Natalie Portman is an Israeli-American actress, director, and producer who gained prominence for her versatile acting skills and on-screen presence. She was born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel. Portman’s family moved to the United States when she was still a child, and she grew up primarily in Long Island, New York.
She first came into the public eye with her role as Mathilda, a young girl taken in by a hitman, in the 1994 film “Léon: The Professional.” This breakout role showcased her talent and potential as a young actress. She then went on to star in various successful films across different genres, cementing her reputation as a versatile and skilled performer.
Portman’s most notable role came in 1999 when she portrayed Queen Padmé Amidala in the highly anticipated “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” and its subsequent sequels. Despite mixed critical reception for the prequel trilogy, her performance was widely praised.