Natalie Portman was born on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, before moving to the United States as a child. Many know her as the elegant star of Black Swan and Star Wars, but what’s less known is the darker, more difficult path behind that glamour. From a very young age, Portman faced intense pressures—she was only 12 when she filmed Léon: The Professional (1994), a movie that drew controversy for placing her in unsettlingly mature roles. Critics accused Hollywood of exploiting her innocence,

Jeff Bridges presenting Natalie Portman with the Oscar® for Best Actress for her performance in "Black Swan" at the 83rd Academy Awards® in 2011. | The Academy