News | Entertainment
19 Jan 2026 19:56
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Natalie Portman is drawn to roles depending on what's happening in her personal life

    The 43-year-old 'Black Swan' actress divorced her husband Benjamin Millipede in 2024, and revealed the impact her mood at home makes on her work during a conversation with Jenna Ortega, 22, following their collaboration in upcoming film 'The Gallerist'


    Speaking to Jenna for Interview magazine, she said: "You want to find that joy and lightness and humour in your work when things are harder at home."

    The two actors also discussed their experiences growing up in the spotlight and how their careers have evolved over time.

    Natalie, who finalised her divorce from Benjamin Millepied, 47, in February after over a decade together, added about how her life circumstances often influence her approach to acting roles.

    She said: "There are things that come at certain times of your life.

    "There's moments in your life where it's really meaningful to have a work experience that just envelopes you in happiness, and this was one of those."

    Natalie continued: "It doesn't always work out, but I'm drawn to things because of what's happening in my personal life."

    When asked whether she prioritises character or script when selecting new roles, Natalie replied: "I learned from actresses that came before me who said, 'It's important to go for joy.'"

    Natalie and Benjamin met while working on the 2010 film 'Black Swan', in which she starred as a troubled ballerina, while he served as the film's ballet choreographer.

    The pair announced their engagement and pregnancy with their first child in 2010 and went on to marry in 2012. They share two children: Aleph, 13, and Amalia, eight.

    Though she did not mention Benjamin by name or directly reference the divorce during the interview, Natalie said: "I was just excited to have kids, and with a person that I was in love with," when asked about how motherhood had impacted her career.

    Natalie is set to star in the upcoming film 'Fountain of Youth' opposite John Krasinski.

    The Apple TV+ feature follows two estranged siblings reuniting in search of the mythical source of eternal life and will be released on Friday 23 May.

    Meanwhile, 'The Gallerist', in which Natalie appears alongside Jenna, does not yet have a confirmed release date.

    When asked what excites her most at this stage in life, Natalie said: "My kids are always a source of excitement, because you just see them develop into the individuals they are.

    "And also, I've been spending a lot of time with my friends, with their kids and my kids; that's pretty fun."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     19 Jan: Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, dies aged 76
     18 Jan: Teddi Mellencamp is "really sick" - months after she revealed her cancer had become "undetectable"
     18 Jan: Ashton Kutcher is "so proud" of his ex-wife Demi Moore in The Substance
     18 Jan: Lo Bosworth has given birth two weeks early
     18 Jan: Chase Infiniti botched Leonardo DiCaprio's beard when she cut it whilst they bonded before shooting One Battle After Another
     18 Jan: A shark has been named after Kelly Clarkson
     18 Jan: Jennifer Lawrence's marriage is kept "alive" with a compromise to her struggle with timekeeping
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Don't be surprised if the coaching nous of Scott Robertson is lured to the UK More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    A word of caution as calls grow to fund weight-management drugs More...



     Today's News

    International:
    What has caused a 'smack' of jellyfish to wash up on Melbourne's eastern beaches? 19:37

    International:
    Tensions over Greenland escalate as US threatens tariffs after European troop deployment 19:27

    Business:
    A word of caution as calls grow to fund weight-management drugs 18:57

    Motoring:
    Tired legs have caught up with New Zealand cyclist Ally Wollaston in the Tour Down Under 18:37

    Business:
    Chocolate products could be in for a shake up - as manufacturers race to develop cocoa alternatives 18:07

    International:
    At least 21 dead after two high-speed trains derailed in Spain 17:57

    Lower South Island:
    Tom Sexton has prevailed in a bunch sprint to win the second stage of cycling's Tour of Southland 17:27

    Entertainment:
    Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, dies aged 76 17:17

    Health & Safety:
    Any weight loss drug roll out in New Zealand - would need to be done carefully 17:17

    Environment:
    Small Northland communities got the worst of the weekend's flooding, but more is to come 16:57


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd