Many celebrities today are associated with specific countries in our minds. It could be down to parts they have played in a movie, or simply down to the way they speak or sound. However, many celebrities today hold different nationalities than we assume due to where they were born. Who are some celebrities that might shock you if you were to find out they were born in a different country?
Mel Gibson
Most assume that Mel Gibson has some Scottish roots due to Braveheart, but that isn’t the case. He was, though, recognized as being from Down Under in Australia. However, despite his Aussie roots, Gibson was born in the City of New York. He moved to Australia at around the age of 12, though, so he did spend a large section of his teenage and early adult years in the country. Still, to many, he is a ‘true’ Australian despite not being born there.
Emma Watson
Would you be shocked to know that Emma Watson, one of the most British actresses around today, is actually French?
She was born in Paris, but moved back to the UK and returned to Oxford at the age of five. Therefore, that explains the extremely English accent she has and her general Britishness. She is, though, a native Parisian which could explain to her more metropolitan outlook on life than many Britons, even celebrities, typically have.
Keanu Reeves
Whether you think Keanu is one of the hidden gems of acting or someone who seems to have made a career playing a perpetually confused-looking guy, he is a big part of modern culture. He has a very interesting early life, too. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon, before his family moved to Australia, America, and then Canada before finding a place they were happy with. You can see why he is such an endearing guy, though; his early life definitely shaped him into the person he is today!
Natalie Portman
Having made her name as a major movie star, activist, and sports team owner, Natalie Portman is a cultural icon. However, did you know that she is actually from Israel? She was born and spent her formative years in Jerusalem. She regularly returns to the city, too, and has always remarked that she feels welcome and at home when visiting Israel.
Her ‘real’ last name is actually Hershlag!