Gal Gadot, renowned globally as the fierce and iconic Wonder Woman, recently gave fans an inside look into her unexpected journey from beauty queen to action star during a captivating appearance on the hit YouTube series Hot Ones. Known for its fiery chicken wings challenge paired with in-depth celebrity interviews, the season 21 finale saw Gadot opening up about her early pageant days, intense stunt work, and her latest spy thriller, Heart of Stone.
The Israeli actress, who first rose to prominence after winning the Miss Israel crown in 2004, shared candid insights about the pageant experience. Contrary to popular assumptions, Gadot revealed that she never set out to win. “I went for the experience and to tell my grandkids one day that grandma tried it,” she recalled with a laugh. The 18-year-old at the time had a casual attitude and said the only part she truly enjoyed was the opening dance sequence. “It was shocking to win because I wasn’t taking things seriously,” she admitted. This lighthearted start belies the impressive path that followed — one that saw her evolve from pageantry to Hollywood’s blockbuster spotlight.
Before acting beckoned, Gadot had little intention of pursuing a film career. In a previous interview, she described her initial curiosity about acting as something that “kind of came my way” rather than a lifelong dream. At one point, after facing Hollywood’s inevitable hurdles and rejection, she considered returning to law school to support her family. “I was as close as it gets to quitting,” Gadot confessed on Hot Ones, shedding light on the perseverance behind her success.
Her discipline and physical readiness can be traced back to her mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces, where she served as a combat fitness instructor. This military background has been crucial for her demanding stunt work, especially in the DC Extended Universe’s Wonder Woman films. Gadot shared a deeply emotional moment watching the young Wonder Woman fight sequences, saying it felt like seeing “an amazing girl doing amazing things” — a reflection of her own childhood dreams and current achievements.
The interview also delved into Gadot’s approach to handling the famously intense Hot Ones challenge. Preparing for the fiery wings, she revealed she took tips from her Heart of Stone co-star Alia Bhatt, who travels the world with a bottle of spicy sauce in tow. “Try not to let it touch the lips,” she joked before demonstrating the breathing technique that helped her get through the heat, a playful moment that showcased her warm personality.
Turning to her latest project, Gadot is starring as Rachel Stone, an intelligence agent recruited by a secretive organization to protect a mysterious device, in Netflix’s upcoming spy thriller Heart of Stone. Filmed before the current Hollywood strikes, the movie promises a fresh, grounded take on the action genre. Gadot emphasized that this film was designed to break from the superhero mold, with raw, dynamic fight scenes where audiences truly feel every impact. Months of intense training and preparation went into crafting the physicality of her role, ensuring authenticity in every punch and fall.
Balancing her high-profile career with family life, Gadot is a mother to three daughters — Alma, 11, Maya, 6, and Daniella, 2 — with her husband Jaron Varsano, a real estate developer. Her ability to juggle the demands of stardom and motherhood adds another layer to her inspiring story.
With Heart of Stone set to debut on Netflix on August 11, viewers can expect a gripping espionage thriller that highlights Gadot’s versatility beyond the superhero universe. Her candid conversation on Hot Ones not only revealed the grit and determination behind her career but also showcased her relatable humor and down-to-earth spirit.
From an accidental pageant winner to a Hollywood action icon, Gal Gadot’s journey continues to captivate audiences worldwide — proving that sometimes, the most unexpected beginnings lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
