Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning actress, recently shared insights into her time as a child actor, emphasizing that her unharmed journey in the industry was “an accident of luck.” During a conversation on Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Portman expressed caution about children pursuing acting careers and advised against it, despite her positive experiences.
Acknowledging the role of fortune and her protective parents during her early career, Portman stated, “I feel it was almost an accident of luck that I was not harmed, also combined with very overprotective, wonderful parents.” Despite her own success, she highlighted the potential risks associated with children entering the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on her breakout film, Léon: The Professional, Portman admitted to having “complicated” feelings about the 1994 thriller. She acknowledged certain aspects of the film as “cringey” and addressed the allegations of sexual misconduct against the director, Luc Besson, describing the accusations as “devastating.”
Expressing her stance on children working in the industry, Portman firmly stated, “I don’t believe that kids should work.” She emphasized the importance of play and education in a child’s life, advocating for a cautious and mindful approach. Despite her success as a child actor, Portman urged awareness of the challenges and complexities inherent in the entertainment industry, particularly for young talents.