History of Natalie Portman in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
1992: Auditioning for Ruthless!
In 1992, at the age of ten, Natalie Portman auditioned for the off-Broadway musical Ruthless! and was chosen as an understudy along with Britney Spears.
1994: Leading Role in Léon: The Professional
In 1994, Natalie Portman secured a leading role in Luc Besson's action drama Léon: The Professional, adopting her paternal grandmother's maiden name, Portman, as her stage name. She played Mathilda, an orphan who befriends a hitman.
1994: Filming Developing and Attending Stagedoor Manor
In 1994, after filming The Professional, Natalie Portman filmed a part in Marya Cohn's short film Developing and enrolled at the Stagedoor Manor performing arts camp, where she played Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables.
1995: Role in Heat
In 1995, Michael Mann offered Natalie Portman a small part in the action film Heat for her ability to portray dysfunction without hysteria.
1996: Roles in Beautiful Girls, Everyone Says I Love You, and Mars Attacks!
In 1996, Natalie Portman appeared in Beautiful Girls, Everyone Says I Love You, and Mars Attacks!, continuing to build her acting career with diverse roles.
1996: Romeo + Juliet Casting and Lolita Offer
In 1996, Natalie Portman was cast in Romeo + Juliet but dropped out during rehearsals, and she turned down an offer for Lolita due to its sexual content, influencing her future role choices.
December 1997: Broadway Revival of The Diary of Anne Frank
In December 1997, Natalie Portman starred as Anne Frank in a Broadway revival of The Diary of Anne Frank at the Music Box Theatre.
1997: Filming of Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
In 1997, Natalie Portman began filming her role as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, marking her first big-budget production.
May 1998: End of The Diary of Anne Frank's Broadway Run
In May 1998, the Broadway revival of The Diary of Anne Frank, starring Natalie Portman, concluded its run at the Music Box Theatre.
1998: Broadway Debut in The Diary of a Young Girl
In 1998, Natalie Portman made her Broadway debut in The Diary of a Young Girl while still in high school, showcasing her talent on the stage.
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.
1999: Release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
In 1999, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was released, establishing Natalie Portman as a global star. However, she missed the premiere to study for her high school finals.
1999: Release of Star Wars: Episode I
In 1999, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, one of Natalie Portman's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
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.
2001: Broadway Performance in The Seagull and Cameo in Zoolander
In 2001, Natalie Portman performed in The Seagull on Broadway and made a cameo appearance in the comedy Zoolander.
2001: Performance in The Seagull
In 2001, Natalie Portman performed in a revival of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull at The Public Theater.
2002: Reprising Role in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
In 2002, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Amidala in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, filmed during her summer break from Harvard.
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.
2004: Campaigns for John Kerry
In 2004, Natalie Portman campaigned for Senator John Kerry in the presidential election.
2004: Roles in Garden State and Closer
In 2004, Natalie Portman featured in Garden State and Closer, winning a Golden Globe and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Closer.
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.
2004: Golden Globe Win and Academy Award Nomination for Closer
In 2004, Natalie Portman won a Golden Globe and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Closer.
2004: Release of Closer
In 2004, the movie Closer, one of Natalie Portman's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
2004: Original release of Danish film 'Brothers'
In 2004, the original Danish film 'Brothers' was released. The 2009 film starring Natalie Portman was a remake of this 2004 film.
2005: Appearance in Star Wars: Episode III
In 2005, Natalie Portman continued her role as Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
2005: Role in V for Vendetta
In 2005, Natalie Portman played Evey Hammond in V for Vendetta, adding another significant role to her filmography.
2005: Apartment Purchase
In 2005, Natalie Portman purchased an apartment in Richard Meier's glass tower located in West Village for $5.7 million.
2005: Releases of 'Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith', 'Free Zone', and 'V for Vendetta'
In 2005, Natalie Portman starred in 'Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith', which became the second-highest-grossing film of the year. She also appeared in 'Free Zone', a drama where she played a Jewish-American girl and filmed a controversial kissing scene at the Western Wall. Finally, in 2005, Portman played Evey Hammond in the political thriller 'V for Vendetta', shaving her head for the role and receiving a Saturn Award for Best Actress.
2005: Release of Star Wars: Episode III and V for Vendetta
In 2005, two of Natalie Portman's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and V for Vendetta, were released.
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: Hosting Saturday Night Live and starring in 'Paris, je t'aime' and 'Goya's Ghosts'
In 2006, Natalie Portman hosted an episode of 'Saturday Night Live'. In the same year, she had a role in the anthology film 'Paris, je t'aime' and starred in Miloš Forman's 'Goya's Ghosts'.
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'.
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'.
2007: Starring in 'My Blueberry Nights', 'Hotel Chevalier', 'Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium', and music video 'Dance Tonight'
In 2007, Natalie Portman replaced Jodie Foster in 'My Blueberry Nights', trained with a poker coach for the gambler role. In the same year, she also appeared in 'Hotel Chevalier', performed an extended nude scene, and acted in the children's film 'Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium', and appeared in Paul McCartney's music video "Dance Tonight".
2007: Filming of 'Brothers' during Writers Guild strike
In 2007, Natalie Portman was filming 'Brothers'. The film was shot during the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike, which Portman found challenging.
2008: Directorial Debut with Eve
In 2008, Natalie Portman directed the short film Eve, marking her directorial debut.
2008: Apartment Listing
In 2008, Natalie Portman listed her West Village apartment for sale at a price of $6.55 million.
2008: Role in The Other Boleyn Girl
In 2008, Natalie Portman played Anne Boleyn in The Other Boleyn Girl, showcasing her versatility in historical dramas.
2008: Starring in 'The Other Boleyn Girl', Cannes Film Festival Jury Member, and Launch of handsomecharlie films
In 2008, Natalie Portman starred in 'The Other Boleyn Girl' alongside Scarlett Johansson. She also served as a jury member of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and launched her own production company, named handsomecharlie films.
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'.
2009: Meeting Benjamin Millepied
In 2009, Natalie Portman met French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied while working on the movie Black Swan.
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.
2009: Starring in 'Love and Other Impossible Pursuits', 'New York, I Love You', and 'Brothers'
In 2009, Natalie Portman starred in 'Love and Other Impossible Pursuits', appeared in the anthology film 'New York, I Love You', and played a war widow in the drama film 'Brothers'.
2009: Release of "Natalie's Rap" on Incredibad album
In 2009, the song "Natalie's Rap", from the 'Saturday Night Live' episode Natalie Portman hosted in 2006, was released on Incredibad, an album by the Lonely Island.
2010: Starring in 'Hesher' and 'Black Swan', and winning Academy Award for Best Actress
In 2010, Natalie Portman produced and co-starred in 'Hesher' and played a ballerina in 'Black Swan', training extensively for the role. Her performance in Black Swan earned her critical acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2010: Portman Signs with Dior
In 2010, Natalie Portman signed with Dior as an ambassador for the brand.
2010: Academy Award Win for Black Swan
In 2010, Natalie Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as a troubled ballerina in Black Swan, a career-defining performance.
2010: Nominated for VH1 Do Something Awards
In 2010, Natalie Portman's activist work and popularity with young people earned her a nomination for VH1's Do Something Awards.
2010: Release of Black Swan
In 2010, the movie Black Swan, one of Natalie Portman's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
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.
2011: Starring in 'No Strings Attached', 'Your Highness', and 'Thor'
In 2011, Natalie Portman served as an executive producer and starred in 'No Strings Attached', acted in 'Your Highness', and played Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film 'Thor'.
2011: Starring in No Strings Attached and Thor
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in the romantic comedy No Strings Attached and portrayed Jane Foster in Thor, marking her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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".
2012: Supports Obama's Re-Election Campaign
In 2012, Natalie Portman supported Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2012: Topping Forbes' listing of most bankable stars and appearing in Paul McCartney's music video 'My Valentine'
In 2012, Natalie Portman topped Forbes' listing of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. Her sole screen appearance that year was in Paul McCartney's music video 'My Valentine', alongside Johnny Depp.
2013: Role in Thor: The Dark World
In 2013, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in Thor: The Dark World, continuing her involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
2013: Reprising the role of Jane Foster in 'Thor: The Dark World'
In 2013, Natalie Portman reprised the role of Jane Foster in 'Thor: The Dark World', which grossed over $644 million worldwide.
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.
2014: Featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100
In 2014, Natalie Portman was featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100 listing, with an estimated income of $13 million from the previous year.
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: Appearing in 'Knight of Cups' and directing 'A Tale of Love and Darkness'
In 2015, Natalie Portman appeared in Terrence Malick's 'Knight of Cups' and released her directorial venture, 'A Tale of Love and Darkness', which she also starred in, produced, and co-wrote. This marked her first project after giving birth.
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.
2015: Directing and Starring in A Tale of Love and Darkness
In 2015, Natalie Portman directed and starred in the biographical drama A Tale of Love and Darkness, showcasing her talents both in front of and behind the camera.
2016: Portraying Jacqueline Kennedy in 'Jackie'
In 2016, Natalie Portman portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the biopic 'Jackie', about Kennedy's life immediately after the 1963 assassination of her husband. She won the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress and received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
2016: Starring in Jackie and Third Academy Award Nomination
In 2016, Natalie Portman starred as Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie, which earned her a third Academy Award nomination.
2016: Release of Jackie
In 2016, the film Jackie, one of Natalie Portman's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
September 2017: Environmental Media Association Award
In September 2017, Natalie Portman was recognized for her work on a documentary by the Environmental Media Association Awards with the Ongoing Commitment Award.
November 2017: Genesis Prize Recipient
In November 2017, Natalie Portman was announced as the Genesis Prize recipient for 2018, which includes $2,000,000 in prize money.
2017: Montecito Mansion Purchase
In 2017, Natalie Portman purchased a mansion in Montecito.
2017: Starring in 'Song to Song' and Revealing Sexual Harassment Experiences
In 2017, Natalie Portman's second collaboration with Terrence Malick, the experimental romance 'Song to Song', was released. That year, Portman also revealed that she has experienced sexual harassment or discrimination in almost every project she has worked on.
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: Release of Annihilation
In 2018, Annihilation, one of Natalie Portman's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
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: Starring in 'Annihilation', 'The Death & Life of John F. Donovan', and 'Vox Lux'
In 2018, Natalie Portman starred in the science fiction film 'Annihilation', the ensemble drama 'The Death & Life of John F. Donovan', and played a troubled pop singer in 'Vox Lux', training extensively for the dance routines.
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: Avengers: Endgame Appearance and Lucy in the Sky
In 2019, unused footage from 'Thor: The Dark World' and a new voice-over were used for Natalie Portman's brief appearance in 'Avengers: Endgame'. Also in 2019, she starred in 'Lucy in the Sky', a drama where she played a psychologically troubled astronaut.
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: MountainA Production Company Founded
In 2021, Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas founded the production company MountainA and signed a first-look television deal with Apple TV+.
2021: Co-founding MountainA Production Company
In 2021, Natalie Portman co-founded the production company MountainA, expanding her role in the film industry beyond acting and directing.
2021: Rose N'Roses Promotion
In 2021, Natalie Portman promoted a new version of the Miss Dior fragrance, Rose N'Roses.
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.
2022: Role in Thor: Love and Thunder
In 2022, Natalie Portman portrayed Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder, which established her as one of the world's highest-paid actresses.
2022: Thor: Love and Thunder Release
In 2022, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in 'Thor: Love and Thunder', where her character becomes Mighty Thor. She received a nomination for the Critics' Choice Super Award for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie and was voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time by Empire magazine.
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.
2023: May December Premieres at Cannes Film Festival
In 2023, MountainA's first project, 'May December', starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Portman received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2023: Starring in May December
In 2023, Natalie Portman starred in the film May December, which was produced by her production company, MountainA.
2023: Reports of Extramarital Affair
In early 2023, reports emerged alleging an extramarital affair by Benjamin Millepied, though the couple did not publicly address these claims.
March 8, 2024: Divorce Announcement
On March 8, 2024, it was officially announced that Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied had divorced.
2024: Lady in the Lake Miniseries
In 2024, MountainA's third project, 'Lady in the Lake', an Apple TV+ miniseries adaptation of Laura Lippman's thriller novel, is set to release. Natalie Portman played a 1960s housewife in Baltimore who turns into an investigative journalist following an unsolved murder.
2024: Starring in Lady in the Lake
In 2024, Natalie Portman starred in the miniseries Lady in the Lake, which was produced by her production company, MountainA.
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