The lovely Natalie Portman is getting accolades for her stunning performance in "Black Swan" -- and smooching with Ashton Kutcher in the romantic comedy "No Strings Attached" -- but did you know that she turned down the role in "The Horse Whisperer"? Find out more about this compelling actress in these 15 fun facts!
Fun Facts about Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman was born on June 9, 1981 in Jerusalem, Israel, as the only child of a Israeli father, a fertility doctor, and an American artist mother.
Natalie was a member of the environmental song and dance troupe called The World Patrol Kids — under her real name, Natalie Hershlag.
Natalie was discovered in a pizza parlor and was originally turned down for the role of Mathilda in 1994's "The Professional" because she was too young.
Natalie had to miss the premiere of the 1999 "Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace," so she could study for her high school final exams.
The Britney Spears Connection
As a young girl, she was an understudy for the lead character in the off-Broadway show, "Ruthless," alongside Britney Spears. They still keep in touch.
She turned down a role in 1998's "The Horse Whisperer" to act in "The Diary of Anne Frank" on Broadway. The role went to newcomer Scarlett Johansson.
Natalie was originally a vegetarian but became a vegan in 2009.
She is close friends with Jake Gyllenhaal, Mila Kunis and Bryce Dallas Howard.
The actress has taken dance lessons since the age of 4, which helped tremendously in preparing for her role in "Black Swan."
Portman can speak Hebrew and English (her native languages) fluently. She also knows some conversational French, German, and Japanese and Spanish.
Natalie turned down the role of Wendy in the 1997 "The Ice Storm" because she felt the material was "too dark." The role went to Christina Ricci, who has said she often gets the projects Natalie turns down.
The Harvard College Graduate
Portman received her Harvard degree in June of 2003. She once said, I'm going to college. I don't care if it ruined my career. I'd rather be smart than a movie star."
Several months after shaving her head for her part in "V for Vendetta," she was traveling through Ireland and stopped for directions at a bed and breakfast. The owners refused to allow her even onto their porch. They did, however, give her directions
Portman hesitantly shot an explicit nude scene for the 2004 "Closer," in the scene where her character Alice strips for Larry (Clive Owen). Ultimately, Portman and director Mike Nichols agreed not to use it, as the scene was effective enough without it.
Fashion designer Zac Posen refers to Portman as his "muse."
