She is discovered at a pizza parlor by a modeling agency at age of 11.  She chose to act, however.  Portman is not her real name, rather it's her grandmother's maiden name.  She used it for her own privacy.  

Natalie made stunning debut in the 1994 film The Professional.  It was her break through performance.  She became very popular among critics.  She has great deal of intelligence and sophistication.  Her looks certainly brings balance into her talent.    

Now she is taking on the world by storm as Queen Amidala in the Star Wars prequel.