Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega are set to star together in the much-anticipated film *The Gallerist*, and both actresses recently reflected on their experiences as child actors in a candid interview for *Harper’s BAZAAR*. The conversation allowed them to explore the challenges they faced in their careers and how their early starts in the industry shaped their lives.
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In the cover story, Portman, now 45, recalls her transition from a child star to an adult actress. She made her film debut at the tender age of 13 in the 1994 thriller *Léon: The Professional*. Despite her impressive body of work, Portman admits that her childhood experiences occasionally affect how she is perceived by others even as a seasoned performer. “I’m fully nowhere near being a child anymore,” she shares, expressing concern that her stature has led to a lingering infantilisation in how people interact with her.
Ortega, aged 24, who stars alongside Portman in *The Gallerist*, echoes these sentiments. She acknowledges the difficulty of being treated differently due to her early fame. “It can be a little bit jarring because people speak at you differently,” Ortega explains. She feels that many fail to recognise her maturity and ability to engage in adult conversations, particularly as she began her career with a series of smaller roles before leading the Disney Channel’s *Stuck in the Middle*.
The bond between the two actresses deepened during their collaboration on *The Gallerist*. Ortega revealed that working with Portman allowed her to recognise that she is not alone in facing these ongoing struggles. “If she’s still dealing with this, this is something that is just going to be a part of my life,” Ortega remarked, acknowledging the shared experience of navigating a complicated industry landscape. This dialogue has empowered her to embrace her identity and assert her presence.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Portman noted the precautions she and her family took to maintain a positive public image while she stepped into increasingly mature roles. “There was a conscious effort…I wanted to make it clear that I’m a good girl, I’m a prude, I’m smart, I’m a student,” she said, revealing that this was a protective measure against being portrayed in a sexualised manner, as was common for child actors.
Despite the serious roles that characterised her early career, Portman insists that there is more to her personality than meets the eye. “Over time, it became like everyone thinks I’m really serious,” she noted. “People always think I’m a perfectionist… I’m the opposite. I love to goof off.” This revelation highlights a disconnect between public perception and personal identity, something both actresses seem to grapple with as they navigate their careers.
*The Gallerist*, directed by Cathy Yan, introduces Portman as a desperate gallery owner, while Ortega plays her overwhelmed assistant. The film encompasses a range of emotions and character dynamics that reflect the often chaotic nature of the art world. The star-studded cast also includes notable talents such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Daniel Brühl, Zach Galifianakis, and Charli XCX, promising a diverse cinematic experience.
As the film’s release date approaches on 4 December, excitement builds around its potential to offer a fresh perspective on the themes of ambition, pressure, and the complexities of self-identity. Both Portman and Ortega appear eager to showcase their talent in what promises to be a compelling dark comedy.
In their conversation, both actresses highlighted the unique challenges and achievements that come with their shared history as child actors. Their reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of recognising the human experiences behind the personas created on screen. The dialogue around infantilisation and public perception sheds light on broader societal issues, making their story not just a personal one, but a relatable narrative for many in the entertainment industry.
As *The Gallerist* gears up for its release, audiences are not only looking forward to the film but also to seeing how Portman and Ortega will continue to evolve in their artistic journeys, proving that childhood fame does not solely define their talents or potential.