Pom Klementieff’s journey into Hollywood stardom is a tale of international roots, resilience, and an undeniable on-screen presence. Known to millions as Mantis from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pom’s unique charisma, multicultural upbringing, and dynamic roles have made her a beloved and intriguing figure in the entertainment world. But there’s so much more to her than her antennae-wearing, empathic Marvel persona.
Early Life and Multicultural Background
Born on May 3, 1986, in Quebec City, Canada, Pom Klementieff was raised in a family that already lived a richly international life. Her father, a French-Russian consul, and her Korean mother gave her a truly multicultural identity. The name “Pom” comes from the Korean word for “spring,” a nod to her mother’s heritage and a name that suits her energy well.
Though she was born in Canada, Pom spent most of her early years in France. Tragedy struck early in her life she lost her father when she was just five, and her mother struggled with mental health, leading to her being raised largely by her paternal uncle and later her aunt. These early hardships shaped her into someone fiercely independent, emotionally aware, and deeply intuitive traits that would later shine through in her acting.
Training in Acting and Theatre
Pom didn’t always dream of Hollywood. Initially, she studied law, but it wasn’t long before she felt the pull of the arts. At the age of 19, she enrolled at the prestigious Cours Florent, a well-known drama school in Paris. It was here that she began to craft her abilities and connect with the emotional depths required of serious performers.
She supported herself with various jobs from waitressing to selling shoes all while attending acting classes and doing theater. The journey was not glamorous in the beginning, but it was grounding. Her discipline and authenticity as an actor were born during these early years in Parisian theater, where raw emotion and subtlety are valued more than spectacle.
Her First Steps into Film and Television
Pom made her film debut in 2007 in the French independent movie Après lui, starring alongside legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve. It wasn’t a blockbuster, but it introduced Pom to the screen and allowed her to build relationships in the French film scene.
In the following years, she acted in a variety of French films, most notably Loup (2009), where she played a character in the Siberian wilderness a role that required her to live among reindeer herders. That immersive experience, far removed from typical acting gigs, showcased her commitment to the craft and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone for a role.
Breakthrough with Oldboy
Pom’s first major step into international cinema came in 2013 with Oldboy, a remake of the South Korean classic, directed by Spike Lee. Playing the part of Haeng-Bok, she embraced a fierce, combative role that involved months of martial arts training.
Although the film received mixed reviews, Pom’s performance caught the attention of casting agents and producers. It wasn’t long before she would land the role that would define her career to date.
Becoming Mantis in the Marvel Universe
In 2017, Pom joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Mantis in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Her portrayal of the empathic, awkward, and surprisingly powerful alien struck a chord with audiences around the world. Unlike the typical superhero role that relies on brute strength or flashy effects, Mantis was emotional, quirky, and deeply human in her vulnerability.
Pom brought something fresh to the table comic timing, warmth, and an ability to balance humor with emotional depth. Director James Gunn has repeatedly praised her for bringing such a unique and delicate balance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.
Her role as Mantis continued through Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). Each time, she deepened her portrayal, gaining more screen time and fan appreciation.
Venturing Beyond Marvel
While Marvel may be her most recognized platform, Pom has shown her range by taking on other bold and diverse roles. She appeared in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), where she played Paris, a silent but deadly assassin. The physicality of the role once again proved her fearlessness and dedication to immersive roles.
She’s also lent her voice to animated series, worked on video game projects, and continued acting in both French and English productions. Her ability to switch between languages, cultures, and genres is one of her biggest assets in today’s global entertainment industry.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Pom Klementieff is 39 years old. She stands at about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), with a lean, athletic build that serves her well in physically demanding roles. She has naturally dark brown hair, which she often dyes for roles (her silver-white look as Paris in Mission: Impossible is unforgettable), and distinctive facial features inherited from her mixed Korean and Russian-French background.
She’s known for her expressive eyes, which help her portray vulnerability or intensity with subtle facial movements. Even without dialogue, she has a strong screen presence something directors have praised repeatedly.
Family and Personal Life
Pom is known for being quite private about her personal life. While she hasn’t publicly discussed romantic relationships, she often shares moments with close friends and colleagues, including her Guardians co-stars, on her social media.
Raised by her uncle and aunt after her parents’ absence, Pom credits much of her strength to her family, especially her aunt, who she has described as a strong and loving presence during her formative years.
She also speaks openly about grief and emotional growth, often using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of community and connection.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Pom Klementieff net worth is estimated at around $4 million to $5 million USD, thanks to her recurring Marvel roles, international film projects, and brand endorsements. While she isn’t one to flaunt wealth or live extravagantly in the public eye, she has undoubtedly carved a solid financial foundation through smart role choices and global appeal.
She’s also voiced characters in video games and participated in commercial campaigns ventures that supplement her acting income and increase her visibility.
Social Media and Fan Connection
Pom is quite active on Instagram (@pom.klementieff), where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, fan art, candid selfies, and moments from press tours and movie sets. Her tone is friendly and down-to-earth, which makes fans feel connected to her beyond her characters.
She’s also made appearances at major comic-cons and fan events around the world, where her interaction with fans is warm, enthusiastic, and personal. She often credits her supporters with keeping her grounded and inspired.
Future Projects and What’s Next
With her role in Guardians of the Galaxy likely wrapped up after the trilogy’s conclusion, Pom is now focusing on more diverse roles. There are rumors of her joining new action franchises, returning to indie French cinema, and possibly producing or directing in the future.
She’s expressed interest in storytelling beyond acting, particularly around mental health, grief, and identity themes that resonate deeply with her life experiences.
Given her range, passion, and international appeal, it’s likely we’ll see Pom Klementieff taking on increasingly complex and meaningful projects in the years to come.
Quick Bio Pom Klementieff
| Name | Pom Klementieff |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1986 |
| Age (2025) | 39 years old |
| Place of Birth | Quebec City, Canada |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Net Worth | $4–5 million USD |
| Notable Roles | Mantis (MCU), Paris (MI:7) |
| Instagram Handle | @pom.klementieff |
| Languages Spoken | French, English, Korean (basic) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (often dyed) |
| Training | Cours Florent (Paris) |
| Family | Raised by aunt and uncle |
Final Thoughts
Pom Klementieff is more than a Marvel superhero she’s a testament to how grit, versatility, and heart can break down international barriers in Hollywood. From a challenging childhood to starring in billion-dollar franchises, Pom’s story inspires us to embrace complexity, fight with empathy, and chase our dreams no matter where we come from.
With her best years ahead, Pom continues to evolve, surprise, and inspire on and off the screen. Whether she’s wielding cosmic powers or fighting alongside Ethan Hunt, one thing is certain Pom Klementieff is a force to be reckoned with.
