Renowned for her appearances in hit movies such as the Fast & Furious franchise and Triple 9, Gal Gadot has solidified her place as a household name in Hollywood. However, it was her portrayal of Wonder Woman that truly propelled her to stardom, as the film achieved massive success at the box office. As Gadot gears up for three more major films featuring her as the iconic superhero, it’s the perfect time to explore the fascinating background of this talented Israeli actress.

Hailing from Rosh HaAyin, Israel, Gal Gadot comes from a lineage of Jewish immigrants hailing from various European countries. Her upbringing in a Jewish and Israeli household has instilled in her a strong sense of pride for her heritage. Speaking with Totally Jewish, she stressed the importance of her background, saying, “I was raised in a very Jewish, Israeli family environment, so naturally my heritage is very dear to me.” While she doesn’t see herself as an Israeli ambassador, she enjoys sharing her personal background and religion with others.

Gal’s name holds a special significance, with “Gal” meaning “wave” in Hebrew and “Gadot” translating to “riverbanks.” As a result, her name reflects her connection to nature and her roots.

In 2004, at the age of 19, Gal won the prestigious Miss Israel competition, which led to her competing in the 2004 Miss Universe pageant in Ecuador.

During a chat with Forward, Gal shared how her time in the military played a big role in landing her a role in the Fast & Furious movies. She explained that director Justin Lin was particularly impressed with her background and believed her skills with weapons would be a great fit for the character of Gisele in Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6.

Gal Gadot, known for her role as Gisele in the Fast & Furious films, is not only a talented actress but also a brave performer who enjoys taking on her own stunts. From leaping between motorcycles and speeding cars, she is always seeking new challenges. During an interview with RealStyle, Gal shared her love for performing stunts and mentioned that she did all of her own stunts in Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6. Fast & Furious 6 was an especially thrilling experience for her, with intense action scenes that gave her an incredible rush of adrenaline. Embracing the opportunity to do what many only dream of, Gal truly appreciates the excitement of performing daring stunts on screen.

Getty | Victor Chavez

While she is famous for her thrilling performances in films, this actress prioritizes her role as a mother above all else. Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar, she emphasized the shift in her mindset since becoming a parent, placing a greater importance on responsibility. Despite portraying bold characters on screen, she values security and the welfare of her family in real life. “Although I may tackle challenging roles, personally, I prefer a more relaxed attitude and concentrate on being a diligent parent,” she shared.

During a chat with Glamoυr, she revealed that at one point, she toyed with the idea of giving up acting to become a lawyer instead. If her initial intentions had panned out, she could very well be practicing law today. “Acting was never my first choice,” she remarked, reflecting on her days studying law in college.

She is a vocal advocate for gender equality
In a recent interview with Glamour magazine, Gal talked about her strong beliefs in feminism and gender equality. She emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone has equal opportunities and fair wages, regardless of gender. Gal also acknowledged the women who paved the way for her to follow her aspirations as an educated working mother.

She is a co-owner of a luxury hotel with her husband
When visiting Tel Aviv, make sure to check out The Versano, a prestigious boutique hotel co-owned by Gal and her husband, Yaron Versano. Gal is actively involved in running the hotel alongside her husband and has been seen personally taking care of tasks such as making beds.

She is a devoted mother of two
Gal takes great pride in being a caring mother to her two lovely daughters, managing her successful acting career while also advocating for gender equality.

Gal Gadot, who made history as the first non-American woman to portray Wonder Woman, offered a fresh take on the iconic character with her own unique perspective. Despite initial controversy surrounding her casting, she has since proven herself by paying tribute to the legacies of past Wonder Women such as Lynda Carter and Cathy Lee Crosby.

In addition to her successful career in Hollywood, Gal also shared a close friendship with the late Paul Walker before his tragic passing in a car accident back in 2013. She often reminisces about their time together by sharing photos on social media and posted a heartfelt message on Facebook after his untimely death. In her tribute, she described Paul as a remarkable man with a kind heart and a zest for life, expressing her profound grief over his sudden departure and offering her condolences to his family and daughter Meadow. Gal spoke of the impact of his absence, highlighting how much he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Getty | Michael Stewart
Gal’s Quest to Revamp the Image of Women in Hollywood
During a recent conversation with The Standard, Gal emphasized her mission to revolutionize the way women are represented in Hollywood. She underscored the significance of more impactful and empowering roles for women in the film industry, expressing her wish for female writers to wield more influence. Gal censured the prevalent tendency of female characters being typecast as ‘the damsel in distress’ in numerous modern films. Drawing on her portrayal of Gisele in the Fast franchise, she exemplified a powerful and empowering woman who defies stereotypes.

During a May 2017 interview with Jimmy Fallon, she shared how close she was to abandoning her Hollywood aspirations because of the frequent rejections. She confided in her husband about her uncertainty, expressing, “I don’t know if I can keep going.” Even after a great audition for a secretive role, she wasn’t sure if acting was the right path for her. Luckily, her agent later revealed that she had scored the role of Wonder Woman, a character she had always admired.