Scarlett Johansson (Part 1)
Scarlett Johansson (Part 1)
Scarlett Ingrid Johansson, born on November 22, 1984, is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and success in the entertainment industry. She has earned numerous accolades, including being named the world's highest-paid actress in 2018 and 2019, as well as being featured multiple times on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list. In 2021, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. With her films grossing over $14.3 billion worldwide, she holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing box office star of all time.
Johansson began her career as a child actor, making her debut on stage in an off-Broadway play. She transitioned to film with roles in movies such as "North" (1994), "Manny & Lo" (1996), "The Horse Whisperer" (1998), and "Ghost World" (2001), which earned her early recognition. Her breakthrough into adult roles came with "Lost in Translation" (2003), for which she won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress. She continued to impress audiences and critics alike with performances in "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (2003), "A Love Song for Bobby Long" (2004), and "Match Point" (2005), the latter marking her first collaboration with director Woody Allen.
Throughout her career, Johansson has showcased her talent in a wide range of roles, from historical dramas to science fiction films. She gained widespread fame for her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, debuting in "Iron Man 2" (2010) and reprising the role in numerous subsequent films, culminating in her solo feature "Black Widow" (2021). Johansson has also received critical acclaim for her performances in films such as "Her" (2013), "Under the Skin" (2013), and "Lucy" (2014).
Beyond her acting prowess, Johansson has been recognized for her beauty and has been labeled a sex symbol by various media outlets. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting several charitable causes throughout her career. Johansson has been married twice, first to actor Ryan Reynolds and then to businessman Romain Dauriac, before tying the knot with comedian Colin Jost in 2020. She is a mother of two, with one child from each of her previous marriages.
Scarlett Ingrid Johansson was born on November 22, 1984, in Manhattan, New York City. Her father, Karsten Olaf Johansson, hails from Copenhagen, Denmark, where he worked as an architect. Through her father, Scarlett is the granddaughter of Ejner Johansson, a notable figure in the arts. Scarlett's mother, Melanie Sloan, is a producer from New York with Ashkenazi Jewish roots, descending from a family that fled persecution in Poland and Russia. Scarlett identifies with her Jewish heritage. She grew up alongside her siblings: an older sister, Vanessa, who is also an actress; an older brother named Adrian; and a twin brother named Hunter. Additionally, Scarlett has an older half-brother named Christian from her father's previous marriage.
Scarlett's upbringing was marked by her parents' divorce when she was thirteen. She shared a close bond with her maternal grandmother, Dorothy Sloan, whom she considered her best friend. Dorothy, a bookkeeper and schoolteacher, played a significant role in Scarlett's life.
From an early age, Scarlett showed a keen interest in performing arts, often entertaining her family with song-and-dance routines. She harbored aspirations of pursuing a career in musical theater and was enrolled in tap dance lessons. Despite facing setbacks, such as a talent agent signing one of her brothers instead of her, Scarlett remained determined to become an actress. She honed her acting skills by practicing in front of the mirror, drawing inspiration from performers like Judy Garland.
Scarlett's journey into acting began with minor roles in off-Broadway productions and commercials. She attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and later joined the Professional Children's School, a specialized institution for young actors in Manhattan. Her dedication to her craft led to her first stage appearance in the off-Broadway play "Sophistry," where she shared the stage with renowned actor Ethan Hawke. Throughout her childhood, Scarlett remained focused on her passion for acting, gradually paving her way to a successful career in film and theater.
At the age of nine, Scarlett Johansson made her film debut in the fantasy comedy "North" (1994), portraying the daughter of John Ritter's character. Despite her young age, Johansson displayed a natural talent for acting, intuitively knowing what to do on set. She continued to land minor roles in films such as the mystery thriller "Just Cause" (1995) and the romantic comedy "If Lucy Fell" (1996), where she played an art student.
Johansson's first leading role came in "Manny & Lo" (1996), where she portrayed Amanda, the younger sister of a pregnant teenager. Her performance garnered positive reviews, with critics praising her charm and peaceful aura. She earned a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Female for her role in the film.
In 1998, Johansson attracted wider attention for her performance in "The Horse Whisperer," directed by Robert Redford. Playing the role of an injured teenager, Johansson received acclaim for convincingly conveying the awkwardness and inner pain of her character. She received an "introducing" credit for her role in the film and was nominated for the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Most Promising Actress.
Johansson's breakthrough came with her role as a cynical outcast in Terry Zwigoff's black comedy "Ghost World" (2001), based on Daniel Clowes' graphic novel. Her performance earned her praise for her sensitivity and talent, winning her a Toronto Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Throughout the early 2000s, Johansson appeared in various films, including the Coen brothers' neo-noir "The Man Who Wasn't There" (2001) and the horror comedy "Eight Legged Freaks" (2002). Despite facing rejection from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Johansson remained focused on her film career, graduating from the Professional Children's School and continuing to pursue acting opportunities.
References
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