Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman recently shared insights into her early career and personal life in interviews with Harper’s Bazaar, highlighting the impact of being sexualized as a child star and her experience becoming a mother for the third time at age 45.
Portman revealed that she deliberately cultivated a "good girl" image in response to being sexualized in her early roles, such as in Léon: The Professional (1994) and Beautiful Girls. She described this persona as a protective mechanism, stating, "I wanted to be like, ‘No, I’m serious, I’m a good girl, I’m a prude, I’m smart, I’m a student,’ emphasizing that as almost a safety mechanism." This approach extended to her public appearances, where she prioritized conservative attire and academic focus to counter perceptions tied to her on-screen roles.
The actress also discussed the unintended consequences of this strategy, noting that over time, she was perceived as overly serious despite her playful personality. "I’m very silly, and I love to laugh more than anything," she added, reflecting on the gap between her public image and personal demeanor.
In a separate interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Portman spoke about her recent experience as a new mother again at 45, calling the moment "full of wonder and joy at this magical little human." She shared details about her relationship with partner Tanguy Destable and her reflections on parenting her older children, Aleph (15) and Amalia (9), whose mother she shares with ex-husband Benjamin Millepied. Portman emphasized the simplicity of love in relationships, stating, "The most important thing is love... being kind and loving and being able to laugh. That’s all that matters."
The interviews coincided with a photoshoot for the November issue of Harper’s Bazaar, where Portman modeled designer pieces, including a Dior coat and a Celine silk gown. Her public comments blend professional reflections with personal updates, offering a window into her dual roles as an acclaimed actress and a mother of three.