Pom Klementieff bio, ethnicity, height, net worth, partner, age 2024

Pom Klementieff Biography

Audiences first saw the inimitable Mantis in the Guardians of the Galaxy team on screen in 2017, in the sequel to the eponymous superhero film. Actress Pom Klementieff managed to embody a lonely, but empathetic heroine with an unusual appearance, who tried her best to build relationships with people.

Over the next 5 years, the actress returned to the role of Mantis five more times and achieved international success. Also, she effortlessly transitioned from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to another popular franchise, joining the cast of "Mission: Impossible 7".

Yet Pom began her career in exclusively French cinema. As early as her debut film in 2007, she had the opportunity to work with Catherine Deneuve. Then came "Oldboy" (a remake of the Korean thriller), and thanks to Spike Lee, the actress conquered Hollywood. Little did anyone suspect that the fragile Pom's biography concealed numerous family tragedies.

Early Years

Pom Klementieff was born in Quebec, Canada on May 3, 1986. Her father, Alexis Klementieff, was half French, half Russian. Her mother, Pak Yu Ri, was Korean. The couple already had a son by the time their daughter was born.

The parents chose the name Pom for their heiress, as it sounded like two Korean words – 'tiger' and 'spring'.

In Canada, Alexis Klementieff worked as a consul for the French government. He was often transferred from one place to another, so the family traveled a lot. Pom had the opportunity to live in Japan and Côte d'Ivoire, before the family finally settled in France.

When I was a little girl, I got used to meeting people, knowing that by the end of the year we would part forever, so I have a kind of gypsy soul. I certainly consider myself a citizen of the world.

Pom Klementieff

In 1991, Pom's father's life was claimed by cancer. Her mother suffered from schizophrenia and was unable to care for the children, so Pom was raised by her aunt and uncle.

My mother is schizophrenic. I would love to be brave enough to learn more about it. I try to understand her, I try to be positive about it. She can be so absent and tired by her medication; sometimes she's so lucid, funny, and smart.

But the tragedies in the future actress's life did not end there. In 2004, just as she turned 18, her uncle passed away. At her aunt's insistence, Pom enrolled in law school, but she, a creative person, was not attracted to this profession. The girl worked part-time as a shop assistant and a waitress.

In 2005, Klementieff stepped onto the stage for the first time – at the Cours Florent drama school in Paris. After a few months, Pom won a creative competition at this school and received two years of free classes as a prize.

First Roles

Pom made her film debut in 2007. She got a part in the independent movie "After Him". Klementieff played the stepdaughter of Catherine Deneuve's character. The young actress had three days of shooting on set. In one of the scenes, she was supposed to push a man down the stairs, but accidentally fell herself. The director kept this scene in the final cut. Deneuve praised Pom's performance.

Klementieff was given her first leading role two years later in the movie "Wolf". The filming took place in Eastern Siberia. The actress described working on the film as an interesting experience - she befriended local nomads, played with trained wolves and even swam with a horse in a lake. "I learned to ride reindeer, drive a reindeer sled, cook reindeer meat and sew pants from reindeer skin," she said.

For the next few years, the actress predominantly starred in French films: "Sleepless Night" (2011), "Neighborhood Watch" (2012), "Paris at Any Cost" (2013).

Pom Klementieff in the movie 'Paris at Any Cost'

In 2011, on Pom's 25th birthday, her brother took his own life. She has never commented on his actions or their relationship.

Pom Klementieff in the movie 'Neighborhood Watch'

Career Breakthrough

In 2013, Pom gained worldwide popularity thanks to Spike Lee's film "Oldboy". The movie was a remake of a South Korean film. Klementieff was cast as the bodyguard of the main villain, appearing on screen with a distinctive yellow umbrella.

She prepared responsibly for the auditions, even taking boxing lessons. At the casting, Spike Lee listened attentively to her story and demanded she return in a new image – as her character was supposed to exude pronounced sexuality. Pom rushed to the nearest store and bought a provocative dress and bright red lipstick. "I walked down the street, feeling like Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman'", she recalled later. Lee was pleased with the actress's decisiveness and approved her for the role.

After the success of "Oldboy", Pom moved from France to the US to attend more auditions. In 2015, the actress landed a role in the thriller "Hacker's Game". Her character was similar to Lisbeth Salander from the book "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo".

Pom Klementieff in the movie 'Hacker's Game'

For the filming, Klementieff's martial art skills came in handy. The film had a low budget, so Pom was responsible for her character's appearance. For instance, she boldly dyed her hair a bright purple. "It was really interesting to work on this low-budget film because you get much more involved in the production", the actress admitted.

Marvel Cinematic Universe and Other Roles in Hollywood

In 2017, Pom Klementieff joined the Marvel universe in the movie "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2". Klementieff played the role of Mantis, a being with beetle eyes and antennas on her head, who could sense and alter the feelings of others. Pom never hid her love for Marvel comics and movies, so becoming part of the cinematic universe was an honor for her. "She was truly lonely, living by herself, and it was a novelty for her to interact with people," Pom described her character.

One of the creators of Mantis in the original comics, Steve Englehart, did not appreciate Mantis in the film adaptation. According to him, Pom Klementieff's character had nothing in common with his creation. Nevertheless, both director James Gunn and Marvel head Kevin Feige were confident that Pom was born for this role.

Pom Klementieff on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The film was warmly received by viewers and critics. Fans highlighted the unique "chemistry" that developed between the characters Mantis and Drax, played by Dave Bautista. Pom firmly established herself in Marvel: she reprised her character in "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019).

Drax & Mantis

The actress also managed to participate in other projects - for example, Klementieff appeared in an episode of the TV series "Black Mirror", the thriller "Uncut Gems" and the "Westworld".

In 2021, Pom appeared in the parody superhero comedy "Thunder Force". Also, at the suggestion of James Gunn, she had a brief scene in the movie "The Suicide Squad". According to the director's intention, this strip club shot was supposed to be a reference to "Guardians of the Galaxy", but most viewers simply did not notice it.

Pom Klementieff in the movie Thunder Force

In 2022, Pom played Mantis in the film "Thor: Love and Thunder". In the film by Taika Waititi, the central roles were given to previous actors from the cinematic universe - Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Chris Pratt and others.

Pom Klementieff in the movie Thor: Love and Thunder

Also, at the end of the year, the film "Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special" was released on Disney+ streaming service, where most of the screen time was allocated to Mantis and Drax. "I had so much fun, and I even asked the director if I overdid the fun on screen," Klementieff spoke about the shooting.

Drax & Mantis Kidnaps Kevin Bacon Scene - Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Personal Life of Pom Klementieff

Klementieff has always been secretive about her personal relationships. She has never appeared with boyfriends on red carpets or given rise to gossip with photos on social media.

In 2011, there were rumors about her romance with French director Nicolas Bedos. And when Pom became a full-fledged part of the Marvel Universe, fans speculated about her possible relationships with the performer of the role of Star-Lord Chris Pratt. Especially since it was precisely in 2018 that the actor filed for divorce from his wife Anna Faris. It later turned out that Klementieff had nothing to do with the collapse of her colleague's marriage – Pratt fell in love with the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

At the moment, either the actress's heart is free, or she skillfully hides her chosen one from the public.

Pom Klementieff Now

In May 2023, the movie "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" was released. Pom returned to the role of Mantis. The film received positive reviews and became one of the highest-grossing films in the first half of the year worldwide.

Pom Klementieff in the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

After the premiere, the "Guardians" creator James Gunn continued to fuel viewers' interest with rumors - he hinted that he might make another Guardians film in the future. The director also considered the idea of a spin-off dedicated to Mantis and Drax, but no specific decisions were made.

Pom Klementieff in the movie “Mission: Impossible - Deadly Reckoning Part 1”

Klementieff also joined another popular franchise. She had a significant role in the movie "Mission: Impossible - Deadly Reckoning Part 1", which premiered in July 2023. The film starred Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby. Pom transformed into a dangerous woman, the villain Paris. "I was so happy and at the same time so nervous because I wanted to tell everyone, but I had to keep it a secret for at least a few days," Pom admitted.

Pom Klementieff details how she prepared to play Paris

Pom is also set to reprise her character in the sequel "Mission: Impossible - Deadly Reckoning Part 2". The release is scheduled for June 2024.