Pom Klementieff bio, ethnicity, height, net worth, partner, age 2025

Pom Klementieff Biography

Audiences first met the unforgettable Mantis when she joined the Guardians of the Galaxy team in 2017's sequel. Actress Pom Klementieff brought to life a lonely yet empathetic heroine with an otherworldly appearance, desperately trying to connect with those around her.

Over the next five years, she reprised Mantis five more times, catapulting herself to international stardom. She also seamlessly jumped from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to another blockbuster franchise, landing a role in "Mission: Impossible 7".

But Pom's journey actually started in French cinema. In her very first film in 2007, she got to work alongside Catherine Deneuve. Then came "Oldboy" (a remake of the Korean thriller), and thanks to Spike Lee, the actress conquered Hollywood. Few could have guessed that behind Pom's delicate exterior lay a childhood marked by devastating family tragedies.

Early Years

Pom Klementieff was born in Quebec, Canada on May 3, 1986. Her father, Alexis Klementieff, was half French, half Russian, while her mother, Pak Yu Ri, was Korean. The couple already had a son when Pom arrived.

Her parents chose the name Pom because it echoed two Korean words – 'tiger' and 'spring'.

In Canada, Alexis Klementieff worked as a consul for the French government. His frequent transfers meant the family was constantly on the move. Pom lived in Japan and Côte d'Ivoire before the family eventually 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, cancer took Pom's father. With her mother battling schizophrenia and unable to care for the children, Pom went to live with 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 tragedy wasn't finished with the future actress yet. In 2004, right after she turned 18, her uncle died. At her aunt's insistence, Pom enrolled in law school, but the creative young woman felt no pull toward the profession. The girl worked part-time as a shop assistant and a waitress.

In 2005, Klementieff first stepped onto the stage at Paris's Cours Florent drama school. Within months, Pom won a creative competition there, earning two years of free classes.

First Roles

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

Two years later, Klementieff landed her first leading role in the movie "Wolf". The filming took place in Eastern Siberia. The actress called working on the film an incredible 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.

Over the next few years, the actress mainly 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 broke through to worldwide fame with 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 seriously for the auditions, even taking boxing lessons. At the casting, Spike Lee listened to her story and told her to return with a completely new look – her character needed to exude raw 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 impressed by the actress's boldness and gave her the role.

Following "Oldboy's" success, Pom relocated from France to the US to pursue more auditions. In 2015, she 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'

During filming, Klementieff's martial arts skills came in handy. With the film's low budget, Pom took charge of her character's appearance. She even boldly dyed her hair 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 entered the Marvel universe with "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2". Klementieff played Mantis, a being with beetle-like eyes and antennae who could sense and manipulate others' emotions. Pom had always been open about her love for Marvel comics and movies, so joining the cinematic universe was a dream come true. "She was completely isolated, living alone, and interacting with people was totally new to her," Pom explained about her character.

Steve Englehart, one of Mantis's original comic creators, wasn't impressed with the film adaptation of his character. He felt Pom Klementieff's version had nothing in common with his original creation. Still, both director James Gunn and Marvel head Kevin Feige were convinced Pom was perfect for the role.

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

The film was warmly received by viewers and critics. Fans loved the unique chemistry between Mantis and Drax, played by Dave Bautista. Pom became a Marvel mainstay, reprising Mantis in "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019).

Drax & Mantis

Beyond Marvel, Klementieff also appeared in other projects including an episode of "Black Mirror," the thriller "Uncut Gems," and "Westworld."

In 2021, Pom starred in the superhero parody "Thunder Force." She also had a brief cameo in "The Suicide Squad" at James Gunn's suggestion. The director intended this strip club scene as a "Guardians of the Galaxy" reference, but most viewers missed it entirely.

Pom Klementieff in the movie Thunder Force

In 2022, Pom played Mantis in the film "Thor: Love and Thunder". Taika Waititi's film featured returning MCU actors including Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, and Chris Pratt.

Pom Klementieff in the movie Thor: Love and Thunder

Later that year, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special" premiered on Disney+, giving most of the screen time to Mantis and Drax. "I had so much fun filming that I actually asked the director if I was having too much fun on screen," Klementieff said about the shoot.

Personal Life of Pom Klementieff

Klementieff keeps her personal relationships under wraps. She's never been spotted with boyfriends on red carpets or sparked dating rumors through social media posts.

In 2011, there were rumors about her romance with French director Nicolas Bedos. When Pom joined the Marvel Universe, fans began speculating about a possible romance with Star-Lord himself, Chris Pratt. The timing seemed suspicious since Pratt filed for divorce from his wife Anna Faris. But it turned out Klementieff wasn't involved in her co-star's marriage breakdown – Pratt had actually fallen for Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Right now, the actress is either single or expertly keeping her love life out of the spotlight.

Pom Klementieff Now

Pom reprised her role as Mantis in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," which hit theaters in May 2023. The film earned rave reviews and ranked among the year's biggest box office hits.

Pom Klementieff in the movie "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

Following the premiere, "Guardians" creator James Gunn kept fans buzzing with hints about potentially making another Guardians film down the road. He also floated the idea of a Mantis and Drax spin-off, though nothing concrete has been decided.

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

Klementieff also joined another popular franchise. She landed a major role in "Mission: Impossible - Deadly Reckoning Part 1," which hit theaters in July 2023. The film starred Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby. Pom transformed into Paris, a deadly villain. "I was so excited but also nervous because I wanted to tell everyone, yet I had to keep it secret for a few days," Pom revealed.

Pom Klementieff details how she prepared to play Paris

Pom will reprise her role in the sequel "Mission: Impossible - Deadly Reckoning Part 2," set for release in June 2024.

Interesting Facts

Pom actually created her character's name for "Oldboy" herself. Haeng-bok means "happiness" in Korean.

"Oldboy" sparked Pom's interest in martial arts. She earned a purple belt in taekwondo in 2014.