Natalie Portman

Today on Work in Progress, Sophia is joined by Natalie Portman! Natalie is known worldwide as an Academy Award winning actress, director, producer, and activist. Born in Israel, she immigrated to the US with her parents at the age of 3 and began auditioning when her family moved to New York. After her film debut in Leon: The Professional at age 12, Natalie has gone on to star in over 40 films.

But Natalie is far more than a talented and successful actress. She has used her platform for extensive advocacy and activism, championing causes like the #TimesUp and #MeToo movements, animal rights, protecting the environment, Black Lives Matter, and many more. Proving that she really can do it all, Natalie recently published Natalie Portman’s Book of Fables, which retells classic children’s fables in a more modern and representative light.  

On today’s episode, Sophia and Natalie discuss the 2020 experience, learning to act by acting, what it’s like to go to college when you’re already a movie star, and the unfortunate observation that the world tends to undervalue professions and skills that are stereotypically female. Natalie also shares how she faces the challenge of being a working mom while still making time for the causes she cares about. And she and Sophia touch on their mutual involvement in Angels FC, the national Women’s Soccer league franchise of which Natalie is a founder. Enjoy!

Work in Progress