“You don’t like it when you are a kid”: Natalie Portman Considers Herself Lucky She Was Not Harmed in Hollywood as a Child Star
Natalie Portman has had a stellar career. For Portman, the journey to establish herself as a Hollywood star started at the young age of twelve. Starting out young certainly helped the young Portman to hone her skills. She is now an Oscar awardee.
In a recent interview, the V for Vendetta star spoke on the darker aspects of being a child actor in the entertainment industry. She commented that she was lucky enough to not have gone through any harmful experiences.
Natalie Portman’s Experience as a Child Actor in Hollywood
Playing a prominent role in Luc Besson’s action thriller Leon: The Professional was the first time Natalie Portman graced the silver screen. Her understanding of complex characters and brilliant acting skills were sure signs of her becoming a great actress.
However, behind all the glitz and glam, Hollywood is no less hostile to child actors than it is to adults. Portman considers herself lucky to have not had any harmful experiences in such an unsafe environment; especially as a child. In an appearance on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, the actress admitted to not being fully on board with all aspects of her job, saying: “You don’t like it when you’re a kid.”
She credits her luck and her parents’ efforts for being able to grow in the unsafe environment around her. She said: “I feel it was almost an accident of luck that I was not harmed, combined with very overprotective, wonderful parents.”
Coming from a non-entertainment background, Portman’s parents were worried about their only daughter entering the Hollywood industry. For this reason, Portman’s mother became her agent, which proved to be a great decision.
Natalie Portman on Children Entering Hollywood
The Star Wars alum vocalized her opinions on kids entering the film industry. As a mother of two and a former child actress, the 42-year-old said she would not encourage kids to join the industry. As she explained her reasoning on the podcast:
“I would not encourage young people to go into this. I don’t mean ever; I mean as children. I’ve heard too many bad stories to think that any children should be part of it. I don’t believe that kids should work. I think kids should play and go to school.”
While addressing the hardships of the filming industry, Portman also acknowledged the progressive changes that have happened with time, saying: “I know all the conversations we’ve been having these past few years. It has made people more aware and colorful.”
Portman’s addressing the subject will certainly bring more awareness among parents whose children are inclined towards acting and wish to become a part of Hollywood.
