In a tragic loss for the entertainment world, acclaimed actress Natalie Portman has passed away at the age of 43. Born Natalie Hlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, Portman was celebrated for her remarkable talent and the depth she brought to her diverse roles. The only child of Avner Hlag, a fertility specialist, and Shelley Stevens, an artist, Portman moved to the United States during her childhood, eventually settling in Long Island, New York. She held dual citizenship in both Israel and the U.S.
Portman’s acting career began at just 12 years old with her iconic role as Matilda in “Léon: The Professional” (1994). She gained international fame for her portrayal of Padmé Amidala in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy (1999-2005). Her impressive filmography includes award-winning performances in “Closer” (2004), “V for Vendetta” (2005), and “Black Swan” (2010), the latter earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In her personal life, Portman married French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied in 2012, with whom she had two children. Recently, it was announced that the couple had officially divorced. Portman was also known for her commitment to education, having earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Harvard University in 2003.
Beyond her acting career, Portman was a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. She adopted a vegetarian lifestyle early on and became vegan in 2009. Her dedication to these causes was evident in her production of the documentary “Eating Animals,” based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s influential book.
Portman remained actively engaged in various projects, including her recent role in the miniseries “Lady in the Lake” (2024) and co-founding Angel City FC, a professional women’s soccer team in Los Angeles. Her legacy as a talented actress and a committed advocate for social causes will be remembered by many. The world has lost a remarkable talent, and her contributions to film and activism will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, Natalie Portman.
