- Full Name: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
- Born: November 12, 1982
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York City, USA
- Parents:
- Gerald Hathaway (father), a labor attorney
- Kate McCauley Hathaway (mother), a former actress
- Siblings: Two brothers, Michael and Thomas
- Ancestry: Of Irish, French, English, and German descent.
Anne grew up in Millburn, New Jersey, where she attended Millburn High School. Inspired by her mother’s acting career, Anne developed a passion for performing from a young age and participated in numerous school plays. She also studied at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey and was accepted into the prestigious Barrow Group Theater Company in New York.
Early Career and Breakthrough
- Debut Role: Anne made her television debut in the short-lived series Get Real (1999-2000).
- Breakthrough: Her big break came in 2001 when she starred as Mia Thermopolis in Disney’s The Princess Diaries, directed by Garry Marshall and co-starring Julie Andrews. The film’s success made her a household name and established her as a promising young actress.
Early Films
- The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
- Ella Enchanted (2004)
- Brokeback Mountain (2005): Showed her versatility in a supporting role alongside Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Transition to Mature Roles
To shed her Disney image, Anne took on more challenging roles:
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Co-starring with Meryl Streep, Anne played the aspiring journalist Andy Sachs. The film was a critical and commercial success and showcased her ability to handle mature roles.
- Becoming Jane (2007): Portrayed Jane Austen in this historical drama.
- Rachel Getting Married (2008): Played a troubled woman struggling with addiction, earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Mainstream Success
Anne continued to cement her status in Hollywood with a string of successful films:
- Bride Wars (2009): A romantic comedy co-starring Kate Hudson.
- Alice in Wonderland (2010): Played The White Queen in Tim Burton’s adaptation, alongside Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska.
- Love & Other Drugs (2010): Starred with Jake Gyllenhaal and received a Golden Globe nomination.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Anne played the iconic role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. Her performance was praised for its wit, intensity, and physicality.
Academy Award Win
- Les Misérables (2012): Anne played Fantine, a factory worker who turns to prostitution to support her child. Her raw and emotional performance earned her:
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
- Golden Globe and BAFTA Award
Anne’s performance of the song “I Dreamed a Dream” in the film remains one of her most acclaimed moments.
Other Notable Films
- Interstellar (2014): Worked with Matthew McConaughey in this sci-fi epic directed by Christopher Nolan.
- The Intern (2015): Starred alongside Robert De Niro in a heartwarming comedy-drama.
- Ocean’s 8 (2018): Played the glamorous actress Daphne Kluger in this female-led heist film alongside Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett.
- The Hustle (2019): A comedy co-starring Rebel Wilson.
- The Witches (2020): Played the villainous Grand High Witch in a remake of the 1990 classic based on Roald Dahl’s book.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Anne married actor and jewelry designer Adam Shulman in September 2012.
- Children:
- Jonathan Rosebanks Shulman (born 2016)
- Jack Shulman (born 2019)
Anne is known for her advocacy work and commitment to various causes, including:
- Gender equality
- LGBTQ+ rights
- The fight against child marriage (as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador)
Awards and Honors
- Academy Award for Les Misérables
- Golden Globe Awards
- BAFTA Award
- Emmy Award for voice acting in The Simpsons (2010)
- Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.
Interesting Facts
- Education: Studied at Vassar College and later transferred to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study.
- Influence: Named after Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare.
- Versatile Talent: Known for her ability to perform in a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, musicals, and action films.
Legacy
Anne Hathaway is celebrated for her dedication to her craft, versatility, and resilience in navigating the challenges of fame. Her ability to balance blockbuster roles with deeply personal performances has made her one of the most respected and admired actresses of her generation.
