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Jewish Actresses in Hollywood
You may be curious to learn about Hollywood actresses with Jewish ancestry or who are Jewish. In this article, we’ll delve into the lives of a few actresses currently active in Hollywood or considered legends, highlighting their noteworthy contributions and the cultural richness they bring to the world of entertainment. Join us as we explore more about these outstanding Jewish actresses and their impact on the industry.
Top Jewish American Actresses
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman, born June 9, 1981, in Israel, is an accomplished American actress with a prolific career. Starting at age twelve with “Léon: The Professional” (1994), she gained international recognition as Padmé Amidala in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999). She won an Academy Award for “Black Swan” (2010). Her diverse roles include “V for Vendetta” (2005), “Jackie” (2016), and the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Co-founding MountainA in 2021, Portman ventured into production with “May December” (2023).
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson, born on November 22, 1984, hails from an Ashkenazi Jewish family with roots in Poland and Russia. She became the world’s highest-paid actress in 2018 and 2019 and earned a spot on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list multiple times. From her early roles in “North” (1994) and “The Horse Whisperer” (1998) to her acclaimed performances in “Lost in Translation” (2003) and her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johansson’s influence in the entertainment industry is undeniable. She garnered a Tony Award for her Broadway debut in “A View from the Bridge” (2010) and received simultaneous Academy Award nominations in 2019 for “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit,” .
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot, born on April 30, 1985, is an Israeli actress, model, and former beauty pageant winner. After serving in the Israel Defense Forces, Gadot gained international fame as Gisele Yashar in “Fast & Furious” (2009) and achieved global acclaim for her iconic portrayal of Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe films. She made waves with her roles in films like “Red Notice” (2021) and “Death on the Nile” (2022), securing her status among the highest-paid actresses globally.
Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis, born on August 14, 1983, into a Ukrainian Jewish family in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, was raised in Los Angeles. Her acting career took off at 14 with the role of Jackie Burkhart in “That ’70s Show” (1998–2006) and voicing Meg Griffin on “Family Guy” since 1999. Kunis gained prominence with the 2008 film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and received critical acclaim for her role in “Black Swan” (2010). Her diverse filmography includes “Max Payne” (2008), “Friends with Benefits” (2011), “Oz the Great and Powerful” (2013), and comedies like “Ted” (2012) and “Bad Moms” (2016) and its sequel (2017).
Barbra Streisand
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand is an iconic singer, actress, and filmmaker, acclaimed for her contributions to music and film, including “Funny Girl.”
Winona Ryder
Born in Winona, Minnesota, Ryder is an actress with a successful career, starring in films like “Beetlejuice” and “Stranger Things” in recent years.
Rachel Weisz
Born in London, England, Weisz is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her performances in “The Constant Gardener” and “The Favourite.”
Gina Gershon
Gina Gershon is an American actress and singer known for her versatile roles in films like “Showgirls” and “Bound,” as well as TV shows such as “Riverdale” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
Debra Winger
Debra Winger is an acclaimed actress with multiple Academy Award nominations for her roles in films like “Terms of Endearment” and “An Officer and a Gentleman.” She’s known for her strong performances and career longevity.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg gained fame for her role as Dawn Summers on the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She has also appeared in films like “EuroTrip” and “Ice Princess.”
Joan Collins
Joan Collins is a British actress, author, and producer famous for her role as Alexis Carrington in the TV series “Dynasty.” Her career spans decades, and she is recognized for her contributions to film and television.
Jackie Collins
Jackie Collins was a bestselling British-American author, known for her steamy and glamorous novels. While not an actress, she was included for her significant impact on popular culture through her books.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John is an Australian singer and actress. She achieved worldwide fame for her role as Sandy in the musical film “Grease” and her successful music career, including hits like “Physical.”
Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Connelly is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films like “A Beautiful Mind,” “Requiem for a Dream,” and “Labyrinth.” She is celebrated for her talent and versatility.
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul is an American singer, choreographer, and TV personality. She gained fame in the late ’80s as a pop star and later became a renowned choreographer on shows like “American Idol.”
Selma Blair
Selma Blair is an actress known for her roles in films like “Cruel Intentions” and “Legally Blonde.” She has also appeared in TV series such as “Anger Management” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson.”
Sara Paxton
Sara Paxton is an actress and singer known for her roles in family-friendly films like “Aquamarine” and “The Innkeepers,” as well as TV series such as “Darcy’s Wild Life.”
Debra Messing
Debra Messing is an Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her role as Grace Adler on the TV series “Will & Grace.” She has also appeared in films like “The Wedding Date.”
Ellen Barkin
Ellen Barkin is an accomplished actress known for her performances in films like “Diner,” “Sea of Love,” and the TV series “The New Normal.”
Alexis Arquette
Alexis Arquette was an actress and transgender activist, known for her roles in films like “The Wedding Singer” and “Pulp Fiction.” She was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet gained fame for her role as Denise Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” and later starred in its spin-off, “A Different World.” She has also appeared in films like “Angel Heart” and “High Fidelity.”
Bette Midler
Bette Midler, also known as “The Divine Miss M,” is a singer, actress, and comedian. She’s acclaimed for her roles in films like “The Rose” and “Beaches,” as well as her successful music career.
Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit. She has starred in her own comedy specials and appeared in TV shows like “The Sarah Silverman Program.”
Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone gained fame for her role in the iconic ’90s film “Clueless.” She’s also known for her activism and later appeared in TV shows like “Miss Match” and “The Babysitter’s Club.”
also read about Top Jewish actors
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