Natalie Portman (born
June 9,
1981) is an
American actress, born
Natalie Hershlag in
Jerusalem,
Israel. She first gained prominence at the age of twelve, playing a child who befriends an aging assassin in
Luc Besson's
Léon. She charmed critics and viewers alike in
Beautiful Girls, and played a minor part in
Everyone Says I Love You. She is best known for her role as
Amidala in the
Star Wars prequels,
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.