Mastering more than one language is no small feat, especially for public figures juggling demanding careers and global attention. Yet some well-known names have invested time and effort into learning additional tongues, whether for personal growth, heritage, or work across international markets. Their linguistic range not only broadens their world but also deepens their connection with audiences around the globe. In this list, we highlight ten standout individuals whose communication abilities extend far beyond what most fans realize.
Monica Bellucci
Italian actress and model Monica Bellucci, famous for roles in “Malèna,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” and “Spectre,” is another multilingual talent. She speaks Italian, French, English, and Spanish fluently, which has allowed her to work across Europe and Hollywood with ease.
Christoph Waltz
Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz, celebrated for his performances in “Inglourious Basterds” and “Django Unchained,” is fluent in German, English, and French. Born in Vienna to a family of artists, he grew up immersed in different cultures and languages.
Natalie Portman
Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, star of “Black Swan” and “V for Vendetta,” grew up in a multilingual household. She speaks English and Hebrew fluently, and also knows French, German, Spanish, and Japanese at a conversational level.
Christopher Lee
The legendary actor Christopher Lee, famous for his roles in “Dracula,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “Star Wars,” was an extraordinary polyglot. He was fluent in several languages, including English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish. He also had a working knowledge of Swedish and Russian, and even claimed to be conversationally fluent in Mandarin. His language skills were so strong that he would often dub his own lines for his films.
Shakira
Colombian superstar Shakira isn’t just known for her music and dance skills—she’s also impressively multilingual. She speaks fluent Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and has conversational knowledge of Italian, French, and Catalan.
Tom Hiddleston
Best known as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Hiddleston is not only a talented actor but also a skilled linguist. He is fluent in English and has a strong command of French, which he often uses in interviews and public appearances. He also has a good grasp of Spanish and some knowledge of Greek, German, Italian, and Latin.
Celine Dion
Canadian superstar Celine Dion, famous for hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love,” is impressively multilingual. She speaks French and English fluently, as well as conversational Italian, Spanish, and German.
Viggo Mortensen
Best known for his role as Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Viggo Mortensen is a true polyglot. He speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Danish, thanks to his international upbringing, and is also proficient in Italian, French, and Catalan. His language skills have allowed him to work seamlessly in films across Europe and Hollywood.
Audrey Hepburn
Iconic actress Audrey Hepburn, beloved for classics like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Roman Holiday,” grew up speaking multiple languages. She was fluent in English, Dutch, French, and Italian, and had conversational skills in Spanish and German.
Penélope Cruz
Spanish actress Penélope Cruz, an Academy Award winner for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” is fluent in multiple languages. She speaks Spanish, English, French, and Italian effortlessly, which has enabled her to take on a wide range of international roles.