Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is an acclaimed actress and filmmaker. She is the only child of Avner Hershlag, an Israeli-born doctor, and Shelley Stevens, an American artist who also acts as her agent. Portman's family moved to the United States when she was young, eventually settling in New York. She was discovered by an agent at the age of 11 in a pizza parlor, leading to her debut in the film "Léon: The Professional" (1994). Portman gained international fame for her role as Queen Amidala in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, starting with "The Phantom Menace" (1999). She continued to build her career with notable performances in films such as "Closer" (2004), for which she received an Oscar nomination, and "V for Vendetta" (2005).

Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Black Swan" (2010), making her the first person born in the 1980s to achieve this honor. She received a second Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in "Jackie" (2016). In addition to her acting career, Portman graduated with honors from Harvard University, showcasing her academic prowess. She has also ventured into directing and producing, with projects like "A Tale of Love and Darkness" (2015) and the upcoming "Fountain of Youth" (2025). Portman remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for her versatility and dedication to her craft.