The Woman

The Woman
By Naima Karp

Gal Gadot: Wonder Woman, Israeli Soldier… And More

Gal Gadot might be famous for dressing up as an iconic superhero in red and blue, but in real life, she’s even more of a Wonder Woman.

The film brought in $223 million dollars on opening weekend, setting the record for a female-directed work, which Gadot was ecstatic about.

What the actress was most excited about regarding her debut in the action movie wasn’t how perfectly her makeup was done, but instead the empowering impact and positive lessons that it would teach to young girls and fellow women. Especially for her own daughter, Alma.

The down-to-earth star has reflected, “When I choose a role, I always think about whether my daughter can get something out of it when she watches the movie later after she’s grown up.”

Gadot sees her roles as a privileged opportunity to depict role models in the media, and understands the weight of her influence, rather than wanting to clamber to the top of the A List ladder. In fact, she didn’t even want to be an actress until she was coerced into an audition for James Bond.

She won Miss Israel in 2004 and intentionally self sabotaged the following Miss Universe pageant in Ecuador, knowing that a lifestyle revolving around just appearances wasn’t for her.

This became obvious to fans at the Wonder Woman premiere who saw the star casually stroll down the red carpet in sensible Aldo flats as opposed to a pair of sky-high heels.

Gadot had always been athletic since childhood, and studied dance, then going on to study law and serve in the Israel Defense Forces (which is clearly where she got some of her booty-kicking moves).

With Fast and the Furious, the Batman vs Superman franchise, and Keeping up with the Jones on her track record, its clear that Gadot has been superhero material from the start. Female superheroes are essential because they aren’t as visible in films or comics as men are – but the success of Gal Gadot as wonder Woman proves the future truly is female.

Recently, the Israeli star took a break from filming to visit Inova Children's Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. She came dressed as her character in the film, taking candid snapshots with the hospital’s staff and tiny patients. What better way to inspire our future girls than having a real life female superhero come and visit them in person, proving that she’s a true Wonder Woman in real life too?

All in all, Gadot’s warmth comes from her Wonder Woman-like values in reality: acceptance, compassion and love for all. She learned this sense of acceptance from her grandfather, a Holocaust surviver.

Gadot’s strident moves as a modern day G.I Jane is the right push for ladies who need a confidence boost and reassurance that they are strong from the inside out as well. She thinks of it simply: “I try not to think about being a role model; I try to be the best version of myself, period.”