With Wonder Woman about to hit screens, here’s five things to know about lead actress Gal Gadot.
1. She’s starred in quite a few hit movies
You might recognise Gal from her role as Gisele in Fast & Furious. She starred as Wonder Woman in Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice last year, and now is taking the lead role in the titular film.
Gal (32) told Glamour that it was important for her to show how independent Wonder Woman is in the film: “She is not relying on a man, and she’s not there because of a love story. She’s not there to serve someone else.”
2. She served as a combat trainer
After graduating from high school in Israel, Gal carried out two years of service as a combat trainer in the Israel Defense Forces. She said of her time in the army: “Let me start by saying, I wish no country had the need for an army. But in Israel serving is part of being an Israeli. You’ve got to give back to the state. You give two or three years, and it’s not about you. You give your freedom away. You learn discipline and respect.”
3. She was crowned Miss Israel in 2004
At 18-years-old, Gal was approached to compete in Miss Israel – and won. “I never thought I would win! I was shocked when they crowned me; when I went to Miss Universe, I rebelled,” she told Glamour.
“I was afraid I might get picked again. I showed up late. I came without gowns. They tell you to come to breakfast in a gown. I was like, ‘No way am I having breakfast in a gown!’ Who needs to wear an evening gown at 10:30am?”
4. Her original plan was to be a lawyer
After serving in the army, Gal began studying law at university. However, her plans were changed when a casting director for Quantum of Solace saw her modelling card on her agency’s wall, and she auditioned to be a Bond Girl. While the role was given to Olga Kurylenko, it was the same casting director who gave her the role of Gisele in Fast & Furious.
5. She’s married with two children
In 2008 Gal wed Israeli businessman Yaron Varsano. The couple owned a luxury hotel in Tel Aviv, and sold it in 2015 for a reported $26m. They have two daughters, Alma (five) and Maya (two months).
