Pom Klementieff
A shape-shifting performer who brought unexpected warmth and humor to the cosmic weirdness of the Marvel Universe as Mantis.
Born 1986 (age 40)·French actress·Birthday: May 3·Millennials
Biography
Pom Klementieff’s path to Hollywood was as globe-trotting and resilient as the characters she now plays. Born in Quebec to a French diplomat and a Korean-Russian mother who died when Pom was young, she was raised by an uncle in France after her father's suicide. She studied law before abandoning it for acting at the Cours Florent in Paris. Her breakthrough came not with a whisper, but with a visceral scream in the 2013 film 'Oldboy.' Hollywood soon called, and she was cast as Mantis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—a role that required her to be both utterly alien and deeply empathetic, communicating volumes through physical comedy and gentle antennae twitches. Beyond the green makeup, she has proven her range in gritty indies and as a formidable, knife-wielding presence in the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise. Klementieff brings a grounded, offbeat energy to every part, making the bizarre feel intimately human.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Pom was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Pom Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Pom's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the empathetic alien Mantis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,' 'Avengers: Infinity War,' 'Avengers: Endgame,' and 'Thor: Love and Thunder.'
- Joined the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise as the skilled and unpredictable operative Paris in 'Dead Reckoning Part One' and Part Two.
- Received critical acclaim for her raw and intense performance in Spike Lee's 2013 remake of 'Oldboy.'
- Starred in the independent sci-fi film 'The Bubble' and the thriller 'Ingrid Goes West,' showcasing her versatility beyond blockbusters.
- Became a recognized face at global fan conventions, known for her enthusiastic and genuine engagement with audiences.
Did You Know?
She is fluent in French, English, and Korean.
The name 'Pom' was given by her mother, inspired by a small Korean apple.
She is a trained pianist and also practices kickboxing.
Klementieff is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about her family's struggles with depression.
She performed many of her own stunts in the 'Mission: Impossible' films, including complex fight sequences.
“I like characters that are a bit broken, because I think that's what humanity is.”
