Scarlett Johansson: Biography, Success Story, Facts

Scarlett Johansson’s biography showcases an impressive success story, highlighting her rise from a young performer to one of Hollywood’s top stars. Starting with her early acting roles and progressing to her international fame as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johansson’s life story is filled with achievements beyond the screen. With two Academy Award nominations and multiple accolades, her career is an inspiring example of hard work and talent shaping a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Scarlett Ingrid Johansson entered the world on November 22, 1984, in Manhattan, New York City. Her father, Karsten Olaf Johansson, an architect, hails from Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing rich Nordic heritage through her grandfather, Ejner Johansson, an art historian and filmmaker with Swedish roots. Her mother, Melanie Sloan from New York, is of Jewish descent, tracing her lineage back to Poland and Russia, originally bearing the surname Schlamberg. Johansson identifies with her Jewish heritage. She grew up in a bustling household with her older sister, Vanessa, who was also an actress, an older brother, Adrian, her twin Hunter, and an older half-brother, Christian, from her father’s earlier marriage. She holds both American and Danish citizenship.

In a revealing 2017 episode of Finding Your Roots on PBS, Johansson uncovered the tragic fate of her ancestors who perished in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust.

Her education began at PS 41 in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Her childhood took a turn when her parents parted ways when she was thirteen. During these formative years, her maternal grandmother, Dorothy Sloan, a bookkeeper and schoolteacher, became a central figure in her life, sharing many cherished moments that deeply influenced her.

From an early age, Johansson was drawn to the arts. She regularly entertained her family with impromptu performances. She had a deep appreciation for musical theater. Encouraged by her supportive parents, she took up tap dancing. Johansson often recounts her childhood as filled with normalcy despite these early stirrings of fame.

Her acting ambitions were ignited by a desire to emulate the emotion she saw in classic films like Meet Me in St. Louis, where Judy Garland’s performance left a lasting impact. At seven, a slight by a talent agent towards her brother instead of her only fueled her resolve. She soon enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute to hone her craft but quickly realized her passion lay not in commercials but in film and theater. This realization led her to debut in an off-Broadway play, Sophistry, with Ethan Hawke, albeit in a minor role with just two lines. Around this time, she also attended the Professional Children’s School in Manhattan, which caters to aspiring young actors.

Acting Career

1994–2002: Early Work and Breakthrough

Scarlett Johansson began her film career at age nine, debuting as John Ritter’s daughter in the fantasy comedy North (1994). From the outset, Johansson felt naturally inclined towards acting, realizing on set that she instinctively knew her role. She continued to secure minor parts, portraying the daughter of characters played by Sean Connery and Kate Capshaw in the mystery thriller Just Cause (1995) and an art student in If Lucy Fell (1996). Johansson’s first major role came in Manny & Lo (1996), where she played Amanda, the younger sister of a pregnant teenager. Her performance garnered positive feedback, with one critic from the San Francisco Chronicle praising her charm and another commenting on her peaceful presence, predicting her potential to become a significant actress. This role earned her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Female.

Following roles in Fall and Home Alone 3 (both in 1997), Johansson gained broader recognition with The Horse Whisperer (1998), directed by and starring Robert Redford. The film, adapted from Nicholas Evans’ 1995 novel, explores the healing of a traumatized teenager (Johansson) and her horse, facilitated by a gifted trainer. Redford praised Johansson’s mature performance, describing her as “13 going on 30.”¹ Critics, including Todd McCarthy from Variety, noted her ability to convey the complexity of her character’s journey. Her role in this film led to a nomination for the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Most Promising Actress and deepened her understanding of acting as an emotional manipulation.

I’m so tired of hearing casting directors ask if I have a sore throat. The people who have told me that my voice is distinctive, it’s unusual… those people have always been close to my heart.

Scarlett Johansson

Johansson’s subsequent works included My Brother the Pig (1999) and the Coen Brothers’ The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001). Her critical breakthrough occurred with Ghost World (2001), directed by Terry Zwigoff and based on Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel. Johansson, who auditioned with a tape from New York, was seen by Zwigoff as ideally eccentric for the role of a disenchanted outsider. Despite its commercial struggles, Ghost World gained cult status over time. Johansson received the Toronto Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress, recognized for her mature and compelling performance.

In 2002, Johansson took a lighter turn in the horror comedy Eight Legged Freaks, which featured giant, toxic waste-mutated spiders wreaking havoc. That same year, after graduating from the Professional Children’s School, she applied to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Despite not being accepted, she decided to concentrate fully on her acting career, undeterred by this setback.

2003–2004: Transition to Adult Roles

Scarlett Johansson made a significant leap to adult roles with two notable films in 2003: Lost in Translation and Girl with a Pearl Earring. In Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, she portrayed Charlotte, a young woman grappling with loneliness and alienation alongside Bill Murray. Inspired by Johansson’s earlier work in Manny & Lo, Coppola envisioned her akin to a youthful Lauren Bacall, echoing the dynamic between Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in The Big Sleep (1946). Johansson appreciated the unique understanding she received from a female director like Coppola. The film, made with a modest budget of $4 million, was a box office success, bringing in $119 million and receiving widespread acclaim. Critics, including Roger Ebert, lauded the performances, describing them as “wonderful,” while Entertainment Weekly highlighted Johansson’s “restful serenity”.²

In the same year, Johansson starred as Griet in Girl with a Pearl Earring, directed by Peter Webber and based on Tracy Chevalier’s novel. Johansson was selected after an extensive casting search to portray a 17th-century maid in the house of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, played by Colin Firth. She chose not to read the novel, preferring to approach the role with fresh insight. The film received favorable reviews and turned a profit. Critics praised Johansson’s performance, noting her ability to captivate through minimal dialogue, with The New Yorker and Entertainment Weekly commending her expressive and nuanced portrayal. Her role earned her nominations for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, winning the BAFTA for Lost in Translation.

These roles underscored Johansson’s adaptability and marked her as a leading actress of her generation. Despite this, 2004 was a mixed year for her. Johansson starred in three films: The Perfect Score, A Love Song for Bobby Long, and A Good Woman, all of which did not do well critically or commercially. However, her performance in A Love Song for Bobby Long, where she starred opposite John Travolta as a troubled teenager, was well-received and earned her another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Drama.

Johansson also ventured into voice acting with her role as Princess Mindy in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. She was drawn to the project by her fondness for cartoons. The film proved to be her most successful that year in terms of box office returns. She continued this role in the movie adaptation of the video game. Johansson closed the year with In Good Company, a comedy-drama where she plays a young woman who disrupts her father’s life by dating his younger boss. The film was generally well-received, with Roger Ebert praising Johansson for her compelling screen presence.

2005–2009: Collaborations with Woody Allen

In 2005, Scarlett Johansson took on the role of Nola, an aspiring actress caught in a tumultuous affair with a married man, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, in Woody Allen’s drama Match Point. Initially replacing Kate Winslet, Allen adapted the character from British to American to suit Johansson, who was eager to work with the acclaimed director despite initial nerves. Her performance was highly praised, with The New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle acknowledging her compelling presence on screen. The film was a commercial success, and Johansson received nominations for the Golden Globe and the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress.

That same year, Johansson starred alongside Ewan McGregor in Michael Bay’s science fiction film The Island, portraying Sarah Jordan and her clone, Jordan Two Delta. Despite the demanding shoot, which Johansson found exhausting, the film performed modestly at the box office and received mixed reviews.

2006 was a notable year for Johansson as she explored the intriguing world of stage magicians in two different films alongside Hugh Jackman. Allen’s Scoop saw her playing a journalism student wrapped up in a mystical murder mystery. While the film enjoyed modest box office success, it received mixed reviews, though Ebert described Johansson as “lovely as always.”³ She was also featured in Brian De Palma’s The Black Dahlia, a film noir film, where her casting was met with mixed criticism, though some reviewers praised her fit for the atmospheric style of the movie.

Additionally, Johansson appeared in the music video for Bob Dylan’s “When the Deal Goes Down…” and played an assistant and lover to Jackman’s character in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. Nolan praised Johansson for her enigmatic presence, which added depth to her character. The film was both a critical and commercial success, with some critics challenging her suitability for the role while others admired her performance.

I am very independent. I can look after myself but I still need a lot of love and care.

Scarlett Johansson

In 2007, Johansson’s performance in The Nanny Diaries was met with mixed reviews, though she tried to imbue her character, a beleaguered nanny, with a believable emotional core. The following year, she starred in The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman and Eric Bana, a film that received varied reviews but noted the cast’s strong performances.

Her third project with Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), filmed in Spain, saw Johansson as one of several love interests vying for Javier Bardem’s character alongside Penélope Cruz. The film was a significant success for Allen and received positive reviews, highlighting Johansson’s adaptable and practical performance. However, her role in The Spirit, released in the same year, faced critical panning for its perceived melodramatic and sexist tones.

In 2009, Johansson took a lighter role in the ensemble comedy-drama He’s Just Not That Into You, portraying a yoga instructor named Anna Marks. The film met with lukewarm reviews but succeeded financially, rounding out a diverse and busy decade for Johansson in the film industry.

2010–2013: Marvel, Broadway, and Global Recognition

Scarlett Johansson realized her childhood aspiration of performing on Broadway in 2010 with her role in the revival of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge. Set in a 1950s Italian American neighborhood in New York, the drama centers on Eddie (played by Liev Schreiber), who harbors inappropriate feelings for his wife’s niece, Catherine (Johansson). Initially hesitant about portraying a teenage character, Johansson was persuaded by a friend to accept the role. Critics, including Ben Brantley from The New York Times, noted her ability to fully embody her character, effectively shedding her celebrity status. Variety’s David Rooney praised her performance as the play’s highlight, earning her the 2010 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. This recognition sparked debate among some critics and Broadway actors over the awarding of mainstream Hollywood actors, to which Johansson responded by acknowledging the hard work behind her achievement.

That same year, Johansson joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Black Widow in Jon Favreau’s Iron Man 2, stepping in after Emily Blunt withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. She dyed her hair red and underwent extensive physical training to fit the role, expressing a deep connection with the character’s human qualities. The film was a financial success, grossing $623.9 million, though some critics pointed out the limited scope of her character’s involvement. In 2011, Johansson portrayed Kelly, a zookeeper, in the family-oriented film We Bought a Zoo with Matt Damon, which mainly received positive reviews and earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination.

Johansson further developed her Russian language skills for her return as Black Widow in The Avengers (2012). This major MCU ensemble film was highly praised and broke several box office records, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in the U.S. and globally. Her performance garnered multiple award nominations. That year, she also portrayed actress Janet Leigh in Sacha Gervasi’s Hitchcock, a film about the making of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Despite not closely resembling Leigh, critics appreciated her portrayal of Leigh’s spirit and humor.

In 2013, Johansson returned to Broadway in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Rob Ashford. The play explores familial relationships in the Mississippi Delta, focusing on the dynamics between Brick (Benjamin Walker) and Maggie (Johansson). Reviews of her performance were mixed, with some critics noting her commanding presence, while others found it lacking in variability. Additionally, she starred in Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut, Don Jon, where she played the girlfriend of a pornography-addicted man. The film was well-received, with Johansson’s performance earning particular praise.

Johansson also ventured into voice acting in 2013, replacing Samantha Morton as the voice of Samantha, a self-aware operating system, in Spike Jonze’s Her. The role presented unique challenges, as she recorded her parts in isolation, which she found both demanding and rewarding. Critics lauded her performance, highlighting the warmth and complexity she brought to the voice role. Her was acclaimed as one of the year’s best films, and Johansson’s contribution was crucial to its success, earning her multiple awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Furthermore, Johansson starred in Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin, a science fiction film where she plays an alien preying on men in Scotland. The role required her to drive a van and adopt an English accent, primarily interacting with non-actors in improvised scenes. Released to positive reviews, Johansson’s portrayal was a pivotal point in her career, showcasing her ability to lead in a challenging and unconventional project. The film, hailed for its innovative approach and Johansson’s performance, marked a significant chapter in her career, demonstrating her versatility and depth as an actress.

2014–2020: Marvel Success and Oscar Nominations

Continuing her journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Scarlett Johansson returned as Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). In the film, she teams up with Captain America (Chris Evans) and Falcon (Anthony Mackie) to unravel a conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. and confront the enigmatic assassin, the Winter Soldier. Johansson and Evans contributed their dialogue to enhance their on-screen dynamic. Her portrayal was noted for its depth and not just her physical prowess, bringing a new layer to her character. The film achieved critical and commercial success, grossing over $714 million globally. Critics like Odie Henderson highlighted Johansson’s emotional depth, and she received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

In 2014, Johansson also appeared in Chef, directed by Jon Favreau, alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Sofía Vergara. The film was a modest box office hit and received positive reviews, with the Chicago Sun-Times appreciating its humor and insightful narrative. In Luc Besson’s Lucy (2014), Johansson played a woman who develops psychokinetic abilities, a role that Besson specifically chose her for due to her disciplined approach and strong reaction to the script. Despite mixed reviews about the plot, Johansson’s performance and the film’s visuals were praised, contributing to its substantial box office success of $458 million.

In 2017, Johansson starred in Rupert Sanders’s Ghost in the Shell, playing Motoko Kusanagi. While the film was noted for its visuals and Johansson’s performance, it faced significant controversy over casting her, a non-Asian actress, in a role initially depicted as Asian in the source material. The film performed moderately at the box office. That year, she also made her fifth hosting appearance on Saturday Night Live, joining the show’s prestigious Five-Timers Club.

Johansson’s film Rough Night (2017) received mixed reviews and saw moderate box office returns. In 2018, she voiced a character in Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and returned as Black Widow in Avengers: Infinity War. Controversy arose again with her planned role in Rub & Tug, where she was cast as Dante “Tex” Gill, a transgender man. She eventually withdrew from the project due to backlash over her casting.

2019 was a landmark year for Johansson, reprising her role as Black Widow in Avengers: Endgame, the highest-grossing film of all time. She starred in Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story on Netflix, earning acclaim for her performance as a woman navigating a grueling divorce. This role, paralleling her personal experiences, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also played in Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, portraying a mother hiding a Jewish girl during WWII. This role offered her a chance to explore comedy and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the few actors nominated for two Oscars in the same year. Her performances in both films also led to BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, marking an exceptional period in her career.

2021–Present: Black Widow Lawsuit and New Ventures

After a year away from the screen, Scarlett Johansson returned as Black Widow in her solo prequel film in 2021, where she also served as an executive producer. Co-starring Florence Pugh, the movie, set after Captain America: Civil War, follows Johansson’s character as she confronts her past while on the run. Johansson saw this as a concluding chapter for her role, appreciating the opportunity to explore her character’s independence and resilience during challenging times. The film received positive reviews, particularly for the performances of Johansson and Pugh. Critics from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline Hollywood praised it as a fitting showcase for Johansson’s talents in both action and acting. She won The Female Movie Star of 2021 at the 47th People’s Choice Awards and reprised her voice role as Ash in Sing 2.

In July 2021, Johansson sued Disney, alleging that releasing Black Widow simultaneously on Disney+ violated her contract, which stipulated an exclusive theatrical release. She claimed this decision deprived her of potential earnings tied to the box office performance. Disney countered by highlighting her substantial $20 million salary and suggested that the streaming release was a bonus opportunity for her to earn more. The dispute, marked by public exchanges about pandemic sensitivities and personal attacks, concluded in September 2021 with an undisclosed settlement reportedly over $40 million. Despite the conflict, Johansson and Disney intended to continue collaborating on future projects.

Johansson’s recent work includes leading the ensemble cast in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023), her second film to debut at the Cannes Film Festival since Match Point (2005). Despite taking a significant pay cut for the project, Johansson found Anderson’s precise directorial style liberating. Her performance was well-received, with critics noting her adeptness at blending reality and whimsy. She also appeared in Kristin Scott Thomas’s directorial debut, North Star, portraying one of three sisters attending their mother’s wedding, though her British accent in the film drew some criticism.

Expanding her role in the industry, Johansson founded the production company These Pictures and produced and starred in Fly Me to the Moon (2024), a romantic comedy set during the Space Race opposite Channing Tatum. The film was noted for the dynamic between Johansson and Tatum. Looking ahead, Johansson will voice a character in Transformers One, join Wes Anderson again in The Phoenician Scheme, and make her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great. Additionally, she is set to join the Jurassic Park franchise in Jurassic World Rebirth, further broadening her already diverse career.

Music Career

Scarlett Johansson began her music career in 2006 by performing “Summertime” for Unexpected Dreams – Songs from the Stars, a compilation featuring Hollywood actors. In 2007, she appeared with the Jesus and Mary Chain at their Coachella reunion show and starred in Justin Timberlake’s What Goes Around… Comes Around music video, earning a Video of the Year nomination at the MTV Video Music Awards.

In 2008, Johansson released her debut album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, which featured one original song and ten covers of Tom Waits’ music. With contributions from David Bowie and members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Celebration, the album received a mixed response. Some critics praised it as “surprisingly alluring” and “a brilliant album” with “ghostly magic,” while others were less enthusiastic.⁴ It reached number 126 on the Billboard 200, and NME ranked it as the 23rd-best album of 2008. Johansson, a longtime fan of Waits, shared her admiration for his distinctive sound and lyrics.

In September 2009, Johansson teamed up with Pete Yorn to release Break Up, an album inspired by the duets of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot. The album climbed to number 41 on the US charts. In 2010, she contributed a cover of “Bullet” for Steel Train’s Terrible Thrills Vol. 1. She also performed “One Whole Hour” for the 2011 documentary Wretches & Jabberers and collaborated with J. Ralph on “Before My Time” for the documentary Chasing Ice in 2012.

In 2015, Johansson formed a band called The Singles alongside Este Haim, Holly Miranda, Kendra Morris, and Julia Haltigan. Their debut single, “Candy,” was released in February, but legal complications arose when another band with the same name issued a cease and desist order. Despite this setback, Johansson continued her musical endeavors, contributing “Trust in Me” for The Jungle Book soundtrack in 2016 and providing vocals for Sing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, with tracks like “Set It All Free” and “I Don’t Wanna.” In 2018, Johansson reunited with Pete Yorn to release an EP titled Apart, further demonstrating her musical abilities.

Public Image

Scarlett Johansson has often been portrayed as a sex symbol in the media. By age 17, while filming Lost in Translation, she observed that she was being molded into a “bombshell-type” actor.⁵ The Sydney Morning Herald described her as “the embodiment of male fantasy,”⁶ and Woody Allen, during the production of Match Point, called her “beautiful” and “sexually overwhelming.”⁷ In a 2014 review, Anthony Lane from The New Yorker noted her self-awareness of this perception and its impact on her public image. Despite the attention, Johansson has expressed discomfort with being sexualized, pointing out that such allure is temporary and expressing frustration over the assumption that her strength is tied solely to her looks. This typecasting even cost her the role of Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, as the director felt she was “too sexy.” By 2016, Johansson voiced concerns about the physical demands of her role as Black Widow, particularly the skin-tight costume.

Some fans and media outlets call her “ScarJo,” a nickname she finds offensive and dismissive. Unlike many celebrities, Johansson avoids social media, prioritizing her privacy over public exposure.

Johansson's beauty has been widely recognized in various rankings. Maxim featured her in their Hot 100 list from 2006 to 2014, and Esquire named her "Sexiest Woman Alive" twice, in 2006 and 2013. Similar accolades came from Playboy, Men's Health, and FHM. She was also named GQ's "Babe of the Year" in 2010. In 2022, she expanded her career by co-founding a plant-based skincare line, The Outset, with Kate Foster.

Her influence extends beyond the film industry. She joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in June 2004 and has appeared on Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list multiple times. Johansson earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2012 and was included in Time’s 100 list in 2021. Her earning power has repeatedly placed her among the highest-paid actresses, leading Forbes’ list in 2018 and 2019. She is also the third-highest-grossing box-office star globally and the highest-grossing actress in North America, with her films earning over $14.3 billion worldwide.

In advertising, Johansson has endorsed brands such as Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, L’Oréal, and Louis Vuitton. She has represented Mango since 2009 and became the first Hollywood celebrity to endorse a champagne house, Moët & Chandon. However, her endorsement of SodaStream sparked controversy due to the company’s operations in Israeli-occupied territory. In May 2024, Johansson criticized OpenAI for using a voice resembling hers in a chatbot without permission, underscoring her continued control over her image and voice.

Personal Life

While attending the Professional Children’s School, Scarlett Johansson dated classmate Jack Antonoff from 2001 to 2002. She then dated her Black Dahlia co-star Josh Hartnett for about two years, ending their relationship in 2006 due to conflicting schedules. In April 2007, Johansson began dating Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds. They became engaged in May 2008 and married in September 2008 on Vancouver Island. They separated in December 2010 and finalized their divorce in July 2011. Reflecting on the marriage, Johansson mentioned that she was only 23 when they wed and had a romanticized view of marriage.

In November 2012, Johansson started dating Romain Dauriac, the owner of a French advertising agency. They became engaged in September 2013 and split their time between New York and Paris. The couple welcomed their daughter, Rose, in 2014 and married in Montana in October of the same year. Their separation came in mid-2016, and Johansson filed for divorce in March 2017. Despite Dauriac’s request to withdraw the case, the divorce was finalized in September 2017.

Johansson began a relationship with Saturday Night Live co-head writer and Weekend Update host Colin Jost in May 2017. They got engaged in May 2019 and married in October 2020 at their home in New York. The couple welcomed a son in August 2021. Johansson currently splits her time between New York and Los Angeles.

In September 2011, private nude photographs of Johansson, originally sent to Ryan Reynolds, were leaked after her phone was hacked. In 2014, she won a lawsuit against French publisher JC Lattès for false claims about her personal life in the novel The First Thing We Look At.

Johansson has been outspoken against media portrayals of women that encourage unhealthy dieting and eating disorders. In a Huffington Post essay, she advocated for maintaining a healthy body image. In March 2006, she stirred controversy by posing nude with Keira Knightley on the cover of Vanity Fair, sparking a debate over gender expectations in the media.

Although Johansson did not grow up in a religious household, she identifies as Jewish.

Philanthropy

Scarlett Johansson has been actively involved with various charitable organizations such as Aid Still Required, Cancer Research UK, Stand Up To Cancer, Too Many Women (fighting against breast cancer), and USA Harvest, which distributes food to people in need. In 2005, she took on the role of global ambassador for Oxfam, a significant international aid and development agency. Her commitment to humanitarian causes continued as she joined the 2007 anti-poverty campaign ONE, initiated by Bono from U2. A noteworthy moment in her charitable work came in March 2008 when a UK-based eBay auction for Oxfam raised £20,000. The winning bidder received a hair and makeup treatment, tickets, and a chauffeured trip to join her on a 20-minute date to the premiere of He’s Just Not That into You.

Johansson’s association with Oxfam ended in January 2014 following her promotion of SodaStream, whose operations in an Israeli settlement conflicted with Oxfam’s stance against such trade. Despite the parting, Oxfam expressed gratitude for her efforts, which raised substantial funds to combat poverty. Alongside her Avengers co-stars, Johansson helped raise $500,000 for the victims of Hurricane Maria.

In 2018, Johansson was among 300 women in Hollywood who founded the Time’s Up initiative to protect women from harassment and discrimination. She also participated in the Women’s March in Los Angeles, addressing issues like abuses of power and calling out James Franco for allegations of sexual misconduct while reflecting on her previous defense of Woody Allen, which sparked criticism.

Additionally, Johansson supports Operation Warrior Wellness, a segment of the David Lynch Foundation that aids veterans in learning Transcendental Meditation. This cause is personal as her grand-uncle, Phillip Schlamberg, was the last American pilot killed in WWII, making her advocacy a tribute to his memory.

Political Views

Historically, Scarlett Johansson has engaged actively in American politics. Initially registered as an independent, she campaigned for Democratic candidate John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election and expressed disappointment with George W. Bush’s re-election. Her political activism continued as she supported Barack Obama in the 2008 and 2012 elections, participating in events to mobilize young voters and contributing to campaign fundraising efforts. She made a notable appearance in the music video for will.i.am‘s “Yes We Can,” inspired by Obama’s speeches.

Johansson also supported Scott Stringer’s 2013 run for New York City Comptroller by hosting fundraisers. In the 2016 presidential election, she endorsed Hillary Clinton, participating in a star-studded commercial to encourage voter turnout. Her advocacy extended to speaking at the Women’s March on Washington in 2017, where she expressed conditional support for Donald Trump’s presidency depending on his actions toward women’s rights.

During the 2020 Democratic primaries, Johansson endorsed Elizabeth Warren, praising her as “thoughtful and progressive but realistic.”⁸ Her political influence was highlighted again in December 2020 when three members of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights were released from prison shortly after Johansson spotlighted their detention and called for their release.

Final Reflections

Scarlett Johansson’s life story continues to inspire, demonstrating the power of perseverance and skill in crafting a lasting success story. From her debut on stage and screen to her iconic roles in blockbuster films, her biography is a testament to her influence in the industry. As her career evolves, Johansson’s success story serves as a reminder of her impact, not only as a talented actress but as a global icon with a lasting legacy.

Reference List for Scarlett Johansson’s Biography

1. Delmar, Peter. Scarlett Johansson. Raintree, 2016, p. 12. ISBN 978-1-4747-2338-1 ↩︎
2. Ebert, Roger. “Lost in Translation.” Chicago Sun-Times, 12 Sept. 2003, archived copy. ↩︎
3. Ebert, Roger. “Scoop Movie Review & Film Summary (2006).” RogerEbert.com, 28 July 2006 ↩︎
4. Elan, Priya. “Scarlett Johansson – Anywhere I Lay My Head.” NME, 2 May 2008. ↩︎
5. Sharf, Zack. “Scarlett Johansson: I Was ‘Kind of Groomed’ Into Being a ‘Bombshell-Type Actor’ and ‘I Couldn’t Get Out of It’.” Variety, 13 Dec. 2022. ↩︎
6. Ryzik, Melena. “Local Favourite.” The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 Sept. 2007, archived copy. ↩︎
7. Hill, Logan. “And God Created Scarlett.” New York, 3 July 2007. ↩︎
8. Fernandez, Alexis. “Scarlett Johansson Supports Elizabeth Warren for President: She’s ‘Thoughtful and Progressive’.” People, 4 Sept. 2019. ↩︎

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