Anything can happen on the streets of Paris, including surprise video calls with Hollywood royalty. Over the weekend, YouTuber Marlon LuGa experienced an unexpected brush with fame when he was introduced to Natalie Portman via FaceTime, courtesy of her son, Aleph. The encounter took place during a live-streamed soccer event, where LuGa was approached by the 13-year-old.
Aleph, who is the son of Portman and her ex-husband, Benjamin Millepied, introduced himself by referencing his mother’s iconic role in the Star Wars prequels. “You know Star Wars? Padmé Amidala?” he asked, before revealing, “Well, that’s my mom. Can you give a shoutout to my mom?”
LuGa, taken aback by the revelation, confirmed the connection through family photos Aleph shared on his phone. The YouTuber seized the opportunity to FaceTime Portman, who appeared on screen to greet him warmly. “Nice to meet you. I hope you’re having a great day,” Portman said before ending the call.
Behind the Scenes: Portman’s Private Life
Natalie Portman, known for her roles in Black Swan and the Star Wars franchise, has kept her family life relatively private. Her interaction with LuGa provided fans with a rare glimpse into her world. Aleph’s casual introduction of his mother as Padmé Amidala amused many, highlighting the unique position of celebrity children.
Portman and Millepied, who share two children, Aleph and Amalia, met on the set of Black Swan in 2010. Their marriage lasted over a decade before they parted ways in March 2024. Despite their separation, the family remains a unit, as evidenced by Aleph’s proud introduction of his mother.
The Star Wars Legacy
This isn’t the first time Portman and her son have made headlines. Previously, Portman shared a memorable moment with Mark Hamill, who played her onscreen son, Luke Skywalker, at the 2024 Golden Globes. The encounter was a long-awaited meeting for both actors, who had never met in person despite their shared cinematic history.
“Now I have finally met my ‘mother,’ thanks to the @goldenglobes,” Hamill wrote on social media after their meeting.
The Star Wars franchise continues to connect generations, both on and off-screen. Portman’s role as Padmé Amidala remains a cultural touchstone, and her unexpected appearance in LuGa’s video underscores the enduring appeal of the series.
Public Reactions and Cultural Impact
The video call quickly went viral, with fans expressing delight at the candid interaction. LuGa himself admitted to having had a crush on Portman’s character when he was younger, a sentiment shared by many who grew up with the prequels.
Comments flooded in, with one user noting, “He looks just like her too! Imagine saying ‘Padmé Amidala is my mom.'” Another added, “That’s my mom 🩷🌷 biggest flex, he’s so proud.”
Such interactions highlight the unique experiences of celebrity families and the public’s fascination with them. The incident also illustrates the power of social media in bridging the gap between celebrities and their fans, creating moments of genuine connection.
Looking Ahead
As for LuGa, the encounter was a memorable highlight, adding a personal touch to his content. For Portman, it was another reminder of her lasting impact on pop culture and the personal connections her roles have fostered.
While Portman continues to focus on her career and family, moments like these offer a glimpse into the human side of stardom. As fans eagerly await her next projects, her unexpected cameo in LuGa’s video serves as a delightful reminder of her enduring charm and the legacy of the characters she has brought to life.
