Actress Natalie Portman, known for her extensive film career that began at the young age of 12 with Luc Besson’s “Léon: The Professional,” recently expressed her concerns about children working in Hollywood.
Now age 42 and an Oscar winner, Portman shared her views in an interview with Variety, suggesting that the entertainment industry is not a suitable environment for kids.
In her candid discussion, Portman, who also appeared in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” while still in high school and had roles in “Beautiful Girls” (1996) and “Where the Heart Is” (2000), reflected on the challenges she faced starting her career as a child. She acknowledged her fortune in having vigilant and caring parents, which she believes played a significant role in her well-being during her early years in the industry.
Portman’s remarks underline her belief that the environment in Hollywood can be particularly challenging for children. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing play and education over work for children. As a mother of two children, aged 12 and six, Portman suggested that she does not envision her children following in her footsteps as a child star.
Discussing her experiences as a teenager in the spotlight on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast in 2020, Portman shared how being thrust into the film industry at a young age impacted her self-expression and sense of safety. She recounted feeling over-sexualized, which included disturbing fan mail and public commentary. Portman elaborated on the need for a secure environment for children, something she felt was lacking in her early years.
The actress further shared her insights about the evolving nature of the entertainment industry and the challenges of predicting what will work in such a dynamic environment. Portman, who keeps her Best Actress Oscar from “Black Swan” in a safe, expressed that awards should not be a motivation in the industry. She also praised the increasing trend of women taking on starring and producing roles.
Portman’s journey from a child actor to a celebrated actress includes her portrayal as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, which significantly raised her global fame.
Despite her successful career, she remains critical of the industry’s impact on young actors. Portman’s comments have sparked discussions about the safety and well-being of child actors in Hollywood, reflecting a broader concern about their exposure to various risks within the industry.