It seems the limelight has celebrities focusing mostly on showcasing their musical, acting, and even sporting talents. Think again—many of your favorite stars have another hidden talent up their sleeves. Some of the famous names in Hollywood and beyond really speak a multitude of languages! Besides giving them an extra edge in terms of gaining more international acclaim, this skill also sets them apart, highlighting their dedication to learning about different cultures. Here is a list of 13 celebrities who are shockingly eloquent polyglots.
1. Shakira
The Colombian singer-songwriter is best known for her catchy, unforgettable hits and for her smooth, dynamic dance moves; however, Shakira is quite the linguist, too. In addition to her native Spanish, she speaks fluent English, Portuguese, Italian, and dabbles a little in Arabic. These linguistic skills have turned her into a global superstar who is able to communicate with her fans worldwide.
2. Viggo Mortensen
In addition to English, Viggo Mortensen speaks Spanish (which he learned during his childhood in Argentina), Danish (his father’s native language), Italian, and French, and he understands Norwegian and Swedish. Mortensen’s language skills have also helped him take on international roles with ease.
3. Natalie Portman
Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman was born in Israel, so she had an advantage when it came to Hebrew. In addition to Hebrew and English, she can converse in French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Portman’s multilingual abilities have thus far improved her friendships with international directors and actors, expanding her versatility in Hollywood.
4. Tom Hiddleston
The British actor, famed for playing Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is more than just a supervillain. Hiddleston speaks fluently in English, French, and Spanish, and he is able to converse in Italian and Greek. His language skills have won fans’ hearts during international press tours, even going as far as to conduct interviews in various languages.
5. Sandra Oh
Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve star Sandra Oh is Canadian and of Korean descent. Besides being fluent in both English and Korean, she has also recently learned French. Being multilingual has helped her connect with a wide fan base globally and portray culturally nuanced roles.
6. Mila Kunis
Born in Ukraine, Mila Kunis speaks Russian eloquently. She grew up speaking this language before her family moved to the United States. While most fans are familiar with her through her English-speaking film roles, every now and then Kunis surprises and charms by flexing her Russian in interviews.
7. Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper’s French is très magnifique! Having studied the language in college, he became proficient enough to impress fans and the press when giving French interviews. Cooper’s commitment to French displays an admiration for its culture and has no doubt added to his appeal on an international level.
8. Salma Hayek
She is of Mexican descent and speaks both Spanish and English. She has also studied Portuguese, Italian, and Arabic. Her language skills have helped her connect closely with fans in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, solidifying her status as an internationally beloved star.
9. Mark Zuckerberg
Though not an actor, but part of the founding triumvirate of Facebook and a modern-day tech mogul, Mark Zuckerberg’s linguistic skills make him worthy enough to make this list. Zuckerberg amazed fans by learning Mandarin and putting it into action during a Q&A in Beijing; he was committed enough to impress native speakers, which helped improve the image of Facebook in China.
10. Christoph Waltz
Austrian actor Christoph Waltz of Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained fame is an absolute polyglot. He’s fluent in German, English, and French; he speaks conversational Italian. Waltz’s languages have made his acting relatively facile through a number of European film industries.
11. Charlize Theron
Although born in South Africa, Afrikaans was Charlize Theron’s native tongue, one which she still speaks with much fluency. Other than English, she has attempted Spanish and has demonstrated her commitment to her heritage language by often sprinkling phrases of Afrikaans in interviews and interactions.
12. Rita Ora
Born to Kosovo Albanian parents, British singer-songwriter Rita Ora speaks both Albanian and English. This linguistic background helped her to connect with fans in Europe, especially from Kosovo, where she is celebrated as an icon.
13. Serena Williams
Tennis star Serena Williams is not just a powerhouse on the court—she’s also a multilingual talent. In addition to English, she has learned French and Italian, often giving interviews in these languages when competing internationally. Her language skills have earned her the title of truly global icon, since it has earned her the respect of fans across the globe.
Why Do These Celebrities Learn Multiple Languages?
For these celebrities, learning multiple languages is a way to connect with fans across linguistic regions. In that way, it’s not only a bridge of cultures but also an aid in their profession. Be it connecting with international audiences, diverse roles, or just expanding their horizons, these famous polyglots prove that language is a powerful tool toward global reach and understanding.
So, the next time you are watching your favorite movie or listening to a hit song, remember—the star behind the screen just might speak a language or two that you least suspect!
