If Hollywood had a “relatable genius” category, Anne Hathaway would surely take home the gold every time. She’s the actress who can do it all—whether it's donning a princess crown, battling fierce enemies as a cat burglar, or bringing an emotional performance to an Oscar-worthy drama, Hathaway has been serving us a delicious mix of charm, talent, and just the right amount of vulnerability for over two decades. But, of course, if we’re being honest, she’s also the kind of actress you can’t help but have a little crush on—whether it’s her graceful red carpet moments or her down-to-earth Instagram posts. She’s not only a shining star in the industry; she’s the kind of celebrity you want to grab coffee with (if only she would invite us).
So, how did Anne Hathaway go from a “Princess Diaries” teen star to a multi-talented, award-winning, and totally cool A-lister? Strap in, we’re about to take a journey through the enchanting career of one of Hollywood’s most likable and versatile stars.
The Early Years: From Broadway to Hollywood’s Spotlight
Born on November 12, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, Anne Jacqueline Hathaway didn’t exactly come out of the womb rehearsing lines for Les Misérables. In fact, Hathaway was raised in a relatively normal family, with a father who worked as a lawyer and a mother who was an actress (but not in the "fame-chasing" sense). From a young age, Hathaway was drawn to performing, and it didn’t take long before she was immersed in the world of theater. By the age of 16, Anne was already starring in Broadway productions, proving that she had both the acting chops and the stage presence to make a name for herself.
Despite her early success in theater, the big screen didn’t seem like a natural fit for her at first. Hathaway was often pegged as a "Broadway girl" in her early career, but that all changed when she was cast in 2001’s The Princess Diaries, directed by Garry Marshall. The role of Mia Thermopolis, a teenager who learns she’s the heir to a European throne, became her breakout performance. Suddenly, the world was introduced to the wide-eyed, lovable Hathaway, who made the awkward teen princess both relatable and endearing. Her portrayal of Mia quickly earned her legions of fans and cemented her as a promising young actress to watch.
It wasn’t just her acting ability that captivated audiences; it was the way Hathaway effortlessly balanced the innocence of her character with a blossoming confidence. It’s a role that would go on to define her career, giving her the opportunity to shine in a variety of genres in the years to come.
The Breakthrough: The ‘Princess Diaries’ Phase and the Rising Star
When we think of Anne Hathaway’s early career, The Princess Diaries is probably the first film that comes to mind. After all, it was her introduction to Hollywood and the vehicle that propelled her into the spotlight. But don’t be fooled—Hathaway’s post-Princess Diaries career would quickly evolve into something far more sophisticated, proving that she wasn’t just a “princess” with a tiara, but an actress with a range to rival some of Hollywood’s heavyweights.
After The Princess Diaries, Hathaway returned to more lighthearted fare with films like The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006). In the latter, Hathaway played the naive, idealistic Andy Sachs, who becomes the assistant to Meryl Streep's icy fashion mogul, Miranda Priestly. Let’s be real—getting to act opposite Meryl Streep is a massive win in itself. But Hathaway didn’t just let Streep steal the spotlight. Her portrayal of Andy was witty, relatable, and full of the kind of charm that quickly earned her a reputation as one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars. In fact, her performance in The Devil Wears Prada is still widely regarded as one of her finest, a role that made her more than just a princess or a sidekick—she was a star.
By now, it was clear that Hathaway was no one-trick pony. She could do comedy, drama, and everything in between. The "Meryl Streep vibe" became an unofficial title bestowed upon Hathaway for her ability to hold her own with Hollywood’s elite. If you were looking for an actress who could seamlessly transition between genres, she was your girl. And unlike some stars who get pigeonholed into playing the same type of character, Hathaway refused to let her talent be confined to any one box. The versatility she demonstrated in her early career would serve as the foundation for a diverse body of work that kept audiences coming back for more.
The Dark Knight Rises: The Cat Burglar Who Wasn’t Just a Pretty Face
Ah, The Dark Knight Rises. In 2012, Anne Hathaway did what many thought was impossible—she stepped into the boots of one of the most iconic female characters in comic book history: Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. Following in the footsteps of actresses like Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry, Hathaway was tasked with playing a character who had a legacy of both seduction and badassery. So, how did she do? She owned it.
Hathaway's portrayal of Catwoman was nuanced, fierce, and full of the kind of charm and mystery that made her the perfect foil to Christian Bale's brooding Batman. Unlike the sultry, villainous versions of Catwoman we’d seen in the past, Hathaway’s take on the character was more grounded and layered. She wasn’t just the classic femme fatale; she was a complex, morally gray character with a backstory that hinted at vulnerability and redemption. And let’s not forget those iconic moments where she effortlessly glided through the streets of Gotham in full Catwoman regalia. She made it look easy. She made it look like fun.
More than just a supporting player in Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film, Hathaway’s Selina Kyle became one of the standout characters of the movie. She proved that she could hold her own in a world full of larger-than-life superheroes, making her one of the more memorable parts of The Dark Knight Rises. The role also marked a shift in Hathaway’s career, as she embraced more action-packed, physically demanding roles—something audiences hadn’t necessarily expected from the “princess” of earlier years.
Oscar Glory: From "Les Misérables" to the Red Carpet
By 2012, Hathaway had already established herself as a serious contender in Hollywood. But it was her performance in Les Misérables (2012) that truly cemented her status as one of the industry’s most talented actresses. Playing the tragic Fantine, Hathaway delivered a raw, heart-wrenching performance that had audiences crying, clapping, and whispering, “She’s going to win an Oscar.” And win she did.
Hathaway’s performance of “I Dreamed a Dream”—a song that would become synonymous with her journey to Oscar gold—was nothing short of magical. She poured her heart and soul into the role, playing a character ravaged by poverty and heartbreak. Critics were quick to praise her incredible commitment to the part, and the Academy followed suit, awarding Hathaway an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The win wasn’t just about the role; it was a testament to her evolution as an actress—a reminder that she could be both the charming princess and the raw, emotionally vulnerable woman capable of stealing the show.
Of course, Hathaway didn’t just stop at winning an Oscar. She followed it up with several more notable roles, including Interstellar (2014), The Intern (2015), and Ocean’s 8 (2018), further proving that her range as an actress had no bounds.
The Anne Hathaway Magic: Why We All Love Her
At this point, it’s clear that Anne Hathaway is no ordinary actress. She’s the rare kind of performer who can seamlessly transition from playing a fairy-tale princess to a gritty, Oscar-winning heroine—and make it look effortless. But what really sets her apart is her relatability. There’s a reason audiences connect with her, beyond just her undeniable talent. Hathaway is, at her core, human. Her career has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, and through it all, she’s remained down-to-earth and incredibly charming.
What makes Hathaway stand out in an industry often defined by superficiality and scandal is that she keeps it real. She’s refreshingly open about the pressures of being in the public eye, about her struggles with self-image, and about the expectations placed on women in Hollywood. And, of course, she does all of this with a smile.
Anne Hathaway has become a symbol of both grace and grit in the entertainment world. She’s the kind of actress who can take on any role—whether it’s comedic, dramatic, or downright action-packed—and absolutely own it. She’s versatile, talented, and, above all, real. And that’s why, after over 20 years in the business, she’s still one of the most beloved and celebrated stars in Hollywood.
What’s Next for Anne Hathaway?
As Anne Hathaway continues to redefine herself in Hollywood, there’s no telling what role she’ll take on next. Perhaps more musicals, more action films, or maybe a completely unexpected twist we can’t even imagine. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Anne Hathaway will continue to captivate us, make us laugh, and, undoubtedly, make us shed a few tears along the way. The best part? She’s just getting started.