Scarlett Johansson's Full Biography
Scarlett Johansson's commitment to her craft is evident in the range of characters she has portrayed throughout her career. From her breakout role in Lost in Translation to her captivating performance as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johansson has consistently delivered compelling and memorable performances.
Whether she is playing a vulnerable and introspective character in a dramatic film or a fierce and determined action hero, Johansson brings depth and authenticity to every role she takes on.
Early Life/Education
Scarlett Ingrid Johansson was born to Karsten Johansson, an architect, and Melanie Sloan, a producer. She has three siblings: Vanessa, Adrian, and Hunter. Johansson's mother worked as her manager for a period during her early acting career.
Johansson showed an interest in acting at a young age and began auditioning for commercials and films as a child. She made her acting debut at the age of eight in the off-Broadway production of "Sophistry" (1993) and went on to appear in several films during her early years.
Johansson attended the Professional Children's School in Manhattan, which caters to child actors and performers, to balance her education with her burgeoning acting career. Her early experiences in the entertainment industry led her to pursue acting as a full-time profession.
Career
Scarlett Johansson's acting career began at a young age with her debut in the off-Broadway production "Sophistry" at the age of eight. She gained critical acclaim for her role in the 1996 film "Manny & Lo," which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead.
Johansson's breakthrough came with the dark comedy Ghost World (2001), where she played the role of Rebecca alongside Thora Birch. Her performance earned her widespread recognition and established her as a rising star in Hollywood.
From there, Scarlett Johansson took on one of her most celebrated performances in Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation (2003), where she portrayed Charlotte, a young woman finding herself in Tokyo. The role earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
ScarJo joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Natasha Romanoff, or Black Widow. She appeared in numerous MCU films, including Iron Man 2 (2010), The Avengers (2012), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Black Widow (2021). Her portrayal of Black Widow, the female superhero who is a skilled spy and assassin, garnered praise from both enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
Scarlett's performances brought depth and complexity to the character, showcasing Black Widow's vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Her on-screen chemistry with her fellow Avengers further built up her status as one of the most beloved characters in the MCU.
Other Notable Films: Johansson's filmography is filled with diverse and acclaimed roles. Some of her other notable films include Match Point (2005), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Her (2013), Under the Skin (2013), Jojo Rabbit (2019), and Marriage Story (2019). In Match Point, Johansson delivers a captivating performance as Nola Rice, a struggling actress caught in a web of deceit and desire. Her portrayal showcased her versatility as an actress. Similarly, in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Johansson shines as the free-spirited Cristina, navigating a complicated love triangle in Barcelona. Her chemistry with co-stars Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem is palpable, making the film a standout in her career.
Her, places Johansson in a unique role as she lends her voice to the operating system Samantha, creating a captivating and believable connection between her character and Joaquin Phoenix's. Johansson's voice acting in the film is both alluring and emotionally nuanced, adding depth to the unconventional love story. This role further demonstrates her ability to captivate audiences without even appearing on screen.
In addition to her work in films, Johansson has appeared in various theater productions. She made her Broadway debut in the play "A View from the Bridge" (2010) and received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for her performance.
Scarlett Johansson is also a singer and released her debut studio album, "Anywhere I Lay My Head," in 2008. The album featured covers of Tom Waits songs and showcased her singing talent.
Business Ventures
In 2014, Scarlett Johansson became the global brand ambassador for SodaStream, a company that produces home carbonation systems. Her partnership with SodaStream aimed to promote environmentally friendly practices and reduce plastic bottle waste by encouraging people to make their own sparkling water at home.
In 2016, Johansson co-founded Yummy Pop, a gourmet popcorn shop located in the Marais district of Paris, France. The shop offered a variety of unique popcorn flavors and aimed to provide a high-quality snacking experience for its customers.
Personal Life
Johansson has been married multiple times. Her first marriage was to actor Ryan Reynolds in 2008, but the couple divorced in 2011.
She then married French journalist Romain Dauriac in 2014, and they have a daughter named Rose Dorothy. Johansson and Dauriac divorced in 2017.
Following her divorce from Dauriac, she began dating comedian Colin Jost, and they got engaged in May 2019. The couple got married in an intimate ceremony in October 2020. They share a son together, Cosmo.
Net Worth
According to Parade, Scarlett has a net worth of $165 million. The Marvel Universe has a lot to do with that. According to Average Being, she has collectively made $102 million from the eight movies.
Activism
Johansson is known for her involvement in various social and political causes. She has supported organizations working on issues like cancer research, AIDS awareness, and women's rights.
Controversy
Whitewashing Controversy: Johansson faced criticism for accepting roles in films where she portrayed characters of non-white ethnicities. In particular, her casting as the lead character, Major Motoko Kusanagi, in the live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga Ghost in the Shell (2017) sparked accusations of whitewashing, as the character is originally depicted as Japanese. The casting choice ignited debates about Hollywood's lack of representation and opportunities for actors of Asian descent.
Transgender Casting Controversy: In 2018, Johansson was initially cast as the lead in the film Rub & Tug, where she was supposed to portray a transgender man. The casting drew widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and the transgender community, who argued that a cisgender actress should not portray a transgender character, as it perpetuates the marginalization of transgender actors in the industry. After the backlash, Johansson eventually stepped down from the role.
Comments on Political Correctness in Casting: In an interview in 2019, Johansson expressed her views on political correctness in casting decisions, stating that she should be allowed to play any person or tree. Her comments received backlash from some who felt that she was downplaying the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
