Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman, who started her Hollywood journey as a child, strongly asserts her belief that introducing children to the film industry at a young age is not advisable. At 42, the ‘Black Swan’ star reflects on her own experience, acknowledging the role of her ‘overprotective parents’ in shielding her from harm.
In an interview with Variety, Portman expressed her caution: “I would not encourage young people to get 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, also combined with very overprotective, wonderful parents.”
Despite her concerns, Portman hopes for improved safeguards for young performers today, acknowledging the industry’s growing awareness. She stated, “I’ve heard too many bad stories to think that any children should be part of it. Having said that, I know all the conversations that we’ve been having these past few years. It’s made people more aware and careful.”
However, she maintains her stance: “But ultimately, I don’t believe that kids should work. I think kids should play and go to school.” Even with her success, Portman’s childhood in the industry wasn’t without challenges. According to ‘Female First UK,’ she faced teasing from classmates who perceived her as ‘special.’
Opening up about her school experiences on Drew Barrymore’s talk show, Natalie shared, “I mean I think people get bullied for all sorts of reasons and that’s a lucky reason to be bullied for because you are doing something that you love, I mean if you are doing something that you love. I do think that that sort of creates your empathy like being on that side of the teasing certainly makes you never want to make anyone feel like that ever again.”
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