Historical Figure
Gal Gadot
b. 1985
Israeli actress (born 1985)
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Biography
Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress. She gained recognition for portraying Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe films (2016–2023). In 2018, Gadot was named one of Time's 100 most influential people and ranked by Forbes as the tenth-highest-paid actress, later rising to third in 2020. She became the first Israeli actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.
In Their Own Words (5)
I want people to have a good impression of Israel. I don't feel like I'm an ambassador for my country, but I do talk about Israel a lot - I enjoy telling people about where I come from and my religion.
Jill Sherman, "Gal Gadot: Soldier, Model, Wonder Woman", (2018), p. 13. , 2018
I told them that I wanted to be able to show the stronger side of women. I didn’t want to do the obvious role that you see in Hollywood most of the time, which is the heartbroken girl who’s waiting to be rescued by the guy, blah, blah, blah.
Interview, (August 2015); as qtd. in Debbie Emery, "First Look at ‘Wonder Woman’ Gal Gadot’s Sizzling Interview Magazine Spread (Exclusive Photo)", The Wrap, (July 22, 2015). , 2015
I taught gymnastics and calisthenics. The soldiers loved me because I made them fit.
"The Chosen Ones: Israeli Defense Forces", Maxim, (Dec 14, 2015). , 2015
I definitely have a strong sense of my Jewish and Israeli identity. I did my two-year military service; I was brought up in a very Jewish, Israeli family environment, so of course my heritage is very important to me.
"TotallyJewish.com", (2011); as qtd. in "Meet Wonder Woman: Gal Gadot", by Luchina Fisher, ABC News, (December 4, 2013). , 2011
There aren’t enough good roles for strong women. I wish we had more female writers. Most of the female characters you see in films today are ‘the poor heartbroken girl.’ That’s why I’m so proud of the Fast movies. I feel like Giselle is an empowering woman. I think I speak for the majority of female actors when I say we need stronger roles. My biggest challenge is to find more strong parts.”* A baby comes with such responsibility. Once you become a mother, you always have a guilt trip. You always try to do the best, but you feel you can always be better.
The Stndrd, (2013) as qtd. in "5 reasons Gal Gadot is a woman who kicks ass", Jessica Derschowitz, Entertainment Weekly, (July 07, 2015). , 2013
Timeline
The story of Gal Gadot, told in moments.
Wins Miss Israel at 18. Serves two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat trainer. A Maxim photoshoot during her service boosts her public profile. She later credits the military with teaching her discipline and self-confidence.
Cast as Gisele Yashar in Fast & Furious. She auditions without knowing what the role is. Her military background and weapons training help her land the part. She'll reprise it in four sequels over the next decade.
Wonder Woman opens to $103 million domestic. She'd first appeared in the role in Batman v Superman the year before. It's the first female-led superhero blockbuster. She performs many of her own stunts, including some while five months pregnant during reshoots.
Becomes the first Israeli actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond acting, she's co-founded a production company, launched a food brand, and invested in Israeli startups.
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