Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway are two of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, each with her own impressive career and unique contributions to the entertainment world. Julie Andrews, famous for her iconic roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, is a legend in the industry. Anne Hathaway, known for her roles in The Princess Diaries and Les Misérables, is one of Hollywood’s leading ladies of her generation. Their paths crossed when Anne Hathaway starred as Princess Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries (2001), a role that Julie Andrews played a crucial part in bringing to life as Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
Given their shared screen time and the fact that their characters in The Princess Diaries were part of a mentor-mentee relationship, many fans have been curious about the real-life dynamic between these two actresses. Did Julie Andrews like Anne Hathaway? Were they friends on set? Did they share a genuine bond beyond the camera?
In this article, we will explore the relationship between Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway, looking at their interactions, the nature of their working relationship, and their personal feelings toward each other. Through interviews, public appearances, and the stories they’ve shared over the years, we will dive into the dynamic that exists between these two stars and uncover whether there was mutual admiration, respect, and friendship, or if their relationship was more professional than personal.
The Beginning of Their Relationship: The Princess Diaries
A Royal Beginning
The first time Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway worked together was in The Princess Diaries, a film that became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Garry Marshall, The Princess Diaries tells the story of Mia Thermopolis, a teenager who learns that she is the heir to the throne of the fictional country of Genovia. Anne Hathaway played the awkward, ordinary Mia, while Julie Andrews portrayed her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
The chemistry between Anne and Julie’s characters was vital to the success of the film. Queen Clarisse was not just a regal figure but also a wise and supportive mentor to Mia, guiding her through the transition into royalty. Their relationship on-screen was heartwarming and full of tenderness, with Queen Clarisse helping Mia navigate the complexities of royal life, all while encouraging her to embrace her true self.
Behind the scenes, the collaboration between Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews was just as important as their on-screen bond. For Anne, working with Julie was an incredibly formative experience. As a newcomer to Hollywood, Anne had always admired Julie Andrews’ legendary career, and the opportunity to work with her was a dream come true. Julie, on the other hand, was already a seasoned actress with decades of experience, and her professionalism and wisdom left a lasting impression on Anne.
Mentorship on Set
During the making of The Princess Diaries, Julie Andrews became something of a mentor to Anne Hathaway. As a young actress just beginning to make her mark in Hollywood, Anne was eager to learn from Julie’s extensive experience. Julie, in turn, was kind and nurturing, offering Anne guidance and support throughout the filming process.
In interviews, Anne Hathaway has spoken about how Julie Andrews took her under her wing. Anne described how Julie would offer advice on acting, life, and career, helping her adjust to the demands of Hollywood. Julie’s reputation as a gracious and kind mentor was confirmed when Anne spoke publicly about their friendship and how Julie made her feel comfortable on set.
Julie Andrews also shared similar sentiments about Anne Hathaway. In interviews, she referred to Anne as “a delightful young woman” and praised her dedication to her craft. Julie recognized Anne’s potential and, as a mentor, was supportive of her growth as an actress. Julie often spoke about how Anne had a natural charm that shone through both on and off the screen, making her a pleasure to work with.
Their Bond Beyond The Princess Diaries
A Continuing Friendship
After The Princess Diaries, the bond between Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway continued to flourish. The two actresses stayed in touch and shared mutual respect for each other’s work. Anne often mentioned how Julie was like a second mother to her, a constant source of wisdom and support in her career.
Julie Andrews, too, has spoken fondly of Anne Hathaway in interviews over the years. She has praised Anne for her talent, kindness, and work ethic. It is clear that their relationship went beyond the set of The Princess Diaries and turned into a genuine friendship, built on mutual admiration and respect. The two actresses were often seen supporting each other in public, whether it was through heartfelt messages or attending each other’s events.
In 2011, when Anne Hathaway was chosen to host the Academy Awards alongside James Franco, Julie Andrews was one of the first to publicly express her support for Anne. Julie praised Anne’s ability to handle such a high-profile event with grace and humor, recognizing that it would have been a difficult challenge for any actress, especially someone as young as Anne at the time. Julie’s support for Anne during that time reflected the depth of their friendship and the mentorship that had continued since their first collaboration.
Public Appearances Together
Julie and Anne’s interactions weren’t confined to interviews and private moments. The two actresses have appeared together in public on multiple occasions, further showcasing their close relationship. In 2004, Julie Andrews made a cameo appearance at the premiere of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, where Anne Hathaway reprised her role as Princess Mia. Julie’s appearance at the event was a testament to the continuing friendship and support between the two.
In later years, both actresses have been seen at events together, where their chemistry was as evident as ever. Whether they were attending awards shows, industry events, or charity functions, Anne and Julie always seemed to be there for each other. Julie, in particular, was supportive of Anne as she navigated her career and dealt with the pressures of fame. As a mentor, Julie provided Anne with valuable insight into handling the challenges of being a public figure, and as a friend, she offered emotional support and encouragement.
Their Shared Experiences and Respect for Each Other
Mutual Admiration for Their Craft
Both Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway are known for their exceptional talents and versatility as actresses. Julie’s long and storied career, which includes iconic roles in films such as Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and Victor/Victoria, has earned her legendary status in Hollywood. Anne, on the other hand, has proven herself to be one of the most talented actresses of her generation, with a diverse body of work ranging from dramatic roles in Les Misérables to comedic turns in The Devil Wears Prada.
Despite their differences in age and career trajectory, both actresses share a deep respect for the craft of acting. Julie Andrews has always been known for her meticulous preparation and commitment to her roles, while Anne Hathaway has earned praise for her versatility and willingness to take on challenging parts. Their shared respect for acting as an art form is one of the many things that has brought them closer over the years.
Supporting Each Other’s Careers
Anne Hathaway has often expressed how much Julie’s influence has shaped her career. She has praised Julie for her ability to balance both a successful career and a fulfilling personal life. Julie’s commitment to her craft, along with her ability to maintain a grounded, gracious demeanor in the face of fame, has served as a role model for Anne.
In return, Julie Andrews has continued to support Anne’s career, often speaking highly of her in interviews. Julie has acknowledged Anne’s growth as an actress and her ability to handle the pressures of fame with grace. Julie’s public support has been an important part of Anne’s career, as it demonstrates the strength of their friendship and mentorship.
Conclusion
The question of whether Julie Andrews liked Anne Hathaway has a simple answer: Yes, Julie Andrews not only liked Anne but also genuinely cared for her. Their relationship began with a professional mentorship on the set of The Princess Diaries, but it quickly grew into a genuine friendship built on mutual respect and admiration. Julie has praised Anne for her talent, work ethic, and kindness, while Anne has referred to Julie as a second mother and a guiding figure in her life.
Their bond is a beautiful example of how mentorship in Hollywood can lead to long-lasting friendships. Both actresses have enjoyed successful careers, and their friendship has stood the test of time. They continue to support each other publicly, and their mutual respect for one another is evident in every interaction they have. In a world where celebrity relationships can sometimes be superficial or short-lived, the friendship between Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway is a rare and heartwarming example of how two powerful women in Hollywood can form a lasting and meaningful connection.
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