the film alongside Julianne Moore.
2023: Media reports of Millepied's alleged extramarital affair surface
In early 2023, media reports emerged alleging an extramarital affair by Benjamin Millepied, Natalie Portman's husband. The couple chose not to publicly address these allegations.
2023: "May December" Release
Natalie Portman both produced and starred in the drama "May December," which was released in 2023.
March 8, 2024: Portman and Millepied divorce
On March 8, 2024, Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied officially divorced, following media reports of Millepied's alleged extramarital affair. The couple never publicly addressed these allegations.
2024: Separation from Benjamin Millepied
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied separated in 2024.