Natalie Portman: A Star Among Stars

What’s the Scoop on Natalie Portman’s Net Worth?

Alright, let’s dive into it. Natalie Portman, the Israeli-born American actress with a net worth of $90 million, is one of the most celebrated actresses in the world. She’s not just famous for her acting chops—she’s also one of the highest-paid celebrities, thanks to her lucrative endorsement deals. Let’s just say, her partnership with Dior alone nets her at least $10 million a year. That’s serious cash, people!

Now, Natalie didn’t just wake up famous. Her journey began when she was cast in the 1994 film "The Professional." Playing a young girl who becomes an apprentice to a hitman, she showed the world just how talented she really is. That performance set the stage for a career filled with powerful roles that have left audiences in awe.

Fast forward to 1999, and Natalie was starring as Queen Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." This role skyrocketed her to international fame, and she reprised the character in the rest of the prequel trilogy. Alongside the blockbusters, she also tackled more independent projects, like "Garden State" and "Closer," both in 2004. Her work in "Closer" earned her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, proving her versatility as an actress.

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In 2010, Natalie delivered one of her most iconic performances in "Black Swan," a psychological thriller that dives deep into the world of ballet. Her portrayal of a troubled ballerina was nothing short of breathtaking, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. This role solidified her status as one of the leading actresses of her generation.

But Natalie’s impact isn’t limited to just acting. She’s been the face of Dior perfumes since 2010, bringing a touch of elegance and sophistication to the brand. Her involvement in fashion campaigns has made her a style icon admired for her grace and impeccable taste. Beyond her career, she’s also known for her smarts—she graduated from Harvard, after all—and is passionate about environmental issues, animal rights, and gender equality. Oh, and did I mention she directed her first film, "A Tale of Love and Darkness," in 2015? Talk about a multi-talented woman!

Growing Up Natalie

Let’s rewind to the beginning. Born Neta-Lee Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, Natalie was raised in a Jewish family. Her mom, Shelley, who later became her agent, and her dad, a gynecologist, moved the family around a bit when Natalie was young. They first landed in Washington, D.C., but soon moved to Connecticut in 1988. Eventually, they settled in Long Island, where Natalie attended a Jewish elementary school and learned Hebrew.

During her time in Long Island, Natalie got involved in ballet and other forms of dance, which sparked her interest in the performing arts. By the age of 10, she caught the eye of an agent. Although she initially turned down the idea of becoming a child model, she eventually agreed to audition for acting roles. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Career Highlights

Natalie’s career kicked off in 1992 when she understudied for Laura Bell Bundy in the off-Broadway musical Ruthless! Britney Spears was also an understudy back then—small world, right? After Ruthless! ended, Natalie landed her breakout role in the 1994 film Leon: The Professional. It was here that she adopted her stage name, Natalie Portman, for the first time.

In Leon: The Professional, Natalie played Mathilda, a character that left a lasting impression on audiences. The film brought in over $46 million at the box office and was mostly well-received. However, some critics, including Natalie herself in later years, questioned the sexualization of her character.

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After honing her craft in theater productions and short films, Natalie returned to the big screen with 1995’s Heat. In this Al Pacino/Robert De Niro film, she played the suicidal daughter of Pacino’s character. In 1996, she showcased her talent again with a significant role in Beautiful Girls, followed by appearances in Mars Attacks! and Woody Allen’s Everyone Says I Love You.

As a teenager, Natalie transitioned into adult roles with Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 1999. Critics weren’t entirely kind to the film, but it was a massive box office success, earning $924 million and becoming the second-highest-grossing film at the time.

While the Star Wars trilogy kept her busy for the next few years, Natalie still found time to appear in films like Anywhere But Here. In 2000, she starred in Where the Heart Is before deciding to focus more on her education. Over the next few years, she attended Harvard and pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology while still performing in a few plays.

In 2002, she reprised her role as Queen Amidala in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, which, despite being considered the weakest of the prequels, still brought in $653 million. In 2003, Natalie graduated from Harvard and appeared in Cold Mountain.

After starring in Garden State, Natalie took on her first sexually explicit role in 2004’s Closer. She had been hesitant to accept such roles due to her experience with Leon: The Professional, but she received widespread praise for her portrayal of a stripper. Even though the film had a modest budget of $27 million, it grossed $115 million.

She wrapped up her role as Amidala in 2005 with Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which earned over $848 million. Over the next few years, Natalie appeared in films like Free Zone, V for Vendetta, My Blueberry Nights, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Other Woman, Brothers, and Mr. Magorium’s Magic Emporium.

Another career highlight came when she starred in Black Swan with Mila Kunis. Not only did the film gross over $329 million, but it also earned Natalie an Academy Award for Best Actress. She followed this success with roles in No Strings Attached and the not-so-successful stoner comedy Your Highness.

Natalie’s next big role was in Thor, which became a box office hit. She reprised her role in Thor: The Dark World. In 2015, she directed her first film, A Tale of Love and Darkness, and starred in Jane Got a Gun, though the latter wasn’t a success. In 2016, she received critical acclaim for her performance in Jackie. Two years later, she starred in the sci-fi film Annihilation, earning even more praise from critics.

Love and Relationships

In 2012, Natalie tied the knot with Benjamin Millepied, a French dancer and choreographer. Together, they have two children. Unfortunately, in August 2023, Natalie and Ben announced their separation, and their divorce was finalized early the following year. It’s been rumored that Millepied had an affair, but hey, we’re here for the facts, not the gossip.

Real Estate Ventures

In 2008, Natalie put her apartment in New York City on the market for $6.55 million. Located in one of the most exclusive buildings in the city, the 2-bedroom condo sold for the full asking price. In 2009, she purchased a property in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, for $3.25 million. This stunning home, built in the 1930s, boasts over 4,866 square feet of living space and 18,000 square feet of beautiful gardens, complete with a pool and advanced security system.

In 2017, Natalie spent $6.5 million on a vacation home in Montecito, California. Set on 10 acres, this property offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. She sold this home in February 2021 for $8 million. Check out this video tour from when it was on the market in 2016: