Known for her roles in iconic films like “Léon: The Professional” (1994) and “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999), Portman stressed the need for children to focus on typical childhood pursuits rather than entering the entertainment industry at an early age.
Portman has previously discussed the challenges she faced in Hollywood, particularly the early “sexualization” she experienced. In a 2020 interview on “Armchair Expert,” she revealed that being on the set of “Léon” at the age of 12 restricted the full expression of her identity and made her afraid due to the sexualization she endured. The actress discussed how cultivating a serious and conservative image was a way to feel safe, emphasizing the importance of respect and safety in the industry.
Despite acknowledging her own sexuality and desires as a young person, Portman highlighted the lack of guaranteed safety in the industry, leading her to build protective mechanisms. This news report summarizes Portman’s perspective on children in Hollywood, emphasizing her call for a more conventional childhood over early entry into the entertainment business.
#MayDecember star Natalie Portman reflects on starting as a child actor: “I would not encourage young people to go into this. I don’t mean ever; I mean as children. I feel it was almost an accident of luck that I was not harmed.” https://t.co/Yfu1tr9mbL
— Variety (@Variety) November 24, 2023
