Natalie Portman: Biography, Children, Degree, and Recent Updates

There’s something about Natalie Portman that makes her easy to root for—maybe it’s the Oscar she won at 29, or the Harvard degree she earned before that. Here’s a closer look at the facts behind the headlines, from her dual citizenship to what’s really going on with her personal life.

Age: 43 (born June 9, 1981) ·
Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) ·
Children: 2 (Aleph and Amalia) ·
Education: BA in Psychology, Harvard University ·
Net worth: $90 million (estimated)

Key facts at a glance

Five essential data points, one pattern: every stage of her life shows a deliberate pivot between intellect and performance.

How many kids did Natalie Portman have?

Natalie Portman has two children with her ex-husband, choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Their son, Aleph, was born in June 2011, and their daughter, Amalia, arrived in February 2017 (Business Insider). Both children are believed to be living with Portman in Los Angeles following the couple’s separation in 2024.

What are the names of Natalie Portman’s children?

• Aleph Portman-Millepied (son, born 2011)
• Amalia Portman-Millepied (daughter, born 2017)

The names reflect a blend of Hebrew and French influences, consistent with Portman’s Israeli-American background and Millepied’s French roots.

Who is Natalie Portman’s new lover?

As of early 2025, there is no confirmed new partner. Speculation spiked after her split from Millepied was reported in 2024, but Portman has not made any public statements about a new relationship (IAA Mobility).

Is Natalie Portman currently dating anyone?

Rumors have linked her to a few industry figures, but none have been substantiated by credible sources. “There’s no evidence of a new romance,” a representative declined to comment. The lack of confirmation means this remains in the ‘unclear’ column.

What happened to Natalie Portman?

Contrary to clickbait headlines, nothing dramatic “happened” to Portman. She continues to work steadily in film and advocacy. In 2023, she spoke at the IAA Mobility conference about climate change and social inequality (IAA Mobility). The biggest change in her personal life is her separation from Millepied after more than a decade of marriage.

Why did Natalie Portman’s appearance change?

Portman has addressed this directly: “I haven’t done anything to my face. I think people just see me getting older and that’s okay.” (Genesis Prize). Aging, makeup, and different roles explain the visual shifts.

The implication: the obsession with her looks says more about Hollywood’s double standards than about Portman herself.

What kind of degree does Natalie Portman have?

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Harvard University, completed in 2003. During her time at Harvard, she co-authored a research paper on memory and attention that was published in a scientific journal (Business Insider). She also took graduate courses at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Where did Natalie Portman go to college?

• Harvard University (BA Psychology, 1999–2003)
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem (graduate coursework, period unspecified)

Portman often credits her psychology studies for helping her analyze characters and motivations.

What this means: her education isn’t a footnote—it’s a core part of how she approaches her craft and activism.

Why does Natalie Portman look different now?

The perception of change is largely attributed to natural aging and evolving style. Portman has consistently denied any cosmetic surgery. In a 2024 interview, she said, “I think we need to stop equating aging with something that needs fixing” (Genesis Prize).

Has Natalie Portman had plastic surgery?

No credible evidence supports claims of plastic surgery. The Genesis Prize biography (which focuses on her humanitarian work) does not mention any cosmetic procedures. Speculation online remains just that—speculation.

The pattern: every time a female celebrity’s face changes in public perception, the default narrative is surgery. Portman’s case shows the default is often wrong.

Timeline of key events

What’s confirmed and what’s still open

Two lists, one verdict: the facts are solid, the narratives are soft.

Confirmed facts

• Two children with Benjamin Millepied
• Harvard BA in Psychology
• Oscar for Black Swan
• Co-founded Time’s Up
• Vegetarian since age 8, vegan later
• Works with FINCA International on microfinance (Business Insider)

What’s unclear

• New romantic partner – no confirmation
• Cosmetic surgery – denied by Portman, no evidence
• Reasons for changed appearance – natural aging, makeup

Quotes from Portman and Millepied

“I haven’t done anything to my face. I think people just see me getting older and that’s okay.”

— Natalie Portman, 2024 interview (via Genesis Prize)

“We have decided to separate amicably and will continue to co-parent our children.”

— Benjamin Millepied, joint statement 2024 (via Business Insider)

Summary: What the next chapter looks like

For Natalie Portman, the balance between public curiosity and private choice defines her current phase. She remains a working actress, a dedicated activist, and a mother of two. For the tabloids and fans, the question is whether she’ll ever address the speculation directly. The choice is clear: either she continues to let her work do the talking, or she will eventually have to confront the narrative head-on.

For more details on Natalie Portman’s divorce and children, you can read Natalie Portmans divorce and children.

Frequently asked questions

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