Natalie Portman was born Natalie Hershlag in Jerusalem, Israel, to Avner Hershlag, an Israeli-born doctor, and Shelley Stevens, an American-born artist. Her first language was Hebrew, which she still speaks fluently.

Portman was discovered by an agent in a pizza parlor. Initially pushed towards a career in modeling, she decided to pursue acting instead.

Portman made her powerful film debut in the movie Léon: The Professional, playing the young protégée of a hitman.

Portman gained international recognition for starring as Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, a role that catapulted her to worldwide fame.

Portman attended Harvard University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in psychology. During this period, she reduced her number of acting roles but continued to act in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Portman was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the romantic drama Closer.

Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a troubled ballerina in the psychological thriller Black Swan.

Portman starred as Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Thor, a role she reprised in Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022).

Portman portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the biopic Jackie, earning her a third Academy Award nomination.

Portman co-founded the production company MountainA, which produced and starred her in the drama May December (2023).