10 Things You Never Knew About Wonder Woman Star Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot has been one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars for more than a decade, captivating audiences with her strength, charm, and undeniable screen presence. Best known for playing Wonder Woman, Gadot’s path to fame was anything but predictable. If life had gone as planned, she would have never stepped into the spotlight at all.
“I feel like I’m just getting started,” she once admitted. “After ten years [of acting], now I’m just starting. If things had gone according to plan, I’d be a lawyer.”
From serving in the Israeli military to becoming a global icon, here are 10 things you probably never knew about the beauty queen-turned-action hero.
1. She Never Meant to Enter the Miss Israel Pageant
At 18, Gal Gadot entered the Miss Israel pageant—not because she dreamed of becoming a beauty queen, but because she thought it would be a fun experience. To her surprise, she won! “I never thought I would win,” she later admitted, revealing that she didn’t take the competition too seriously. Winning the title sent her to the Miss Universe pageant, where she intentionally tried to lose by breaking pageant rules—like arriving late and refusing to wear evening gowns—because she didn’t want the responsibilities of being a beauty queen.
Photo credit: Encyclopedia Britannica
2. She Served in the Israeli Military
Like all Israeli citizens, Gadot had to serve in the military. She spent two years as a combat instructor in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where she trained soldiers in self-defence and fitness. She credits her military training for shaping her discipline and physical endurance—both of which came in handy when she landed the role of Wonder Woman.
3. She Almost Became a Lawyer
Acting was never on Gadot’s radar. After completing her military service, she studied law and international relations at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She envisioned a career in law, but fate had other plans. A casting director spotted her in a modelling campaign and encouraged her to audition for the role of a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace. While she didn’t get the part, the experience sparked her interest in acting.
4. She’s a Martial Arts Expert
Gadot’s fight scenes in Wonder Woman look incredibly realistic because she did much of the stunt work herself. She trained extensively in martial arts, including kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and Krav Maga (a combat technique developed by the Israeli military). This, combined with her athleticism, helped her seamlessly transition into action roles.
5. She Was Pregnant While Filming Wonder Woman
During Wonder Woman reshoots, Gadot was five months pregnant with her second child. To accommodate her growing belly, the costume department altered her iconic armor and used a green screen to digitally adjust her silhouette in post-production.
6. She’s a Motorcycle Enthusiast
Off-screen, Gadot is just as adventurous as her on-screen alter ego. She has a love for motorcycles and owns a black 2006 Ducati Monster-S2R. While filming Fast & Furious, she insisted on performing many of her driving stunts, showcasing her natural daredevil spirit.
7. She Runs a Production Company
Gadot is more than just an actress—she’s also a producer. In 2019, she and her husband, Yaron Varsano, launched Pilot Wave, a film and television production company. Through this venture, she aims to create inspiring stories with strong female protagonists.
8. She Has a Business Beyond Hollywood
In addition to her production company, Gadot is a co-founder of Goodles, a gourmet mac and cheese brand designed to be a healthier alternative to traditional boxed mac and cheese. The brand prides itself on delivering nutritious yet delicious comfort food.
9. She Survived a Major Health Scare
In early 2024, Gadot faced a life-threatening health crisis. While eight months pregnant with her fourth child, she suffered severe headaches that led doctors to discover three massive blood clots in her brain. She underwent emergency surgery and has since made a full recovery, calling it one of the scariest moments of her life.
10. She Speaks Multiple Languages
Though she’s best known for speaking Hebrew and English, Gadot has also demonstrated impressive linguistic skills in roles that required her to speak Arabic and German. Her dedication to authenticity has helped her deliver compelling performances across different cultures.
From beauty queen to action hero, Gal Gadot’s journey to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. Whether she’s performing high-intensity stunts or juggling life as a mother of four, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide. One thing is for sure—her story is far from over.
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