Early life
Johansson grew up in a household with "little money",[16] and with a mother who was a "film buff".[17] She and her twin brother attended PS 41 elementary school in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan.[18] Johansson began her theatrical training by attending and graduating from Professional Children's School in Manhattan in 2002.[19]
Acting career
Early roles
Johansson began acting during childhood, after her mother started taking her to auditions. She would audition for commercials but took rejection so hard her mother began limiting her to film tryouts.[20] She made her film debut at the age of 9, as John Ritter's daughter in the 1994 fantasy comedy, North.[6] Following minor roles in the 1995 film Just Cause, as the daughter of Sean Connery and Kate Capshaw, and If Lucy Fell in 1996, she played the role of Amanda in Manny & Lo (1996). Her performance in Manny & Lo garnered a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Female,[6] and positive reviews, one noting, "[the film] grows on you, largely because of the charm of ... Scarlett Johansson",[21] while San Francisco Chronicle critic Mick LaSalle commentated on her "peaceful aura", and wrote, "If she can get through puberty with that aura undisturbed, she could become an important actress."[22]
Transition to adult roles
Johansson at the premiere of Girl with a Pearl Earring at Toronto International Film Festival in 2003
Johansson made the transition from teen roles to adult roles, with two roles in 2003.[31] In the Sofia Coppola film Lost in Translation, she played Charlotte, a listless and lonely young wife, opposite Bill Murray.[32][33] Roger Ebert wrote that he loved the film and described the performances of Johansson and Murray as "wonderful".[34] Entertainment Weekly wrote of Johansson's "embracing, restful serenity",[35] and the New York Times said, "At 18, the actress gets away with playing a 25-year-old woman by using her husky voice to test the level of acidity in the air ... Ms. Johansson is not nearly as accomplished a performer as Mr. Murray, but Ms. Coppola gets around this by using Charlotte's simplicity and curiosity as keys to her character."[36] Johansson won the BAFTA Award[37] and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.[38][39] She received nominations from a number of film critic organizations, including the Broadcast Film Critics Association[40] and the Chicago Film Critics Association.[41]
At age 18, Johansson played Griet in Peter Webber's Girl with a Pearl Earring. While noting, "Audiences feel as if they are spying on a moment of artistic inspiration when painter Vermeer creates the title work", USA Today praised her, suggesting, "[She] is having a banner year that Oscar voters should recognize."[42] In his review for the New Yorker, Anthony Lane said, "What keeps Webber's movie alive is the tenseness of the setup ... and, above all, the presence of Johansson. She is often wordless and close to plain onscreen, but wait for the ardor with which she can summon a closeup and bloom under its gaze; this is her film, not Vermeer's, all the way."[43] Owen Gleiberman, for Entertainment Weekly, wrote of her "nearly silent performance", observing, "The interplay on her face of fear, ignorance, curiosity, and sex is intensely dramatic."[44] She was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama[38] and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.[37] She was nominated by the London Film Critics' Circle,[45] the Phoenix Film Critics Society.2005–07
A young woman with tousled medium length blonde hair loosely around her shoulders and face, looking to her right, her right arm slightly behind her, stands in the middle of a group of men. She is dressed in denim jeans, a light gray short sleeved shirt and a camera hangs around her neck.
Johansson on the set of Vicky Cristina Barcelona, 2007
In July 2005, Johansson starred with Ewan McGregor in Michael Bay's science fiction film, The Island, in dual roles as Sarah Jordan and her clone, Jordan Two Delta. The film was a commercial failure[52][53] and received mixed critical reviews.[54][55] In contrast, her role as Nola, the American actress with whom Chris (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is obsessed, in the Woody Allen-directed drama Match Point, was well received. The New York Times said, "Ms. Johansson and Mr. Rhys-Meyers manage some of the best acting seen in a Woody Allen movie in a long time, escaping the archness and emotional disconnection that his writing often imposes."[56] Johansson received her fourth Golden Globe nomination,[38] and one from the Chicago Film Critics Association, for Best Supporting Actress.[41]
Johansson next had a supporting role in the Christopher Nolan thriller The Prestige (2006), again opposite Hugh Jackman, as well as Christian Bale. Nolan, who described Johansson as possessing an "ambiguity... a shielded quality",[61] said he was "very keen" for her to play the role.[62] Johansson said, "I loved working with [Christopher Nolan]. He's incredibly focused and driven and involved, and really involved in the performance in every aspect. He's incredible to watch."[63] The film was both a critical[64] and a worldwide box office[65] success, recommended by the Los Angeles Times as "an adult, provocative piece of work."[66] Also in 2006, Johansson starred in the short film 'When The Deal Goes Down, directed by Bennett Miller, set to Bob Dylan's "When the Deal Goes Down...", released to promote Dylan's album, Modern Times.[67]
Johansson starred in 2007's The Nanny Diaries, alongside Laura Linney. The film performed only marginally well at the box office,[68] and was critically panned.[69] Johansson's reviews were mixed, with Variety saying, "[She] essays an engaging heroine",[70] while The New Yorker criticized her for looking "merely confused" while "trying to give the material a plausible emotional center".[71]2008–present
In 2008, Johansson starred in The Other Boleyn Girl, with Natalie Portman and Eric Bana,[72] a film which garnered mixed reviews.[73][74] Writing for Rolling Stone, Pete Travers criticized the film for "[moving] in frustrating herks and jerks", but was more positive in his assessment of Johansson and Portman, and wrote, "What works is the combustible teaming of Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, who give the Boleyn hotties a tough core of intelligence and wit, swinging the film's sixteenth-century protofeminist issues handily into this one."[75]
In November 2011, it was reported that she planned to make her directorial debut by adapting Truman Capote's novel, Summer Crossing, with the screenplay written by playwright Tristine Skyler.[88][89][90] Johansson reprised the role of Natasha Romanoff in The Avengers in 2012. The Avengers received positive reviews[91] and was highly successful at the box office, becoming the third highest-grossing film both in the United States and worldwide.[92] In early March 2012, it was announced that Johansson had been cast as Janet Leigh in the Sacha Gervasi-directed film Hitchcock, a behind-the-scenes drama about the making of Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho.[93][94] Released in November 2012, Hitchcock received mixed to positive reviews.[95]
Johansson at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival
Johansson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 2, 2012, located at 6931 Hollywood Blvd., in front of Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum.[96] Also in 2012, Johansson was cast in Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut, Don Jon.[97] The film premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival,[98] and had its wide release in September 2013. Don Jon received positive reviews.[99] Johansson's performance was highlighted by critics; Claudia Puig of USA Today stated that she "gives one of her best performances as the bossy, gum-chewing Jersey girl".[100]
In October 2014, it was announced that Johannson will star in and executive produce the upcoming eight-episode period series The Custom of the Country, based on Edith Wharton's 1913 novel of the same name. She is set to play Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who tries to climb her way up the New York City social ladder. It will be written by Christopher Hampton.[110][111]
In 2015, Johansson again played the Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron, alongside the original cast of the first Avengers film.[119] A mixture of close-ups, concealing costumes, stunt doubles and visual effects were used to help hide Johansson's pregnancy during filming.[120]
On January 5, 2015, Variety announced that Johannson has signed on to play the lead role in a film adaptation of the Ghost in the Shell franchise, which will be directed by Rupert Sanders and produced by Avi Arad and Steven Paul.[121][122] The casting of Johansson for the film was met with criticism from many fans and critics, calling the choice "whitewashing". A petition was created in the effort to have Johansson removed from the project.[123][124]
Johansson again reprised her role as Black Widow in Captain America: Civil War, released in May 2016.[125][126]
Johansson starred as Maggie in a Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof beginning January 17, 2013.[132] Her performance received mixed reviews from critics.[133] Thom Geier, writing for Entertainment Weekly, wrote, "Scarlett Johansson brings a fierce fighting spirit to Maggie the Cat in director Rob Ashford's languorous revival ... Johansson shows a winning determination – to lure back her husband, to defend their share of his family's fortune, to maintain a sometimes shaky Southern accent."[134] On the other hand, reviewer Joe Dziemianowicz (The Daily News) called her performance "alarmingly one-note".[135]
Endorsements
Music career
Johansson with Michael Caine at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2008
In 2005, Johansson was considered for the role of Maria[144] in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End revival of The Sound of Music, though the role ultimately went to newcomer Connie Fisher (winner of the BBC talent show How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?)[145] Released on May 8, 2006, Johansson sang the track "Summertime" for Unexpected Dreams – Songs From the Stars, a non-profit collection of songs recorded by Hollywood actors. She performed with The Jesus and Mary Chain for a special Coachella Reunion Show in Indio, California in April 2007.[146]
In 2009, Johansson covered Jeff Buckley's "Last Goodbye" for the soundtrack of He's Just Not That Into You.[165] Released on September 8, 2009, she and singer/songwriter Pete Yorn recorded a collaborative album, Break Up, inspired by Serge Gainsbourg's duets with Brigitte Bardot.[166] In 2010, Steel Train released Terrible Thrills Vol. 1, which includes their favourite female artists singing songs from their self-titled album. Johansson is the first artist on the album, singing "Bullet".[167] In 2011, Johansson sang "One Whole Hour" for the soundtrack of the documentary film Wretches & Jabberers.[168][169] In 2012, Johansson added her voice to a J. Ralph track entitled "Before My Time" to the end credits of the climate documentary Chasing Ice. The song received a nomination from the Academy Awards in the "Best Original Song" category.[170]
In February 2015, Johansson formed a band called The Singles. It is made up of Este Haim from HAIM, Holly Miranda, Kendra Morris, and Julia Haltigan. The first single released by the group was called "Candy".[171] Johansson was issued a cease and desist order from the lead singer of the Los Angeles-based rock band The Singles, demanding Johansson stop using their name.[172]
Public image
Johansson's physical appearance and personality consistently score high within the US and UK male demographic. Maxim ranked her at No. 6 in their Hot 100 Issue in 2006,[173] No. 3 in 2007,[174] No. 2 in 2008,[175] No. 34 in 2009,[176] No. 14 in 2010, and[177] 2011,[178] No. 17 in 2012[179] No. 15 in 2013,[180] and No. 2 in 2014.[181] In November 2006, she was named the "Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire.[182] She appeared on the cover of the March 2006 issue of Vanity Fair in the nude alongside actress Keira Knightley and fashion designer Tom Ford.[183] In February 2007, she was named the "Sexiest Celebrity" of the year by Playboy.[184] In 2010, GQ named her its Babe of the Year.[185] In 2011, Men's Health named her one of the "100 Hottest Women of All-Time", ranking her at No. 12.[186] FHM has regularly ranked her as one of their 100 sexiest famous women since 2005.[187]During the filming of Match Point, director Woody Allen described Johansson as "sexually overwhelming", saying that he found it "very hard to be extra witty around a sexually overwhelming, beautiful young woman who is wittier than you are."[188] In 2014, New Yorker film critic Anthony Lane wrote that "she is evidently, and profitably, aware of her sultriness, and of how much, down to the last inch, it contributes to the contours of her reputation."[189]
Activism
Johansson at the 2009 premiere of He's Just Not That Into You, where she auctioned off a pair of tickets to benefit Oxfam
Charity work
In 2005, Johansson became a Global Ambassador for the aid and development agency Oxfam.[193] In March 2008, a UK-based bidder paid £20,000 on an eBay auction to benefit Oxfam, winning a hair and makeup treatment, a pair of tickets and a chauffeured trip to accompany Johansson on a 20-minute date to the world premiere of He's Just Not That Into You.[194]
Political advocacy
Johansson was registered as an independent, at least through 2008,[200] and campaigned for Democratic candidate John Kerry in the 2004 United States presidential election.[17] About George W. Bush's 2004 reelection, she said, "[I am] disappointed. I think it was a disappointment for a large percentage of the population."[201]
Johansson also campaigned for Democratic candidate Barack Obama:[202] Her efforts included appearances in Iowa during January 2008, where her efforts were targeted at younger voters;[203] an appearance at Cornell College;[204] and a speaking engagement at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota on Super Tuesday, 2008.[205] Johansson appeared in the 2008 music video for The Black Eyed Peas front man will.i.am's song, "Yes We Can", directed by Jesse Dylan, a song inspired by Obama's speech following the 2008 New Hampshire primary.[206] On February 7, 2012, Johansson and Anna Wintour hosted a fashion launch of pro-Obama clothing, bags and accessories, with proceeds going to the President's re-election campaign.[207] She addressed voters at the Democratic National Convention on September 6, 2012, calling for President Obama's reelection and for more engagement from young voters.[208] She specifically encouraged women to vote for Obama and condemned Mitt Romney for his opposition to Planned Parenthood.[209]Johansson publicly endorsed and supported Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer's 2013 run for New York City Comptroller by hosting a series of fundraisers.[210]
Personal life
Religion and relationships
Johansson celebrates a "little of both" Christmas and Hanukkah,[211][212] and has described herself as Jewish.[7]
From 2001 to 2002, while Johansson attended the Professional Children's School, she dated classmate Jack Antonoff, who went on to become the guitarist for the band Fun.[213] She dated her Black Dahlia co-star Josh Hartnett for about two years until the end of 2006, with Hartnett citing their busy lives as the reason for the split.[214]
Johansson began dating Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds in 2007,[215] and in May 2008, it was reported that they were engaged.[216] On September 27, 2008, the couple married in a quiet ceremony near Tofino, British Columbia.[215][217] They purchased a $2.8 million home together near Los Angeles.[218] On December 14, 2010, the couple announced their separation.[219] Their divorce was finalized on July 1, 2011.[220]
Following her separation from Reynolds, Johansson dated actor Sean Penn in a short-lived, but highly publicized relationship that lasted until June 2011,[221] after which Johansson entered a year-and-a-half long relationship with advertising executive Nate Naylor. The pair split up in October 2012.[222][223]
