Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and model renowned for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe films, a role that has solidified her status as a global icon. Born on April 30, 1985, in Rosh Ha'Ayin, Israel, Gadot first gained prominence when she won the title of Miss Israel in 2004. This early recognition, combined with her compelling screen presence, set the stage for a remarkable career in both modeling and acting.
Following her victory in the beauty pageant, Gadot served two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat trainer, an experience that not only shaped her character but also contributed to her athleticism and resilience. After her military service, she began to attract attention in the entertainment industry, particularly through a photo shoot with Maxim that significantly elevated her public profile. Her acting debut came in 2008 with the Israeli television series Bubot, which marked the beginning of her journey in film and television.
Gadot made her film debut in a supporting role as Gisele Yashar in the action film Fast & Furious (2009), a role she would reprise in several sequels, including Fast Five (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), and F9 (2021). However, it was her introduction as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) that catapulted her to international fame. The character resonated deeply with audiences, leading to her starring role in the critically acclaimed film Wonder Woman (2017), which became a significant box office success and is celebrated for its empowering portrayal of female superheroes.
Gadot continued to portray Wonder Woman in subsequent films, including Justice League (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), the latter of which she also co-produced. Her performance earned her various accolades and solidified her place as one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, with Forbes ranking her as the tenth-highest-paid actress in 2018, eventually rising to third place by 2020. In 2025, she became the first Israeli actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a significant milestone in her career.
In addition to her prominent roles in blockbuster movies, Gadot has expanded her artistic ventures. She starred in Red Notice (2021), Death on the Nile (2022), and Heart of Stone (2023), the latter also featuring her as a co-producer. Gadot's versatility as an actress is further showcased in her upcoming roles as the Evil Queen in Snow White and Gemma Donati in In the Hand of Dante.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Gadot is an influential figure in Israel, where she and her husband, Yaron Versano, a real estate developer, have co-founded a film production company and launched a food brand. They are also involved in various Israeli startups, reflecting their commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation. Despite her celebrated status, Gadot has faced criticism for her outspoken support of the Israeli military during times of conflict, particularly concerning the ongoing war in Gaza, which has sparked debates regarding her role as a public figure.
Gal Gadot remains a dynamic and multifaceted personality in the entertainment industry, embodying the spirit of empowerment and resilience through her work and contributions to film and society.