Is Natalie Portman Still Treated Like a Child on Film Sets After 30 Years?
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Synopsis
After an impressive 30-year career in Hollywood, Natalie Portman reveals that she still faces challenges in being perceived as an adult. Despite her serious persona, she shares the unique struggles child actors face in the industry, making her reflections both relatable and insightful. Discover her thoughts on navigating adulthood in Hollywood.
Key Takeaways
- Natalie Portman reflects on 30 years in Hollywood.
- Despite her success, she still feels treated as a child.
- Child actors often develop serious personas to combat perceptions.
- Portman emphasizes the importance of adult recognition in the workplace.
- Friendships with veteran actors provide support and understanding.
Los Angeles, May 29 (NationPress) Hollywood actress Natalie Portman, who launched her career in ‘Leon: The Professional’, boasts an impressive 30 years in the industry.
However, she revealed that people still “view her as a child”, according to reports from ‘Female First UK’.
The 43-year-old star, who gained fame as a young actress in 1999's 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace', expressed that despite maturing in the limelight and adopting a “serious persona” to counteract public perceptions, she is still grappling with it.
As reported by ‘Female First UK’, while discussing Jenna Ortega, Natalie shared with ‘Harper's Bazaar’ magazine, “We’re both physically small, so people often treat you like a child indefinitely. I’m 43 now, and people still pat me on the head. I don’t look like a child, but I often feel like I’m treated like one.”
She continued, “Child actors frequently develop a serious demeanor because otherwise, they’ll be treated like kids forever. Starting your career as a child makes you feel like a kid in the professional world. Having some of that seriousness helps remind others, ‘I’m an adult.’” Natalie and Jenna collaborated in the new comedy thriller 'The Gallerist', and the ‘Fountain of Youth’ actress observed they share a similar approach during breaks.
She described how they avoid sitting in chairs, opting instead to squat in a corner. “Catherine Zeta-Jones, who was also a child actress, mentioned she did the same; it’s a way to ground yourself. There’d be all these chairs, but we’d just squat and exchange looks, thinking, ‘Wow, this is odd.’”
Meanwhile, Jenna expressed how much it has helped her forge friendships with stars like Natalie, Winona Ryder, and Natasha Lyonne, who understand the unique path she’s on.
She remarked, “It’s been incredibly beneficial and comforting. They’ve experienced it all, especially during a much darker chapter in Hollywood. We all share a cynical perspective that likely wouldn’t exist if we hadn’t started so young and faced numerous harsh realizations and experiences. But they’ve emerged just fine.”
Point of View
The ongoing perception of them as children can hinder their growth in the industry. Portman's candid insights offer a relatable perspective, resonating with the challenges of balancing personal identity and public perception.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges do child actors face in Hollywood?
Child actors often struggle with being perceived as adults due to their early start in the industry, which can affect their professional relationships and opportunities.
How does Natalie Portman feel about her treatment on film sets?
Natalie Portman shared that even at 43, she often feels treated like a child, with people consistently viewing her through that lens.
What is the significance of a serious persona for child actors?
A serious persona helps child actors establish their adulthood and reduce the likelihood of being treated as children in professional settings.
