Known for her roles in popular films like the Fast & Furious series and Triple 9, Gal Gadot has become a well-known name in Hollywood. However, it wasn’t until she portrayed Wonder Woman that she truly became a standout in the industry, thanks to the immense success of the movie in theaters. With three more big movies featuring the 32-year-old actress as the iconic hero on the way, now is a great opportunity to delve deeper into the background of this talented Israeli star.

Born in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, Gal Gadot hails from a lineage of Jewish immigrants originating from various European countries. Growing up in a Jewish and Israeli household has instilled within her a deep sense of pride for her heritage. In an interview with Totally Jewish, she emphasized the significance of her background, stating, “I was brought up in a very Jewish, Israeli family environment, so of course my heritage is very important to me.” While she does not consider herself an ambassador for Israel, she finds joy in sharing her personal background and religion with others.

The symbolism behind Gal’s name is particularly meaningful, as “Gal” means “wave” in Hebrew and “Gadot” translates to “riverbanks.” Thus, her unique name reflects her connection to nature and her roots.

Back in 2004, when she was just 19 years old, Gal emerged victorious in the highly esteemed Miss Israel contest, earning herself the opportunity to participate in the 2004 Miss Universe pageant in Ecuador.

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. . . Leading to Her Involvement in the Fast & Furious Franchise
In a conversation with Forward, Gal revealed that her military background heavily influenced director Justin Lin’s decision to cast her as Gisele in Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6. She noted, “I think the main reason was that Justin was impressed by my experience in the Israeli military, and he saw potential in utilizing my skills with weapons.”

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Gal Gadot, famous for her portrayal of Gisele in the Fast & Furious movies, is not just a talented actress but also a fearless performer who does her own stunts. Whether it’s jumping between motorcycles and moving cars, she is always looking to challenge herself. In an interview with RealStyle, Gal revealed her passion for taking on more stunt work, sharing that she did all of her own stunts in Fast Five and Fast 6. Fast 6 was particularly exhilarating for her, with intense action sequences that gave her an incredible adrenaline rush. Embracing the opportunity to do things that most can only dream of, Gal truly enjoys the excitement of performing daring stunts on screen.

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Even though she is known for her action-packed roles in movies, this actress puts being a mother above everything else. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she stressed the importance of adopting a more responsible mindset since becoming a mother. While she may play fearless characters on screen, in her personal life she values safety and ensuring the well-being of her family. “I may take on tough characters, but in reality, I prefer a more laid-back approach and focus on being a responsible parent,” she revealed.

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In an interview with Glamoυr, she mentioned that she once considered leaving acting behind to pursue a career in law. If things had gone according to her original plan, she would be a lawyer today. “I never saw myself as an actress,” she said of her time studying law at university.

She Stands Up for Gender Equality

In a recent interview with Glamour magazine, Gal shared her strong convictions in feminism and gender equality. She highlighted that feminism is all about providing equal opportunities and fair wages for everyone, regardless of gender. Gal recognized the importance of the women who paved the way for her to pursue her dreams while being an educated working mother.

She Co-Owns a Luxurious Hotel with Her Husband

If you’re traveling to Tel Aviv, don’t miss a stay at The Versano, a prestigious boutique hotel co-owned by Gal and her husband, Yaron Versano. Gal actively participates in managing the hotel alongside her husband and has even been seen personally taking care of tasks like making beds.

She Is a Caring Mother of Two

Gal takes immense pride in being a loving mother to her two beautiful daughters, balancing her successful acting career with her advocacy for gender equality.

Gal Gadot, the first non-American woman to take on the role of Wonder Woman, brought a unique perspective to the iconic character despite its traditional American roots. Upon her casting, there was some controversy, but she has since proven herself by honoring the legacies of past Wonder Women, like Lynda Carter and Cathy Lee Crosby.
Gal also had a close bond with the late Paul Walker before his tragic death in a car accident in 2013. She fondly recalls their time together by sharing photos on social media and expressed her deep sorrow in a heartfelt message on Facebook following his passing. In her tribute, she described Paul as a wonderful man with a generous heart and a passion for life, expressing her disbelief at his sudden departure and sending her condolences to his family and daughter Meadow. Gal mourned his loss and talked about how much he will be missed, emphasizing the impact of his absence on those who knew and loved him.

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Gal’s Mission to Change the Perception of Women in Hollywood
In a recent chat with The Standard, Gal highlighted her goal to bring a shift in how women are portrayed in Hollywood. She stressed the importance of more substantial and empowering roles for women in the film industry, voicing her desire for female writers to have a greater influence. Gal criticized the common trend of female characters being relegated to the role of ‘the damsel in distress’ in many contemporary films. She pointed to her character Gisele in the Fast movies as a prime example of a strong and empowering woman who breaks stereotypes.

In May 2017, she opened up to Jimmy Fallon about nearly giving up on her Hollywood dreams due to constant rejection. She spoke to her husband about her doubts, saying, “I’m not sure how much longer I can handle it.” Despite a fantastic audition for a mysterious role, she still had reservations about pursuing acting. Thankfully, her agent later disclosed that the role was for the iconic character Wonder Woman, and she had successfully landed the part.