Turned down a role in The Horse Whisperer (1998) to act in "The Diary of Anne Frank" on Broadway.
Graduated from Syosset High School, Syosset, New York. [29 June 1999]
Has been a strict vegetarian since the age of 8.
Has taken dance lessons since the age of 4.
Says that maths was her favorite subject in school because, "There's always an answer."
Stated in a TV interview that with the exception of the Star Wars prequels, she will not act for the next four years in order to concentrate on studying at Harvard University. [1999]
Can speak fluent Hebrew, and studied French and Japanese.
Originally turned down the role of Ann August in the film Anywhere But Here (1999) because of the love scene between herself and Corbin Allred which required nudity. Susan Sarandon who had co-star approval, said she couldn't continue the movie without Portman, so the script was re-written without the scene and sent to Natalie, and she accepted.
Was a member of the environmental song and dance troupe The World Patrol Kids under her real name, Natalie Hershlag.
Her mother is an artist, and her father a doctor. She is an only child.
She went to Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Camp in 1994 and 1995 where she was Anne in "Anne of Green Gables" in 1994 and "Tapestry" in 1995.
Was the first choice to play Juliet in Romeo + Juliet (1996) movie but turned it down because of the scenes, and the age difference, between her and Leonardo DiCaprio.
She was discovered in a pizza parlor and was originally turned down for the role of Mathilda in Léon (1994) because she was too young.
Harpers and Queen magazine said that she is "the new Audrey Hepburn".
Turned down the title role in Adrian Lyne's Lolita (1997), due to her feelings about young adult actors/actresses being exposed to sex in films.
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