50 Facts About Gal Gadot

Early Life and Background

Gal Gadot's journey to stardom began in Israel, where her roots and early experiences shaped her into the person she is today.

1. Gal Gadot was born in Petah Tikva, Israel, to Jewish parents. Her family later moved to Rosh HaAyin, where she grew up.
2. Her parents, Michael and Irit (née Weiss), were both born in Israel. Her father is an engineer, and her mother is a teacher. Her maternal grandfather, Abraham Weiss, was a Holocaust survivor from Czechoslovakia.
3. In Hebrew, Gal Gadot’s first name means "wave," and her last name means "riverbanks."
4. As a child, Gadot required speech therapy due to a speech disorder.
5. She was an athletic child, studying dance for 12 years and playing various sports like volleyball, tennis, and basketball. Her height of 5’10” (1.78 m) helped her join her high school’s basketball team.
6. Gadot’s first job was at Burger King.

Military Service and Miss Israel

Before stepping into the world of acting, Gadot had a unique set of experiences that included serving in the military and winning a beauty pageant.

7. At the age of 20, Gadot served for two years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). She described her time in the army as a period where she gave up her freedom for discipline and respect.
8. Gadot won the Miss Israel pageant in 2004, representing Israel at the Miss Universe beauty pageant later that year.

Modeling and Early Career

Gadot's early career saw her transitioning from modeling to acting, setting the stage for her future success.

9. She began modeling in the late 2000s, becoming one of the highest-earning fashion models in Israel by 2013.
10. Gadot is the face of Gucci’s Bamboo perfume.
11. In 2019, she formed her production company, Pilot Wave, alongside her husband Yaron Varsano. The company has announced several projects, including biographical films about important female historical figures like Irena Sendler, Hedy Lamarr, and Cleopatra.

Personal Life

Gadot's personal life, including her marriage and children, plays a significant role in her story.

12. Gadot is married to Yaron Varsano, whom she wed in 2008. They have four children: Alma, Maya, and two other daughters whose names have not been publicly disclosed.
13. Gadot initially wanted to be a choreographer but eventually pursued acting.
14. After winning Miss Israel, Gadot studied law before deciding to pursue acting full-time.

Breakthrough in Acting

Gadot's acting career took off with roles in major films, leading to her iconic portrayal of Wonder Woman.

15. During her college days, Gadot was asked to audition for the role of the love interest in James Bond’s Quantum of Solace (2008). Although she didn’t get the part, it sparked her interest in acting.
16. Her first acting role was in the Israeli TV series Bubot.
17. Gadot made her film debut in Fast & Furious (2009) as Gisele Yashar. She reprised this role in several sequels, including Fast Five (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), and Furious 7 (2015).
18. In 2010, she appeared in Date Night and Knight and Day.
19. Gadot had a supporting role in the Israeli feature Kicking Out Shoshana (2014).
20. She appeared with Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Costner in Criminal (2016) and with Isla Fisher and Jon Hamm in Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016).

Becoming Wonder Woman

Gadot's portrayal of Wonder Woman catapulted her to international fame and solidified her status as a leading actress.

21. Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) marked her entry into the DC Extended Universe.
22. Her solo film Wonder Woman (2017) was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $820 million globally.
23. Gadot reprised her role as Wonder Woman in Justice League (2017), an ensemble superhero film featuring Ben Affleck as Batman and Jason Momoa as Aquaman.
24. She again played Wonder Woman in Wonder Woman 1984, which was released in 2020.
25. Gadot’s character was included in Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of Justice League, released in 2021.

Recent Projects

Gadot continues to take on diverse roles in various films, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

26. She starred in the Netflix action-comedy film Red Notice (2021) alongside Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson.
27. Gadot appeared in the mystery film Death on the Nile (2022), based on Agatha Christie’s novel.
28. She reprised her role as Wonder Woman in Shazam Fury of the Gods (2023).
29. Gadot made a cameo appearance as Gisele Yashar in Fast X.
30. She starred in the Netflix action film Heart of Stone as Rachel Stone.

Personal Interests and Philanthropy

Beyond acting, Gadot has various interests and engages in philanthropic activities.

31. Gadot is a motorcycle enthusiast and owns a black 2006 Ducati Monster-S2R.
32. While not filming Wonder Woman 1984, she visited patients at Inova Children's Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia.
33. Gadot has a strong sense of her Jewish and Israeli identity, which she emphasizes through her work and public appearances.
34. She believes that her military service was crucial in shaping her discipline and respect for others.
35. Gadot feels that there aren’t enough good roles for strong women in films. She is proud of her role as Gisele in The Fast Saga, describing her as an empowering woman.

Fun Facts

Some lesser-known facts about Gadot add more depth to her fascinating persona.

36. Gadot revealed that she intentionally smirked in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to show Wonder Woman’s confidence and readiness for battle.
37. Despite some initial backlash from fans regarding her casting as Wonder Woman, Gadot remains confident in her abilities and has learned to handle criticism.
38. Gadot has spoken about her personal life, including her marriage and children. She has also shared her experiences as a mother and wife.
39. Her height of 5’10” (1.78 m) helped her join her high school basketball team, although she admits she wasn’t an amazing shooter but excelled on defense.
40. Gadot’s family has a tradition of changing their last name to Hebrew surnames upon moving to Israel, which they did from Greenstein to Gadot.

Heritage and Hobbies

Gadot's heritage and hobbies provide a glimpse into her life beyond the screen.

41. Her maternal grandfather was a Holocaust survivor from Czechoslovakia, connecting her to a significant historical event.
42. Gadot studied dance for 12 years, including ballet, hip-hop, and modern jazz.
43. She played volleyball, tennis, and basketball in her youth, showcasing her athletic prowess.
44. *Gadot’s first film role audition was for Quantum of Solace, which although unsuccessful, sparked her interest in acting.
45. Before transitioning to films, she appeared in several Israeli TV shows like Bubot and Asfur.

Legacy and Impact

Gadot's impact on the film industry and her efforts to highlight strong female characters are noteworthy.

46. Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman has made her an international icon, recognized globally for her role in the DC Extended Universe.
47. Through Pilot Wave Productions, she aims to produce more films that highlight strong female characters and historical figures.
48. Gadot has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including visiting children’s hospitals and supporting charitable causes.
49. Her passion for motorcycles is evident through her ownership of a black 2006 Ducati Monster-S2R, reflecting her adventurous spirit.
50. Gal Gadot’s impact on the film industry extends beyond her acting career. She has inspired countless young women and girls around the world with her portrayal of Wonder Woman, embodying strength, courage, and empowerment.

Gal Gadot: A True Icon

Gal Gadot’s journey from beauty pageant contestant to international superstar is nothing short of inspiring. Her military service in the Israel Defense Forces and her athletic background have shaped her into the disciplined, strong woman we see on screen. Winning Miss Israel in 2004 was just the beginning. Gadot’s roles in the Fast & Furious series and as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe have cemented her status as a global icon. Beyond acting, she’s a philanthropist, motorcycle enthusiast, and a proud mother. Her production company, Pilot Wave, aims to bring more strong female characters to the forefront. Gadot’s dedication to her craft, her heritage, and her family makes her a true role model. She’s not just a superhero on screen; she’s a hero in real life, inspiring countless fans around the world.