BIOGRAPHY:
Natalie Portman was born
on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel as the only child of a Doctor (father)
and an artist (mother, who also acts as Natalie's agent). Natalie left Israel
for Washington when she was still very young. After a few more moves, her
family finally settled in New York, where she lived until her graduation from
high school. She graduated with honors, and her academic achievements allowed
her to attend Harvard. She was discovered by an agent in a pizza parlor at
the age of 11. She was pushed towards a career in modeling but she decided
that she would rather pursue a career in acting. She was featured in many
live performances, but she made her powerful film debut in the movie Léon
(1994) (The Professional). Following this role Natalie won roles in such films
as Heat (1995), Beautiful Girls (1996) and Mars Attacks! (1996). It wouldn't
be until 1999 when she received worldwide fame as Queen Amidala in the highly
anticipated $431 million grossing Prequel Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom
Menace (1999). Natalie next starred in two critically acclaimed comedy dramas
Anywhere But Here (1999), and Where the Heart Is (2000).
BIOGRAPHY 2:
Natalie Portman was born
in Jerusalem, Israel to Avner (a fertility specialist) and Shelley (an artist)
At the age of three she moved to Washington, but soon relocated to Syosset,
New York where she spent the rest of her childhood. At the age of 11 she was
spotted by an agent searching for a child model, she used this to start off
her acting career. 6 months later at age 12 she won her first role for the
critically acclaimed film _Leon (1994)_ directed by Luc Besson. Although the
movie was a huge hit it caused her family some problems due to her Lolita
role. she then landed supporting roles in Heat (1995), Everyone Says I Love
You (1996), Beautiful Girls (1996) and Mars Attacks! (1996). She then concentrated
on High School in Syosset where she was a straight A student, she acted only
during the summer. Portman became a leading lady when she landed the role
of Queen/Senator Amidala for Star wars Episode I, II, and III. this helped
her win roles in such films as _Anywhere But Her (1999)_ and Where the Heart
Is (2000). Portman has also had a successful stage career appearing in such
plays as 'Seagull, The' and 'Diary of Anne Frank, The' She is now in working
on her upcoming Film Cold Mountain (2003) and attending Harvard University
where she is studying to be a Psychologist. She says that her future in acting
will become very selective due to her choice to pursue Psychology as a working
career.