Gabriella Pizzolo may be best known to audiences as the lovable and brainy Suzie Bingham from Stranger Things, but her journey off-screen has been just as compelling. From lighting up Broadway stages at a young age to navigating life as a working actor in a global hit series, she has consistently balanced her passion for performance with a desire to grow beyond it.

What sets Gabriella Pizzolo apart, however, is her commitment to education alongside her acting career. While many young stars choose to focus solely on Hollywood, she took a different route, one that led her to explore academics in a meaningful way while still staying active in the industry. Her time on a college campus, interacting with people outside the entertainment bubble, helped shape her worldview and added new depth to her craft.

That balance between performance and education didn’t happen by accident, it was influenced by someone she admired early on. As Pizzolo would later reveal, a well-known actress’s unconventional academic choice played a key role in guiding her toward a surprising and impactful direction.

When Gabriella Pizzolo recently caught up exclusively with PEOPLE at the Broadway premiere of Beaches in New York City on April 22, she opened up about the inspiration behind her decision to study psychology. While many actors might gravitate toward theater or film studies, Pizzolo chose a different route, one influenced by Natalie Portman’s own educational background.

“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,” Pizzolo said. That realization encouraged her to pursue a field that would deepen her understanding of people rather than simply refine her acting skills.

Stranger Things star, Gabriella Pizzolo went on to explain that psychology offered a unique advantage, helping her better grasp human behavior and interactions, skills that naturally translate into performance. Balancing her studies with acting work, she attended classes on campus while continuing to film, gaining experiences that broadened her perspective beyond the entertainment industry.

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As Pizzolo’s story reflects the impact of Portman’s choices, it also brings attention to the actress herself, who is currently embracing a new and deeply personal chapter in her life.

Natalie Portman, now 44, is entering another significant phase in her life as she prepares to welcome her third child with her partner, French music producer Tanguy Destable. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the actress shared her excitement. She also reflected on how this chapter feels more grounded and meaningful than ever before.

“Tanguy and I are very excited… I’m just very grateful. I know it’s such a privilege and a miracle,” she said in the interview. 

Natalie Portman, who has long been open about her awareness of fertility challenges, spoke candidly about the deeper sense of gratitude she feels during this pregnancy. Having two children already, she described this experience as one filled with calm, self-awareness, and appreciation, especially as she recognizes it may be her last.

Even as she focuses on her pregnancy, Portman continues to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry. With upcoming projects through her production company and major film roles on the horizon, she exemplifies the balance between personal fulfillment and professional ambition. At the same time, she’s choosing to slow down and embrace the present, spending time with her children, enjoying life in Paris, and prioritizing well-being. Her approach reflects a grounded perspective that resonates beyond Hollywood, showing how life experiences can shape not just careers, but personal values as well.

Gabriella Pizzolo’s academic journey highlights how inspiration can come from unexpected places. By following a path influenced by Natalie Portman, she found a way to merge education with her acting career, creating a well-rounded approach to her craft.

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What do you think about Gabriella Pizzolo’s decision to study psychology and Natalie Portman’s influence on her journey? Let us know in the comments!