Natalie Portman - Jewish princess

Harvard graduate turned cult movie sweetheart
Natalie Portman
I'm not really prudish about doing nudity. I think it's beautiful in films, and sex is such a big part of life.

Born in Israel as Natalie Hershlag, the "spoiled only child in a Jewish family", Miss Portman moved to the States when she was three and since finding fame has been described as cold, bookish and nerdy. And, we'll be honest, that occasional lesbic hair-do doesn't help.

And yet beyond the brains – she left Harvard in 2003 with a degree in psychology – is a gorgeously impish actress who really knows her craft, and manages to look as good in second-hand Boho wear as she does in an Oscar gown. There's a big heart, too – Natalie Portman is active in a very big way with an organisation called Finca, which helps fund businesswomen in developing countries.

View the Top 10 Now

The results for this year’s 100 Sexiest are in, counted and confirmed. Did she make the top ten? Take a deep breath and hit the button on the right to find out.

Ranking history in the 100 Sexiest Women

2008 #39 | 2007 #56 | 2006 #48 | 2005 #74 | 2004 #74 | 2003 #97 | 2002 #43 | 2001 #84 | 2000 #63

Vital Statistics

  • Hit the big time in cult assassin flick Leon, then bagged the role of Queen Amidala in Star Wars.

  • Stripped nude for arty 10 minute flick Hotel Chevalier.

  • Played a seductive pink-haired stripper in Closer, for which she was nominated for an Oscar.

Who's your favourite actress?