Anne Hathaway is one of Hollywood’s most successful and versatile actresses, known for her roles in films like Les Misérables, The Devil Wears Prada, The Princess Diaries, and many others. With her remarkable range of performances, she has become a household name and a favorite among audiences worldwide. However, like all successful stars, her journey to fame began with her first film. In this article, we will explore Anne Hathaway’s entry into the world of cinema, focusing on her first movie and how it shaped her career.
Who Is Anne Hathaway?
Before delving into her first film, it’s important to understand who Anne Hathaway is and what makes her stand out in the entertainment industry. Born on November 12, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, Anne Hathaway began her career as a young actress with a passion for theater. Raised in a creative environment, she was always interested in performing arts. However, her big break came when she transitioned from theater to the film industry, where she would soon become one of the leading actresses of her generation.
Anne’s career spans over two decades, and she has shown her talent in a variety of genres, from romantic comedies to serious dramas and even musicals. She has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Les Misérables (2012). Despite the success she has enjoyed over the years, many fans still ask, “Which was Anne Hathaway’s first movie?” This article will take a closer look at that pivotal moment in her career.
Anne Hathaway’s First Movie: The Princess Diaries (2001)
Although Anne Hathaway had appeared in several television roles before breaking into movies, her first film role that truly put her on the map was in The Princess Diaries. Released in 2001, this family-friendly comedy was directed by Garry Marshall and based on the popular book by Meg Cabot. Hathaway played the lead role of Mia Thermopolis, a shy, awkward teenager who unexpectedly discovers that she is the heir to the throne of a small European country called Genovia.
The Audition Process
Before landing the role of Mia Thermopolis, Anne Hathaway was still an unknown actress in the film industry. Having had some experience in theater and a few television roles, including a recurring part in the TV series Get Real (1999–2000), Hathaway had already shown her acting potential. However, it was her audition for The Princess Diaries that would mark the beginning of her rise to stardom.
During the audition process, Hathaway had to compete with several other young actresses for the role. However, her performance stood out because of her authenticity and ability to connect with the character of Mia. In interviews, Hathaway has spoken about how she felt an instant connection to Mia’s character, who was portrayed as a young girl trying to navigate the challenges of being a teenager while unexpectedly stepping into the spotlight. Hathaway’s natural charm and relatability won over the casting team, and she was selected for the role.
The Impact of The Princess Diaries
When The Princess Diaries hit theaters in 2001, it was an instant success. The film was a box office hit and garnered positive reviews, particularly for Anne Hathaway’s performance. At the time, Hathaway was 18 years old and had just completed her first significant movie role. The film’s success catapulted her to fame, and she quickly became a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
The story of The Princess Diaries revolves around Mia Thermopolis, an awkward teenager living in San Francisco with her single mother. Mia’s life takes an unexpected turn when she learns that she is the heir to the throne of Genovia, a fictional European country. As she navigates this new reality, Mia must deal with the challenges of her newfound royal status, including being trained in the ways of royalty by her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, played by Julie Andrews.
Mia’s journey of self-discovery, confidence-building, and embracing her royal responsibilities struck a chord with audiences, particularly teenagers who could relate to Mia’s awkwardness and growth. Hathaway’s portrayal of Mia was heartfelt, genuine, and full of charm. It was this role that laid the foundation for her future career in Hollywood.
What Made Mia Thermopolis So Special?
Mia Thermopolis, as portrayed by Anne Hathaway, was a character unlike any other in mainstream Hollywood films at the time. While many teenage characters in movies were often portrayed as glamorous and effortlessly cool, Mia was portrayed as clumsy, unpolished, and awkward—traits that made her more relatable to audiences. Hathaway’s ability to portray Mia’s vulnerability, humor, and warmth allowed the character to resonate deeply with viewers.
The story also focused on the theme of self-acceptance, which is something many young people struggle with as they grow into adulthood. Mia’s transformation from an awkward teen into a confident young woman is a story of empowerment, and Hathaway’s performance brought depth and nuance to this journey. It was clear from The Princess Diaries that Hathaway had the talent to make a character truly her own, and this would be a key component of her success in the years to come.
Anne Hathaway’s Breakthrough: A Star is Born
Following the success of The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway’s career took off. The film not only introduced her to a wider audience but also earned her the attention of top directors and producers. Hathaway went on to star in several more films, proving her versatility and skill as an actress.
Her next major project was The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), which was a sequel to the original film. In this film, Hathaway reprised her role as Mia Thermopolis and continued her character’s journey of adjusting to life as a princess while dealing with the pressures of finding love and fulfilling her royal duties. The sequel was also a commercial success and further solidified Hathaway’s status as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.
Throughout the early 2000s, Hathaway starred in a variety of films, including romantic comedies like The Devil Wears Prada (2006), in which she played Andy Sachs, a young woman who lands a job working for the powerful fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep). This role showed Hathaway’s range as an actress, as she was able to seamlessly transition from the shy, awkward Mia to a more mature and self-assured character.
Anne Hathaway’s Career Beyond The Princess Diaries
While The Princess Diaries was undoubtedly a significant milestone in Hathaway’s career, it was just the beginning of what would become a remarkable and diverse body of work. Anne Hathaway has gone on to star in a wide range of films, including dramas, comedies, and musicals. She has worked with acclaimed directors such as Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises), and Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland), and has earned critical acclaim for her performances in films like Les Misérables (2012), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Hathaway’s career is characterized by her ability to take on diverse roles and deliver exceptional performances. From playing a streetwise prostitute in Les Misérables to a scientist trying to save humanity in Interstellar (2014), Hathaway has proven time and again that she is more than capable of taking on any role.
Despite the wide variety of roles she has taken on, Hathaway is perhaps still most beloved for her portrayal of Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries. Her ability to connect with audiences, especially young viewers, and her natural charm have made her an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Anne Hathaway’s first movie, The Princess Diaries, remains one of the most iconic films of the early 2000s, and it marked the beginning of a successful and varied career for the actress. Her portrayal of Mia Thermopolis resonated with audiences around the world and showcased her impressive acting talent, which would continue to shine in later roles. From her breakout role as a young princess to her award-winning performances in dramatic roles, Hathaway’s career has proven that she is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring stars.
While The Princess Diaries was Anne Hathaway’s first major film, it was certainly not her last. It opened the door for a career filled with both commercial success and critical acclaim, making Hathaway one of the most respected actresses in the industry today. Whether she’s playing a princess, a fashion assistant, or a revolutionary in a historical drama, Anne Hathaway continues to captivate audiences and cement her legacy as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
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