Scarlett Johansson is an American actress and singer. Renowned for her versatile performances, she has appeared in a wide range of films, from critically acclaimed dramas to blockbuster hits. Johansson gained widespread recognition for her roles in movies like “Lost in Translation,” “The Avengers” series, and “Marriage Story.” In addition to her acting career, she has ventured into music and remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
Scarlett Ingrid Johansson was born on November 22, 1984, in New York City, to a family steeped in the arts and entertainment industry. Her father, Karsten Johansson, was an architect originally from Denmark, while her mother, Melanie Sloan, a producer, comes from an Ashkenazi Jewish family with roots in Poland and Russia. Scarlett has an older sister, Vanessa, who is also an actress, an older brother, Adrian, and a twin brother, Hunter, who has made occasional appearances in film and television.
Scarlett’s early interest in performing was evident, and she was enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and the Professional Children’s School, both prestigious training grounds for young talent in New York. Her early immersion in the performing arts set the foundation for her acting career, fostering her natural talents and developing her skills from a young age.
Breakthrough and Early Career
Scarlett Johansson’s career began in earnest at the age of eight, with her first role in the off-Broadway production of “Sophistry” alongside Ethan Hawke. Her film debut came soon after with the 1994 comedy “North,” where she played a minor role but caught the attention of critics and filmmakers alike.
Her early career was marked by a series of roles that showcased her versatility and maturity beyond her years. In 1996, she appeared in “Manny & Lo,” a performance that earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Lead Female. Johansson’s portrayal of a young girl on the run with her pregnant sister demonstrated her ability to handle complex emotional material at a young age.
However, it was her role in the 1998 film “The Horse Whisperer,” directed by Robert Redford, that solidified her status as a promising young actress. Playing Grace MacLean, a teenager traumatized by a riding accident, Johansson received widespread acclaim for her nuanced performance. The film not only highlighted her acting chops but also her potential for leading roles in major Hollywood productions.
Rising Star: Transition to Adult Roles
The early 2000s marked a period of significant growth and transition for Scarlett Johansson. As she moved from teenage roles to more mature characters, she continued to build a reputation for choosing diverse and challenging projects. In 2001, she starred in “Ghost World,” a dark comedy based on the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes. Her performance as Rebecca, a cynical and disaffected teenager, earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards.
One of Johansson’s most iconic early roles came in 2003 with Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation.” Starring opposite Bill Murray, Johansson played Charlotte, a young woman experiencing a quarter-life crisis while in Tokyo. Her performance was widely acclaimed, earning her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and cementing her status as a serious actress in the industry. The film’s critical and commercial success introduced Johansson to a global audience and showcased her ability to carry a film with subtlety and emotional depth.
Establishing Herself: Mainstream Success
Following the success of “Lost in Translation,” Scarlett Johansson continued to take on a variety of roles that demonstrated her range as an actress. In 2004, she starred in the historical drama “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” based on the novel by Tracy Chevalier. Playing the role of Griet, a young maid who becomes the muse of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Johansson received her second BAFTA nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
Johansson’s versatility was further showcased in 2005 with her performances in Woody Allen’s “Match Point” and the sci-fi action film “The Island.” In “Match Point,” she played Nola Rice, an American actress entangled in a tumultuous affair in London. The role earned her a third Golden Globe nomination and solidified her collaboration with Woody Allen, with whom she would work on several more films, including “Scoop” (2006) and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008).
In 2006, Johansson also starred in Brian De Palma’s “The Black Dahlia,” a neo-noir crime thriller, and in Christopher Nolan’s “The Prestige,” playing the assistant and lover of a magician. These roles further established her as a versatile actress capable of handling different genres, from period dramas to psychological thrillers.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe and Global Fame
In 2010, Scarlett Johansson took on one of her most famous roles to date, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in “Iron Man 2.” Her portrayal of the skilled and enigmatic spy brought her widespread recognition and introduced her to a new generation of fans. The role required intense physical preparation and showcased her ability to handle action-packed performances.
Johansson reprised her role as Black Widow in several MCU films, including “The Avengers” (2012), “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014), “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015), “Captain America: Civil War” (2016), “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019). Each appearance further solidified her status as a key player in one of the most successful film franchises in history. In 2021, Johansson starred in her character’s standalone film, “Black Widow,” which delved into Natasha Romanoff’s backstory and provided a fitting send-off to her decade-long portrayal of the character.
Beyond the MCU: Diverse Roles and Critical Acclaim
While Johansson’s role in the MCU brought her global fame, she continued to pursue a variety of projects that showcased her range as an actress. In 2013, she starred in the critically acclaimed film “Her,” directed by Spike Jonze. Voicing the AI operating system Samantha, Johansson delivered a compelling and emotive performance purely through her voice, earning her praise for her ability to convey deep emotion without being physically present on screen.
That same year, she took on the role of an alien seductress in Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin,” a haunting and experimental film that further demonstrated her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles. Her performance was widely praised, with critics noting her ability to convey a sense of otherworldliness and vulnerability.
Johansson’s work in 2014’s “Lucy,” directed by Luc Besson, saw her in the role of a woman who gains extraordinary cognitive abilities after a drug is absorbed into her bloodstream. The film was a commercial success and highlighted Johansson’s ability to lead a high-concept action film.
In 2019, Johansson delivered two of the most acclaimed performances of her career. She starred in Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” alongside Adam Driver, playing an actress going through a painful divorce. Her portrayal of Nicole Barber earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. That same year, she received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit,” a satirical comedy-drama set during World War II. Johansson played Rosie, the loving and morally upright mother of the film’s protagonist, showcasing her ability to balance humor and pathos.
Personal Life and Activism
Scarlett Johansson’s personal life has often been the subject of media attention. She married Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds in 2008, but the couple divorced in 2011. In 2014, she married French journalist Romain Dauriac, with whom she has a daughter, Rose Dorothy Dauriac. The couple divorced in 2017. In October 2020, Johansson married comedian and “Saturday Night Live” writer Colin Jost. They welcomed their first child together, a son named Cosmo, in August 2021.
Beyond her acting career, Johansson is known for her activism and philanthropy. She has been involved in various charitable causes, including aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the USA Harvest program, which provides food for people in need. She has also been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and has supported Planned Parenthood and Time’s Up, an organization founded to combat sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace.
Johansson has used her platform to speak out on political issues, including endorsing candidates and participating in marches and rallies. Her commitment to social and political causes reflects her desire to use her influence for positive change.
Legacy and Impact
Scarlett Johansson’s career is marked by a blend of commercial success and critical acclaim. Her ability to navigate between blockbuster franchises like the MCU and independent films demonstrates her versatility and dedication to her craft. She has consistently chosen roles that challenge her as an actress, earning her a reputation as one of the most talented and respected performers of her generation.
Her impact extends beyond her filmography. Johansson’s success has paved the way for more female-led action films and has challenged traditional notions of what roles women can play in Hollywood. Her advocacy for women’s rights and social justice issues further highlights her influence both on and off the screen.
As of 2024, Scarlett Johansson continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, with several upcoming projects that promise to further showcase her talents. Her enduring appeal and commitment to her craft ensure that she will remain a significant and influential figure in Hollywood for years to come.