Tagline: Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is a celebrated actress, producer, and director. Raised in Long Island, New York, she showed early talent in dance and acting. Portman made her film debut in "Léon: The Professional" (1994), gaining critical acclaim. Her role as Queen Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999) brought her widespread recognition. Throughout the 2000s, she starred in diverse films like "Closer" (2004), earning an Oscar.