Natalie Portman reveals star secret

Dec 22, 2009, 10:20 GMT

Natalie Portman doesn't believe she would have become an actress if she'd had brothers or sisters.

The 'Closer' star is an only child and doesn't believe her parents would have been able to devote so much time to her and take her to all her auditions if she'd had siblings.

Natalie - who has been acting since the age of 12 and landed her first major big screen role in 'Leon' aged 13 - said: "I had the sole attention of my parents. And you know what? If I had had brothers or sisters I would have never become an actress.

"My mother has accompanied me to every audition and every acting class. With more children that would have never been possible. They would have been jealous of me."

The 28-year-old star insists the unwavering support of her mother Shelley and father Avner meant she wouldn't go off the rails when she achieved Hollywood success.

She added to German magazine TV Movie: "Family and friends have always been there for me - this is very important because in Hollywood it goes up and down. One day you are celebrated, the next day they just bully you. That's quite exhausting for the psyche!"

Natalie also believes her time at Harvard College has helped her become a better actress.

The 'Brothers' star - who studied at the prestigious university while she was shooting the 'Star Wars' prequels - said: "It simply was the best acting school! I learned to observe people, assess situations - since I've been there I can do it a lot better. You learn excellent skills to put yourself in a film character."