8 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman has been a household name since she was a teenager. The esteemed performer does it all -- she's a producer, activist, and an award-winning actress. Her latest film is the sci-fi mind-bender "Annihilation," which hits theaters February 23. Think you know Natalie? Here are 8 facts that might surprise you.

What's In a Name?

Natalie Portman was born Neta-Lee Hershlag on June 9, 1981 in Jerusalem, Israel.

Pie in the Sky

Natalie's family moved to Washington D.C. and later, Long Island, New York. When she was just 9-years-old, she was discovered in a pizza parlor by a Revlon modeling agent.

First Impressions

Portman's big break was in 1994's "Leon: The Professional," directed by French visionary Luc Besson. She played a girl who becomes a protege for a violent hitman after her family is killed.

Ivy Grad

Natalie attended Harvard University and graduated with honors in 2003.

Can You Picture It?

Natalie was reportedly supposed to play Juliet opposite Leonardo DiCaprio's Romeo in 1996's "Romeo + Juliet," but dropped out due to her age. She also backed out of a starring role in "Gravity," which ended up going to Sandra Bullock.

Thanking the Academy

Natalie's been nominated for three Oscars -- Best Supporting Actress in 2005 for "Closer," Best Actress in 2011 for "Black Swan," and Best Actress in 2017 for "Jackie." She picked up the win in 2011 for Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller.

Met on Set

Natalie met her husband, ballet dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, while filming "Black Swan." They were married in 2012 and now have two children together.