Voice for Equality: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is an Israeli American actress. Her first role came in the 1994 independent film Léon (known in the United States as The Professional). She achieved wider fame after playing Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Portman, who has said "I'd rather be smart than a movie star," completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at Harvard College while she was working on the Star Wars films. In 2001, Portman opened in New York City's Public Theater production of Chekhov's The Seagull, alongside Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. In 2005, Portman received a Golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actress in the drama Closer. In May 2008, she served as the youngest member of the 61st Annual Cannes Film Festival jury. Portman's directorial debut, Eve, opened the 65th Venice International Film Festival's shorts competition in 2008. Learn more here.

It was announced on October 14, 2009 that Natalie Portman will be a participant in the Love Unites Shepard Fairey Equality Project, a new marriage equality advocacy project for which more than 80 celebrities will be signing their names to a Shepard Fairey print titled Defend Equality - Love Unites. Fairey, whose Obama Hope print became the iconic emblem of President Obama’s 2008 campaign, was approached by FAIR, an LGBT grassroots marriage equality organization, to commission an image that would help unite and inspire the marriage equality movement. “I am proud to contribute the Defend Equality Love Unites image to the fight for marriage equality, and commend FAIR for putting this image to good use." The signed prints will be sold in online auctions starting in November 2009, with the official launch event being held at the Andaz West Hollywood hotel on November 12th. VIP tickets for the event are $100. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Natalie Portman as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

If Ms. Portman's support inspires you - get involved!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!