Natalie Portman, known for her iconic roles in “Black Swan” and “Star Wars”, has always been candid about how her personal life shapes her career. In an insightful conversation with “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega, the Oscar-winning actress shared how she navigates the complex intersection of fame, motherhood, and emotional challenges when it comes to choosing film roles.
In their recent interview for Interview Magazine, Portman reflected on the way timing and personal experiences play a significant role in her decision-making process. When Ortega asked if Portman prioritizes the character or the script when considering a project, the actress responded thoughtfully, explaining that life circumstances often influence her choices.
Natalie Portman On Her Approach Selecting Roles
“There are things that come at certain times in your life,” Portman shared, adding that these moments can shape her approach to new roles. “It’s important to go for joy,” she continued, explaining that the wisdom she’s gathered from the actresses before her emphasizes the importance of pursuing work that brings happiness. Portman described her experience on her upcoming film Fountain of Youth as one of those rare projects that brought her true joy. “There are moments in your life where it’s really meaningful to have a work experience that just envelops you in happiness, and this was one of those.”
Portman’s thoughtful approach to her career, balancing personal and professional life, has always been clear. She explained that her personal life directly impacts her work, although she acknowledged that things don’t always align perfectly. “It doesn’t always work out, but I’m drawn to things because of what’s happening in my personal life,” she shared. This insight comes as Portman navigates significant changes in her personal life, including the February 2023 filing for divorce from her husband, Benjamin Millepied, after more than a decade together.
Natalie Portman on Emotionally Difficult Roles
She went on to explain how emotionally difficult roles require a certain state of peace in her personal life. “It’s actually counterintuitive because to do emotionally difficult material, my real life has to be pretty chill, no major issues,” Portman said. She noted that when things are harder at home, she seeks to find joy, lightness, and humor in her work. For Portman, that balance between work and home life is essential for maintaining her mental health and performing authentically on screen.
The conversation also touched on Portman’s role as a mother, an experience that has shaped her career choices in profound ways. When Ortega asked how having children affected her career, Portman was open about the joy her children bring her and how they inspire her professional decisions. “My kids are always a source of excitement because you just see them develop into the individuals they are,” she said, adding that spending time with friends and their children has been an enriching part of her life recently.
Despite the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood, Portman continues to find fulfillment in both. In addition to “Fountain of Youth”, where she stars alongside John Krasinski as estranged siblings who reunite to search for a mythical artifact, Portman is also set to appear in The Gallerist, a project that doesn’t yet have a release date.
While Portman’s work ethic and commitment to her craft are undeniable, she also emphasized that finding joy in her work is essential for her long-term happiness. Portman’s ability to stay grounded in the face of both career pressures and personal struggles speaks to her resilience, and her approach to acting has made her one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood today.
Natalie Portman’s Newest Movie
As she looks ahead to future projects, including her latest film on Apple TV+, Portman’s story serves as a reminder that while the pressures of fame can be overwhelming, embracing joy and balance remains key to staying true to oneself. Portman’s ability to connect her personal experiences with her craft continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
