Stranger Things Star Reveals How Natalie Portman Inspired Her Psychology Degree

A Stranger Things star has discussed how Natalie Portman is a strong influence on her academic background. Some careers are linear, while others take shape through subtle influences like a standout performance, a perspective-shifting interview, or watching someone navigate two worlds. The actress in question recently opened up about how Portland’s educational background inspired her.

Gabriella Pizzolo explains how Natalie Portman inspired her academic pursuits

Gabriella Pizzolo has opened up about the way Natalie Portman’s example redefined her relationship with academia.

Pizzolo, best known for playing Suzie Bingham on Stranger Things, spoke exclusively with PEOPLE on April 22, 2026, at the Broadway premiere of Beaches in New York City. During the interview, the actress revealed she has earned two college degrees. “I have a degree in psychology and music,” the 23-year-old said, and pointed to Portman as her inspiration for studying psychology.

“I remember I was looking for what to study, and I saw Natalie Portman studied psychology, and not necessarily anything in the world of drama,” she added. “And I was like, ‘That’s actually really smart.’ It’s an alternative to drama and theater, but you still learn a lot about people and how they interact through that,” Pizzolo further shared.

Natalie Portman studied at Harvard University from 1999 to 2003, filming several Star Wars projects during her breaks from classes. The Stranger Things star also explained that she kept acting while she was in school. She described filming throughout the night and attending classes during the day, adding that the best part was being physically on campus rather than studying remotely.

The Beaches actress explained that campus life gave her access to people and experiences she wouldn’t have found if she had stayed exclusively in the acting world. “I kind of got to get to know new people that I would’ve never known, and they kind of got to share all of that stuff with me while I was going out and doing those things,” she revealed.

She noted that going to school while everyone else was out saving the world and dealing with demogorgons felt like a very Suzie path, referencing her smart Stranger Things role.

Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on ComingSoon.

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