Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gal Gadot was born on April 30, 1985, in Petah Tikva, Israel. She rose to fame after winning the Miss Israel pageant in 2004 at the age of 18. Her early life was marked by her service in the Israel Defense Forces, where she trained as a combat instructor. This background has been influential in her acting career, particularly in roles that require physical stamina and action sequences.
Gadot's biography is a testament to her perseverance and talent. Her journey from a beauty pageant winner to a Hollywood A-lister is highlighted by her roles in the "Fast & Furious" franchise and as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe. Her Wikipedia page provides detailed insights into her life, career, and achievements.
| Occupation | Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30 April 1985 |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Birth Place | Petah Tikva, Israel |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Israel |
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 58 kg (128 lbs)
- Measurements: 34-26-34 inches
These physical attributes have been beneficial in her modeling career and have contributed to her success in the entertainment industry.
Gadot, at a 2025 ADL speech, shared that after October 7, she visited a synagogue despite "not being religiously observant" and found solace in the Jewish community. Though far from Israel, she felt at home in LA, briefly easing the weight of the world's chaos. She ended her speech with: "Am Yisrael Chai".
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 128 lbs |
| Body Measurements | |
| Eye Color | |
| Hair Color |
Dating & Relationship Status
Gal Gadot is married to Yaron Varsano, a real estate developer. The couple tied the knot in 2008 and has two daughters together. Her stable personal life has often been credited with supporting her professional growth.
Beyond acting, Gadot and her husband have co-founded a film production company, launched a food brand, and invested in Israeli startups. She is widely celebrated in Israel as a national icon and ambassador. However, her strong support for the Israeli military and her advocacy regarding the hostage crisis have sparked both praise and criticism.
Her parents, Michael, an engineer, and Irit, a physical education teacher, hebraized their surname from "Greenstein" to "Gadot" before her birth. In Hebrew, her first name means "wave", and her surname translates to "riverbanks". She has a younger sister, Dana.
Her father is a sixth-generation Sabra, and one of his ancestors was the first chemist at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, while her mother is a first-generation Sabra and the daughter of Holocaust survivors. At 13, when Nazi Germany invaded, his father died in the army and he, his mother, and his brother were sent to Auschwitz, where the latter two perished in the gas chamber. Gadot's maternal grandmother, however, managed to escape Europe before World War II. Abraham immigrated alone to Jaffa, where he built a life. He later served in the Golani Brigade, and in his later years, he joined Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expeditions to share his first hand Holocaust testimony.
In 1993, at the age of eight, Gadot and her family moved to the Givat Tal neighborhood of Rosh HaAyin, where she grew up, in what she described as a "very Jewish, Israeli family environment". As a child, she struggled with a weak voice and attended speech therapy, where she learned proper breathing techniques. Encouraged by her mother to be active from a young age, Gadot took up swimming at four and later played tennis. She joined the local volleyball and basketball teams, soccer-team cheerleader, and trained in ballet, hip-hop, and jazz for 12 years, at one point considering a career as a choreographer.
Although Gadot's native language is Hebrew, she started taking English lessons in third grade and became fluent when she decided she wanted to watch Seinfeld and Friends. She later attended Begin High School, where she majored in biology. After graduating, she had a few months before beginning her mandatory two-year service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). During this time, she received modeling offers but instead chose to work at Burger King, saying, "I was like, posing for money? Ugh, it's not for me." Meanwhile, her mother and a friend submitted an application on her behalf for the Miss Israel pageant. Before enlisting, she also worked as a caregiver for eight-month-old twins.
She then had a small role in John Hillcoat's crime-thriller Triple 9, where she starred along with Kate Winslet and Aaron Paul. Later that year, she co-starred in the action crime thriller film Criminal, as the wife of Ryan Reynolds' character, alongside Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, and Tommy Lee Jones. She described the film as the most challenging project she had done to date. Her final film of the year was the action comedy Keeping Up with the Joneses, in which she played a secret agent, alongside Zach Galifianakis, Jon Hamm, and Isla Fisher. Critic Alex Welch wrote on IGN about Gadot's performance: "the script unfortunately banks mostly on her looks and deadly skills as a spy for her jokes, but Gadot manages to make it work."
That same year, Gadot was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Gadot then voiced the character Shank, who was modeled after her, in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Ralph Breaks the Internet. The film's co-director, Phil Johnston, praised Gadot's performance. In 2018, appeared in the music video for Maroon 5's song "Girls Like You" featuring Cardi B. In January 2020, National Geographic announced Impact with Gal Gadot. The six-part documentary series, executive produced by Gadot and her husband, highlights young women overcoming poverty, violence, and discrimination to create positive change in their communities, premiered in April 2021 across National Geographic's digital and social platforms.
In 2023, Gadot made uncredited cameo appearances as Wonder Woman in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash. She also returned to the Fast & Furious franchise with a cameo appearance in Fast X. Later that year, she was offered the role of Barbie in Barbie, but she was unavailable. Later that year, she played the lead role of a double agent in Netflix's action film Heart of Stone. This film is Gadot and her husband's first project developed and produced through their company, Pilot Wave, which they began developing in 2018. She called it an "extremely empowering and educational experience". The film however, received mostly negative reviews, with Owen Gleiberman stating: "Gadot is game, but there's a slightly downbeat earnestness about her that doesn't mesh with the reflexive quippiness of the dialogue." Despite negative reception, the film emerged as Netflix's second-most-watched film in the second half of 2023, with nearly 110 million views.
In October 2019, Gadot formed a film and television production company, Pilot Wave, with her husband Jaron "Yaron" Varsano. Reflecting on the decision Gadot stated in a 2023 interview with L'Oréal, "the whole idea of starting the production company with my husband was to be in control of my own destiny. I'm not the type of person who likes to sit and wait for the next offer." Since then, she has shared teasers for different projects—some got mixed reactions, but none have been released. In November 2021, Gadot and her husband launched Goodles, a mac and cheese brand co-founded with "experienced partners" like former Kraft brand executive Paul Earle, with the goal of offering a healthier alternative to traditional boxed mac and cheese. In 2022, the couple invested in Safe School, an Israeli startup founded by Doron Herman, which provides educational content focused on social issues for children and teenagers. This investment is part of their ongoing support for Israeli startups, following a previous investment in K Health.
In 2006, Gadot was briefly linked to Israeli swimmer Eithan Urbach. The two met, "exchanged glances, and shared a brief connection", remaining close for at least two months before parting ways. That same year, Gadot met her future husband, Jaron "Yaron" Varsano, a real estate developer from Amsterdam who grew up in a Jewish family in the Netherlands, in 2006 while she was still serving in the Israeli Army. The couple connected at a "chakra/yoga retreat type of party" in the Israeli desert.
| Parents | |
| Husband | Jaron Varsano (m. 2008) |
| Sibling | |
| Children |
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Gal Gadot's net worth is estimated to be between $40 million and $80 million, depending on the source. Her earnings come from a variety of sources, including major film roles, lucrative endorsement deals, and business ventures. Notably, she earned a significant $20 million for her role in the Netflix film "Red Notice" in 2020.
Gadot initially faced criticism for her slim physique during her pageant years in 2004, with some even speculating about eating disorders. She dismissed these remarks, pointing out that they stemmed from unrealistic beauty standards. According to Ynet, early in her career, she was considered a "shelf product", a term for a model struggling to break through in the local fashion scene. Fashion photographer Alon Shefransky—who worked with her from 2006 to 2008—described her turning point from a softer, "baby-faced look" to a more toned, defined appearance as a "wow moment", likening it to "discovering the next Natalie Portman" By 2012, Gadot ranked second on Forbes Israel's list of top-earning models, with earnings of NIS 1.3 million (approximately US$350,000), and in 2013, her earnings rose to NIS2.4 million (approximately US$650,000), driven largely by brand endorsements and her role in Fast & Furious. In 2015, Forbes Israel ranked her 49th on their list of "The Most Powerful Women in Israel" and 38th on their list of "Influential Women".
In her January 2018, article for The Forward, Jenny Singer critiques how Gadot is portrayed in the media, particularly on the cover of Vanity Fair. Despite Gadot's "success as an actress, activist, and athlete", Singer argues that she is often reduced to a sex object, with her talents overshadowed by her physical appearance. Singer suggests that Gadot's background, including her modeling past and accent, may contribute to the media's focus on her looks rather than her accomplishments. That year, Time magazine named Gadot one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and Forbes ranked her as the tenth highest-paid actress in the world, with annual earnings of $10 million. In 2020, Forbes ranked Gadot as the third highest-paid actress in the world, with annual earnings of $31.5 million. In 2022, Variety reported that Gadot earned $5 million for her role in Death on the Nile. She was the highest-paid star in the movie. In 2023, Gadot was awarded the LifeSaver Award by ELEM/Youth in Distress in Israel. In June of that year, it was announced that Gadot would become the first Israeli actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This was met with criticism, and by March 18, 2025, she officially received it. The ceremony was disrupted by both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters.
Career, Business, and Investments
Gadot's career began with modeling, but she soon transitioned to acting with her breakout role as Gisele Yashar in the "Fast & Furious" films. Her portrayal of Wonder Woman catapulted her to international fame, making her one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. She has also ventured into production, further diversifying her income streams.
Her business ventures include real estate investments and production company, Pilgrim Media. These investments have contributed significantly to her net worth.
At 11, she visited Holocaust memorial sites in Poland to learn about Auschwitz and Majdanek. Reflecting on the experience, she recalled: "I, an entitled child, felt the suffering the Muselmann experienced back then." At 12, she was invited to enter the competition but declined, saying, "Ugh, modeling? I'm much smarter and deeper. I won't make a living from posing for the camera." However, reflecting on that decision later, she acknowledged, "when I grew up, I realized that it's a job and that it's also fun—you make great money, meet fascinating people, and visit interesting places."
Three months after her audition for Quantum of Solace, the same casting director recommended Gadot to Universal Studios and contacted her about a role in Fast & Furious. She was asked to "urgently" send a filmed audition to Los Angeles, which was well received. As a result, the studio flew Gadot and her agent, the CEO of the (now ADD agency), to LA for a personal meeting with Vin Diesel, the film's star, who would decide whether she got the part. Gadot was ultimately chosen over six other actresses for the supporting role of Gisele Yashar in the fourth film of the franchise.
In 2010, Gadot had small roles in the action-adventure comedy Knight and Day and the action comedy Date Night, which took her five days to film her scenes with Mark Wahlberg. In 2011, Gadot reprised her role as Gisele in Fast Five. Gadot explained that giving Gisele a Mossad background allowed for character development across multiple films. She also believes director Lin appreciated her Israeli military experience, saying "I think Justin [Lin] really liked that I had served in the Israeli military and wanted to incorporate my knowledge of weapons into the role". Later that year, she appeared in the second season of the Israeli series Asfur, playing Kiki, a coffee shop owner in Amsterdam. In 2012, she starred the Israeli drama, Kathmandu, set in Nepal, the series follows a Chabad couple running a sanctuary for Jewish travelers. Sources in the industry estimate that Gadot earned over NIS3,000 (approximately US$800) per day of filming. In 2013, she returned to the Fast & Furious franchise, reprising her character in Fast & Furious 6, where she performed some of her own stunt work in the film. In May 2013, Gadot revealed in an interview with Reshet that she was offered a role in a Disney film but turned it down due to the requirement of shaving her head. It has been speculated that the role may have been for the MCU's Nebula.
Prior to her debut as Wonder Woman, Gadot revealed she had previously been offered the role of Faora-Ul in Man of Steel (2013), but turned it down due to her pregnancy, leading to Antje Traue being cast instead. In 2016, Gadot officially debuted as Wonder Woman in the superhero film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Gadot's performance as the superhero, the character's first film appearance, was singled out by The Guardian as one of the film's best parts. Her portrayal of Wonder Woman quickly became a defining role in her career, with critics praising her for bringing strength, grace, and a refreshing depth to the character. Critics particularly noted how she brought a strong sense of empowerment and integrity to the role, setting a new standard for female superheroes in mainstream cinema.
In 2017, Gadot starred in a solo film for her character, Wonder Woman, which was paid $300,000. This figure sparked some controversy, as it was significantly lower than the salaries commanded by many male action stars in Hollywood. However, the film received a positive response from critics, with some calling it the best installment in the DC Extended Universe. Praise was directed at Patty Jenkins's direction, the chemistry between Gadot and Chris Pine, the musical score, and the thrilling action sequences. Due to her former service in the IDF, the film has been banned in Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, and in several other Middle Eastern countries. She then reprised the role in the ensemble film Justice League, which was released in November 2017, and was her third DC Extended Universe installment. During the film's production under director Joss Whedon, she alleged that Whedon verbally abused her and "threatened" her career. In response, she stated in an interview that she took the matter to the heads of Warner Bros., who "took care of it".
In December 2013, Gadot signed a two-year contract with the Israeli skincare company Carline. According to Ofer Yaar from the advertising agency Bruckner Neta Yaar, Gadot was selected as the spokesmodel because she embodies the brand's values, being "local and international, she exudes simplicity and accessibility, and she is your best friend, even when she is Wonder Woman." In 2015 she became the face of Gucci Bamboo. In 2018, Reebok announced an endorsement deal with Gadot, reported to be worth $10 million (NIS 34 million). She also became a brand ambassador for Huawei, which led to controversy after she tweeted a promotional video using an Apple device. Gadot explained that the mistake was made by a member of her publicity team, who posted the video from the wrong phone. Additionally, Revlon recognized Gadot's influence, naming her the global ambassador for their "Live Boldly" campaign. Revlon's global brand president, Anne Talley, praised Gadot as a symbol of "feminine strength and beauty", aligning with the campaign's message of empowerment and inclusivity. Fabian Garcia, Revlon's President & CEO, emphasized that Gadot represent "the beauty, determination and attitude that reflect what it is for women to live boldly in today's world". However, Gadot's association with the brand sparked criticism, notably from Muslim blogger Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, who rejected Revlon's "Changemaker Award" due to Gadot's support for the IDF.
In 2019, Gadot starred in commercials alongside Hot's popular stars, promoting the brand's "Israeli pride" campaign. Hot CEO Tal Granot-Goldstein described her as the perfect fit, embodying the essence of "Israeliness" for the new campaign. In 2021, she became the brand ambassador for Smartwater, a division of Coca-Cola. In April 2023, Gadot became the new ambassador of Tiffany & Co., and was honored to cut the ribbon at the brand's new Fifth Avenue store in New York. Gadot has also been featured on the covers of Cosmopolitan, UMM, Cleo, Entertainment Weekly.
Ahead of Wonder Woman's 2017 release, Gadot received 95% positive online comments, with Taykey analytics ranking her as the most beloved Israeli globally. Taykey's CEO, Amit Avner, noted that Gadot had already been the most talked-about personality during Super Bowl commercials, one of which she appeared in earlier that year. However, the release of Wonder Woman would elevated her popularity to new heights. That same year Forbes Israel ranked 35th on their list of "Influential Women", and ranked 53rd on Forbes "30 Under 30 list". Additionally, she topped FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list. That same year, she became the third highest-grossing actress of 2017, earning $1.4 billion worldwide.
In a January 2018, interview with Women's Wear Daily, she highlighted Hollywood's ongoing cultural shift towards gender equality, calling it necessary and overdue. Later, Gadot took part in the #WeRemember campaign, organized by the World Jewish Congress to preserve Holocaust remembrance. CEO Robert Singer praised her involvement, highlighting the vital role of influencers in combating antisemitism.
Social Network
Gal Gadot is active on various social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. She uses these platforms to engage with her fans, promote her projects, and support social causes.
Gadot grew up in Rosh HaAyin, and first gained attention locally after winning the Miss Israel 2004, followed by two years of service in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat trainer. During this time, she participated in a Maxim photo shoot that boosted her public profile. Gadot then began modeling and endorsing various brands. She made her television debut in the Israeli drama Bubot in 2008, followed by her film debut in a supporting role as Gisele Yashar in Fast & Furious (2009), reprising it in multiple sequels.
In 2007, while still serving, 21-year-old Gadot appeared in Maxim's "Women of the Israel Defense Forces" photo shoot, which was later featured on the cover of the New York Post. The shoot was part of a campaign by Israel's consulate in New York, Maxim, and the Ministry of Tourism to "promote Israel, attract young American men, and reshape its public image". The campaign faced criticism, particularly from Knesset members, over the portrayal of female soldiers in bikinis. Reflecting on the criticism, Gadot stated in a 2013 Forward interview, "I'm a model, not a doctor. My job is to take pictures in a bathing suit. There's nothing provocative about that." After the issue was released in July 2007, the shoot significantly boosted her public profile, and as a result, she landed an international campaign for "Prada Ellis" perfume. That same year, she began pursuing law and international studies at IDC Herzliya (now Reichman University). She attributed this decision to being "so deep", and because she "loved" Ally McBeal. After her first year, a casting director from London contacted Gadot's agent after seeing her modeling card on the agency's wall, which led her to audition for the role of Camille Montes in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. In a 2017 interview with W Magazine, Gadot recalled her initial reaction to the role, saying she felt "too serious and smart to be an actress" because of her studies and was not comfortable speaking in English. Her agent encouraged her to go, saying, "Just go, please, out of respect." Gadot shared that the casting director helped her, and she went through several callbacks. Although she lost the role to Olga Kurylenko, Gadot found the experience "interesting" and told her agents to let her know if any other opportunities came up that might be a better fit for her. She dropped out of IDC Herzliya, and, two months later, made her acting debut in the Israeli drama Bubot. She recalled that on the first day of classes, she received a call informing her that she had landed the lead role of Miriam. She later performed in Festigal Underwater, an annual Israeli musical show for kids during Hanukkah, where she performed as a mermaid, acting, singing, and dancing.
In July 2014, Gadot's portrayal of Wonder Woman was unveiled at Comic-Con during the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice panel. Some critics argued Gadot’s Israeli background and slim frame made her unfit to play the part. Gadot dismissed the backlash, saying she’d already endured harsh scrutiny in Israel after winning Miss Israel in 2004. “I was called too skinny, like a broomstick, I can take anything—it’s just empty talk." Despite prior criticism of her physique, she stated that she had trained to build muscle for the role, moving beyond her previous Fast & Furious image. To prepare, she took lessons in swordsmanship, Kung Fu, kickboxing, capoeira and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, gaining 17 pounds of muscle. She also explained that she "trained six hours a day for six months—two hours of gym work, two hours of fight choreography, and up to two hours of horseback riding. It was much more intense than the army." That same year, Gadot landed her first Israeli film role in the comedy Kicking Out Shoshana, playing lead character Mirit Ben-Harush. Later that year, she was offered the lead role in the Hollywood remake of Ben-Hur (2016) but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts with Batman v Superman.
Gadot next starred as the Evil Queen in a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In an interview with GQ, she recalled "It was the first time I had to audition for a project in a while, Disney needed to ensure I could sing because it's a musical. So I worked on the song for a month, auditioned, filmed the song, and then I got the role. It was very exciting." She also had her own personal dialect coach for the role. In August 2024, calls from pro-Palestinian activists to boycott Disney's Snow White remake emerged due to Gadot's support for Israel. In March 2025, it was reported that Disney assigned bodyguards to Gadot after she received death threats linked to co-star Rachel Zegler's "Free Palestine" post during Snow White's promotional campaign. Producer Marc Platt attempted to mediate with Zegler, who refused to retract her post. Meanwhile, Gadot, as reported by Variety, avoided political commentary, "focusing instead on humanitarian issues by supporting Gaza hostages and distancing her posts from the film's promotion". Gadot's performance in the film was polarizing; some felt it showcased her potential as a villain, while others argued she lacked the charisma and menace needed for the role. Her rendition of the song "All Is Fair" drew particular criticism for its awkward delivery and lack of vocal strength, which undercut the intended impact of the character.
After welcoming her first child in 2012, she returned to the runway for Castro's annual fashion show that year. The following year, after promoting Fast & Furious 6, she once again graced the runway for Castro's winter collection. In 2015, she walked for Castro's "Hipster Shanty" summer collection. In 2013, Castro CEO Gabi Rotter noted that Gadot was not widely known when she was chosen but was the "perfect fit to represent Israeli beauty". He cited her background as both an IDF soldier and a beauty pageant contestant as key factors in her selection, following in the footsteps of Israeli models like Yael Abecassis and Sendi Bar.
In her honor, the Azrieli Center in Tel Aviv was illuminated on 1 June 2017, ahead of the Israeli premiere of Wonder Woman. The towers displayed the message: "We are proud of you, Gal Gadot, our Wonder Woman." As reported by CBC News, Gadot's portrayal of Wonder Woman has made her "the world's most famous Israeli and the country's most high-profile ambassador". Gadot has been compared to Bar Refaeli, who faced backlash for not serving in the military. Gadot is admired for her military service, which has endeared her to Israelis. Her image as a "good Israeli" and her inspiring presence in Wonder Woman have made her a source of "national Israeli pride", with fans cheering and even crying at her appearances.
Isabel Feinstein of The Jerusalem Post praised Gadot as a powerful example of "soft power" for Israel, highlighting how her rise to global fame offers the "Jewish state" a unique opportunity for positive international exposure. Feinstein highlighted that Gadot's Google search results (20.7 million) surpass those of Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu (16.1 million), emphasizing her global influence. She also noted that Gadot's appearances on Western talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen DeGeneres Show have helped humanize the stereotype of the "brutal Israeli soldier", making her relatable to a worldwide audience. Feinstein went on to describe Gadot as "a living contradiction", claiming that "the association of an Israeli actress with a progressive agenda helps those who unfairly condemn all citizens of a nation for the actions of their government see that Israelis are complex and open-minded humans with a wide range of opinions". In a 2019 article by The Australian Jewish News, it is highlighted that Gadot is often seen as a more effective ambassador for Israel than its diplomats, given her global fame. Ari Ingel of the Creative Community for Peace believes her interactions with prominent Hollywood figures can positively influence Israel's image. However, Shayna Weiss of Brandeis University views this as a "soft power" issue—using culture to sway opinions—and questions whether such influence has measurable or lasting effects, saying, "I don't think Gal Gadot harms Israel, but do I think Gal Gadot helps Israel much? Not so sure."
In May 2019, Gadot supported a "Reach Out Association" initiative for 25 ill children on a special LA trip, sponsored by Israeli businessmen. The kids enjoyed luxury car rides and a visit to YMI fashion, honoring Dudi Vered’s late son. In November 2020, Gadot was criticized by Trump supporters and some Israelis after congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election win. Critics called her a populist and a "Hollywood liberal who has forgotten what is good for her country." In October 2022, Gadot faced mixed reactions after posting support for the Jewish community in response to Kanye West’s "antisemitic remarks". She shared an Instagram photo wearing a Star of David necklace with the caption "proud." While some praised her for speaking out, others accused her of using the moment for publicity and criticized her past silence on Israel-related issues.
In April 2023, Gadot hosted a Holocaust Remembrance Day event at her Hollywood home, welcoming survivors like Celina Biniaz, the youngest on Schindler's List, and notable Hollywood guests. Part of the "Zikaron BaSalon" tradition, the gathering featured personal testimonies in an intimate setting. Reflecting on the event, Gadot said, "I don't know about God, but I believe in people, in the power of one's decision to do good." In May 2023, she surprised children from the "Lend a Hand" organization during a visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. During 2025 California wildfires, Gadot voiced her support for those affected by the fires in Los Angeles.
During the 2014 Gaza War, Gadot posted on Facebook a picture of herself and her daughter praying in front of Shabbat candles with the message “I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens. Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children...We shall overcome!!!” with added hashtags including #coexistance and #loveidf. The post sparked both support and criticism due to differing views on the conflict.
In October 2023, during the Gaza war, Gadot posted a story on her Instagram stating, "Killing innocent Palestinians is horrific", alongside condemning the killing of Israelis. This led to criticism from some in Israel. The post drew backlash in Israel, with some accusing her of equating both sides. Journalist Ofira Asayag criticized her as out of touch and questioned her loyalty to Israel, comparing her to celebrities like Dwayne Johnson and Gigi Hadid, who showed more balanced support for both sides. In response, Gadot later emphasized, "Killing innocent Israelis is horrific," and deleted the mention of Palestinians following further criticism.
In May 2024, Gadot publicly supported Eden Golan, Israel's Eurovision representative, publicly encouraging her followers to vote for Golan. As a result, Gadot lost one million Instagram followers. Despite the backlash, Gadot continued to share posts praising Golan and urging votes throughout the competition. In September 2024, Gadot joined Israeli President Isaac Herzog in launching the "Voice of the People" initiative, aimed at fostering global amidst rising antisemitism and the "ongoing hostage crisis".
Later that month, Gadot faced criticism for attending the 2025 Golden Globes without a yellow ribbon pin, a symbol of solidarity with hostages held by Hamas. Reports suggested she was prohibited from wearing it, but Gadot clarified she was not, explaining she chose to wear a yellow ring instead and used social media to raise awareness. Despite her efforts, some criticized her for hypocrisy and silence, while others defended her.
Gadot has expressed admiration for Penélope Cruz, particularly for her courage, individuality, and confidence in embracing her identity. She appreciates how Cruz "stands up for herself and has something to say—she has her own spice, which I love. She is very courageous and also has an accent, but she just goes with it." She also recognizes Yafa Yarkoni as her "Israeli cultural hero", referring to her as "the singer of wars". Additionally, when asked which historical event she would like to witness, Gadot shared that she would have chosen the rally after which Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated, as it symbolized "the extreme rejection of democracy".
Education
Gadot attended the Rimon School of Music, where she studied dance and music. However, she did not pursue a traditional university education, instead focusing on her career in modeling and acting.
In November 2013, Variety reported that Gadot, along with other actresses, had tested for the role of Wonder Woman. In December 2013, Gadot was confirmed for the role in the untitled Batman v Superman movie alongside Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck, directed by Zack Snyder. The contract for her portrayal of Wonder Woman was managed by her then-agent, ADD agency, which represented Gadot both in Israel and internationally. She left the agency in 2019 on good terms. Reflecting on her audition for the role in a 2016 Variety interview, Gadot described the process as "super intensive, nerve-racking, a long roller coaster". While in Los Angeles, Warner Bros. invited her to audition for an undisclosed role with Snyder. Later, her agent informed her she would be testing with Affleck. Finally, Snyder called and asked, "Have you ever heard of Wonder Woman?" After a successful camera test with Affleck and weeks of waiting, Gadot was offered the role. Overwhelmed with joy, she called herself "the luckiest girl in the world."
Gadot identifies as a feminist and promotes women's empowerment. In July 2016, Gadot joined a campaign by Israeli female master's students in communications to rebrand Israel by highlighting its strong women. Titled "Israel Creates Wonder Women," it spotlighted real "Israeli heroines" in different fields to promote female empowerment. Gadot supported the initiative after the students reached out to her. Later In 2016, Gadot, fellow Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter, DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson, director Patty Jenkins and U.N. Under-Secretary-General Cristina Gallach appeared at the United Nations on 21 October 2016, the 75th anniversary of the first appearance of Wonder Woman, to mark the character's designation by the United Nations as its "Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls". The gesture was intended to raise awareness of UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030. The decision was met with protests from UN staff members who stated in their petition to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the character is "not culturally encompassing or sensitive" and served to objectify women. As a result, the character was stripped of the designation, and the project ended on 16 December.
