Anne Hathaway

Anne Jacqueline Hathaway, born on November 12, 1982, is a stellar American actress with an impressive array of accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Her cinematic endeavors have raked in a staggering $6.8 billion globally, propelling her onto the prestigious Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2009 and establishing her as one of the highest-paid actresses in 2015.

Early Life and Background

Anne Jacqueline "Annie" Hathaway entered the world on November 12, 1982, gracing the Brooklyn borough of New York City with her presence. Her father, Gerald, earned his living as a labor attorney, while her mother, Kate (formerly McCauley), is a former actress. Hathaway's maternal lineage connects to Joe McCauley, the renowned radio personality from WIP (AM) Philadelphia. The Daily Telegraph reveals that her moniker finds inspiration in none other than Shakespeare's illustrious wife. Siblings Michael and Thomas complete the familial ensemble.

At the tender age of six, the Hathaway household relocated to Millburn, New Jersey, becoming the nurturing backdrop for Anne's formative years. Raised under the banner of Roman Catholicism, she held steadfast to what she deems "really strong values" and even entertained thoughts of a nun's calling in her youth. However, the allure of the stage always beckoned. A pivotal shift occurred at fifteen when Anne discovered her older brother's sexual orientation, prompting the family's departure from the Catholic Church. Opting for the Episcopal Church due to its inclusive stance, they eventually ventured elsewhere. In 2009, Hathaway candidly referred to her religious beliefs as an ongoing journey.

Educational milestones pepper Anne's early years, with stints at Brooklyn Heights Montessori School and Wyoming Elementary School in Millburn. Graduating from Millburn High School, she not only showcased her athletic prowess in soccer but also graced the stage in productions like "Once Upon a Mattress," where she took on the role of Winnifred. The drama bug persisted, leading her to feature in plays such as "Jane Eyre" and "Gigi" at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse. In 1993, she stepped into the hallowed halls of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, becoming the first teenager admitted to the Barrow Group Theater Company's acting program. Academic pursuits saw her navigate through Vassar College as an English major and political science minor before finding her academic niche at New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

Career

2001-2004: Early Roles and Breakthrough

In 2001, Disney showcased Anne Hathaway's versatility in two contrasting films: the comedic "The Princess Diaries" and the adventurous drama "The Other Side of Heaven." Taking on the lead role in "The Princess Diaries," based on Meg Cabot's 2000 novel, Hathaway portrayed the teenage Mia Thermopolis, who unexpectedly learns about her royal lineage in the fictional Kingdom of Genovia. Interestingly, Hathaway auditioned for this role during a layover on her way to New Zealand, catching the attention of director Garry Marshall. Despite initial considerations for Liv Tyler, Hathaway won the role, her "princess" hair sealing the deal, according to Marshall's granddaughters. The film proved a commercial triumph, grossing $165 million globally, and Hathaway's performance garnered praise from critics, with one BBC critic highlighting her shining presence and on-screen chemistry.

In contrast, Hathaway shared the screen with Christopher Gorham in Mitch Davis's "The Other Side of Heaven," inspired by John H. Groberg's memoir. Unfortunately, the film faced negative reviews and struggled at the box office, marking a departure from the success of "The Princess Diaries."

Capitalizing on the triumph of "The Princess Diaries," People magazine recognized Hathaway as one of its breakthrough stars of 2001. The following year, in February 2002, Hathaway marked her New York City stage debut in the City Center Encores! concert production of "Carnival!" In this theatrical venture, she played Lili, an optimistic orphan entangled in a love story with a magician. Hathaway's dedication to the role was evident as she trained with a vocal coach for two weeks and impressively memorized lines and songs even before the first read-through.

Critics applauded her ability to stand out alongside seasoned actors, heralding her as a rising star. Charles Isherwood of Variety particularly commended Hathaway as the highlight of the musical, describing her as "remarkably unaffected and winning" in a convincing performance. She clinched the Clarence Derwent Award for Most Promising Female, a feat that highlighted her early acclaim. Subsequently, Hathaway lent her voice to the audiobook versions of the initial trilogy of The Princess Diaries novels.

In 2003, Hathaway faced a dilemma, having to turn down the opportunity to portray Christine Daaé in Joel Schumacher's The Phantom of the Opera (2004). The clash in filming schedules with The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) led to this difficult decision. Despite initial reservations and nerves about reprising her role, Hathaway ultimately agreed, swayed by Marshall's assurance that she was venturing into uncharted territory. The sequel hit theaters in August 2004, receiving unfavorable reviews but managing to rake in $95.1 million against a $40 million budget.

2005-2008: Transition to Adult Roles and Critical Recognition

From 2005 to 2008, Hathaway embarked on a journey into more mature roles, a deliberate move to avoid being typecast. She expressed the need for a break, asserting that anyone serving as a role model for children requires respite. Hathaway replaced Tara Strong as the voice of Red Puckett in Hoodwinked! (2005) and then took on the role of a privileged socialite in the drama Havoc (2005). The film, which deviated thematically from her previous works, featured scenes with nudity. Hathaway, however, rejected the notion that her choice of roles aimed at projecting a more mature image, emphasizing her belief that nudity, when artistically justified, is an integral aspect of her craft. Unfortunately, Havoc did not see a theatrical release in the United States due to unfavorable critical reception.

In the same period, Hathaway shared the screen with Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in Ang Lee's drama Brokeback Mountain (2005). The film delves into the emotional and sexual dynamics between two men, Ennis (Ledger) and Jack (Gyllenhaal), both married to women. Hathaway initially approached for the role of Ennis' wife and opted to audition for Lureen after reading the script, ultimately landing the part.

She fibbed about her equestrian skills during auditions to secure a role from Lee but later took riding lessons. The resulting film garnered critical praise and numerous Academy Award nominations. Rolling Stone's Peter Travers lauded Hathaway for portraying Lureen's transformation from sweetness to toughness, while Variety's Todd McCarthy praised her for offering a captivating portrayal of spousal disappointment. Hathaway emphasized the importance of Brokeback Mountain's content over its award count, revealing that the experience made her more discerning about the narratives she wanted to explore as an actress. She expressed a desire to engage audiences by either moving them emotionally or providing such entertaining experiences that they momentarily escape from their own lives.

In 2006, she headlined The Devil Wears Prada, a comedy-drama directed by David Frankel and based on Lauren Weisberger's novel. The film featured her as a recent college graduate who lands a position as co-assistant to the formidable fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly, portrayed by Meryl Streep.

Although initially cast in Knocked Up, Hathaway withdrew from the project before filming commenced and was replaced by Katherine Heigl. Judd Apatow, the writer-director, explained that Hathaway's departure was due to her discomfort with the inclusion of real childbirth footage, as she felt it didn't contribute to the film's narrative. In 2007, her only release was the biographical romantic drama Becoming Jane, where she played the lead role of English author Jane Austen.

In October 2008, Hathaway hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live on NBC. She also starred in Peter Segal's film adaptation of Mel Brooks' Get Smart, taking on the role of Agent 99. Describing the part as a "childhood dream come true," Hathaway underwent training in martial arts and dance for the role. While filming an action sequence, she suffered a severe injury, splitting the flesh of her shin down to the bone and requiring 15 stitches. Despite the setback, the film, centered around an analyst aspiring to become a field agent and a better spy, proved to be a financial success.

2012-2014: Some Classic Films

In 2012, Hathaway's rendition of L. Frank Baum's classic, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," hit Audible.com, earning her an Audie Award nomination for Best Solo Narration - Female. Following this, she stealthily embodied the morally ambiguous Catwoman, aka Selina Kyle, in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises. Hathaway confessed she initially auditioned with Harley Quinn in mind but discovered her role only after a lengthy conversation with Nolan.

Describing it as her most physically demanding challenge at the time, she excited her gym efforts to meet the role's demands. With martial arts training and inspiration drawn from Hedy Lamarr, her portrayal of Catwoman contributed to the critical success of The Dark Knight Rises, which grossed over $1 billion globally in 2012. IGN's Jim Vejvoda praised Hathaway's "magnetic presence" and the authenticity she brought to her character, earning her the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress.

After a brief appearance in the romantic comedy Don Jon (2013), Hathaway took center stage as both star and co-producer alongside her husband in Song One. Returning as Jewel in the animated film Rio 2 (2014), her chemistry with Jamie Foxx helped the movie surpass its $103 million budget nearly fivefold.

In the same year, she ventured into Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. In this dystopian science fiction epic, humanity's survival hinges on a group of astronauts navigating a wormhole in search of a new home. In this cinematic journey, Hathaway portrayed Dr. Amelia Brand, a NASA scientist among the intrepid astronauts.

Critics from The Independent and Empire lauded Hathaway for her compelling portrayal, describing her as "emotionally resonant" in depicting a scientist caught at the crossroads between professional duties and personal emotions. They commended her for infusing the role with a "poignant subtlety." Interstellar's global box office success, exceeding $701 million, solidified its acclaim. Hathaway's performance earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actress, showcasing her ability to bring depth and sincerity to her characters.

2015-2021: Comedic Roles and Career Fluctuations

In 2015, Hathaway kicked off the year with a bang by gracing the stage of the inaugural season of Lip Sync Battle, where she faced off against her The Devil Wears Prada colleague Emily Blunt. In this epic showdown, she flawlessly mimicked Mary J. Blige's "Love" and belted out Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball." The small screen wasn't the only platform where Hathaway shone; she also lit up the silver screen with the release of Nancy Meyers' The Intern. Critics praised her performance, with one from Roger Ebert's website dubbing her "extremely appealing" and a New York magazine reviewer noting, "The Intern thrives on De Niro's amiability and Hathaway's delightful energy." The film's global box office success, raking in $194 million against a $35 million budget, solidified its triumph.

The following year, Hathaway reprised her ethereal role as the White Queen in Alice Through the Looking Glass, the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. News surfaced in March that she would revisit the iconic Princess Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries 3. Still, alas, the project met an unfortunate halt with the passing of director Garry Marshall.

Adding a musical note to her repertoire, Hathaway joined forces with Barbra Streisand on the 2016 album Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway. Teaming up with Daisy Ridley, the duo, along with Streisand, delivered a captivating performance of "At The Ballet" from A Chorus Line. Hathaway assumed the role of Maggie, one of three dancers vying for a coveted spot in an upcoming show.

Closing out the year, Hathaway ventured into the realm of science fiction black comedy with Colossal (2016), alongside Jason Sudeikis and under the direction of Nacho Vigalondo. Portraying an unemployed young writer, Hathaway became the project's first actress to sign on when it lacked financial backing. Intrigued by the genre-hopping script, she drew parallels to the cinematic masterpiece Being John Malkovich (1999), expressing her fondness for its unpredictable nature. The movie garnered praise from critics, yet its box office earnings amounted to a modest $4 million.

After a hiatus from the silver screen lasting two years, Hathaway took on the role of a renowned actress in the female-centric spin-off of the Ocean's Eleven series, Ocean's 8, under the direction of Gary Ross. Alongside Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett, the film revolves around a gang of criminals scheming to heist the Met Gala. Hathaway embraced the chance to portray a character with a colossal ego, viewing it as an opportunity "to fully embrace all the ludicrous aspects of fame that I've been trying to avoid for years." She aspired for the movie to debunk the notion that films led by women don't succeed financially, expressing hope for its profitability. Critics lauded Hathaway, noting she "stole the show," with Jason Di Rosso from ABC Online emphasizing, "The film's standout moments belong to Hathaway as the anxious, vain, and capricious starlet-a victim of the celebrity treadmill who can also outsmart it." Ocean's 8 emerged as a box office triumph, grossing over $297 million globally against its $70 million budget.

In 2019, Hathaway's initial two films, the thriller Serenity and the comedy The Hustle, faced unfavorable reviews. In Serenity, she teamed up with her Interstellar co-star Matthew McConaughey, playing a woman who enlists her ex-husband to eliminate her abusive new spouse. This role led her to dye her hair blonde. The Hustle, a remake of the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, co-starring Rebel Wilson, unexpectedly became a sleeper hit. Following these ventures, Hathaway portrayed a woman with bipolar disorder in an episode of the romantic anthology series Modern Love on Amazon Prime Video. She then took on the role of the wife of Mark Ruffalo's character in Todd Haynes' legal drama Dark Waters, addressing environmental poisoning by the chemical company DuPont.

The actress kicked off the new decade with The Last Thing He Wanted (2020), a political thriller adapted from Joan Didion's novel. Unfortunately, the film garnered unfavorable reviews. Transitioning to The Witches, a Robert Zemeckis-directed adaptation, she embraced the role of a malevolent witch, but critics found it lacking compared to the 1990 version. Both performances landed her Worst Actress nominations at the 41st Golden Raspberry Awards. In 2021, she headlined the heist film Locked Down, shot in just 18 days during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also made a brief appearance in the Amazon Prime Video Series Solos.

2022-Present: Critical Resurgence

The year 2022 marked a critical resurgence for Hathaway. Teaming up with Jared Leto in the Apple TV+ miniseries WeCrashed, she not only starred but also served as an executive producer. The show earned acclaim, particularly for her portrayal of Rebekah Neumann. Further, she took on the lead in James Gray's semi-autobiographical period drama Armageddon Time, embodying a character inspired by Gray's mother.

In her cinematic endeavors of 2023, Hathaway delved into the roles of emotionally troubled psychiatrists in Eileen and She Came to Me. Eileen, based on Ottessa Moshfegh's thriller novel, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, starring Thomasin McKenzie in the titular role.

Activism

Beyond her acting career, Hathaway has been a steadfast advocate for the Nike Foundation, actively fighting against child marriage. In 2006, she spent a week in Nicaragua, contributing to the vaccination efforts against hepatitis A. Her activism extends globally, championing the rights of women and girls in countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia.

In 2010, she joined forces with the World Bank for a transformative two-year initiative called The Girl Effect. This visionary program is dedicated to empowering girls in both developing and developed nations, targeting regions where a staggering one-third of young women find themselves neither employed nor enrolled in school.In 2013, she lent her captivating voice to Girl Rising, a documentary by CNN that delved into the transformative force of female education. The film chronicled the journeys of seven resilient girls across the globe as they faced challenges head-on in pursuit of their aspirations.

Beyond the screen, Hathaway actively contributes to various causes. She holds a position on the board of the Lollipop Theatre Network. She dedicates her efforts to charitable organizations such as the Creative Coalition, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Human Rights Campaign. Recognizing her unwavering commitment to gender equality, she was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. The subsequent year, on International Women's Day, she passionately advocated for equal paid parental leave for both men and women.

Awards and Accolades

In the realm of acting, accolades adorn Hathaway's career. With two Academy Award nominations, three Golden Globe nominations, and a nod from the British Academy Film Awards, her talent shines. Notably, her portrayal in Les Misérables earned her the prestigious quartet of an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her versatility extends to the animated realm, where she secured a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in a 2010 episode of The Simpsons.

Beyond the spotlight, she earned recognition closer to home. In November 2018, Hathaway stood among the 50 nominees for the New Jersey Hall of Fame, a testament to her contributions to society and the world. Further solidifying her legacy, she was honored with a motion picture star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2019, commemorating her significant impact on the film industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anne Hathaway's multifaceted career extends far beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Not only has she mesmerized audiences with her exceptional acting talent, earning accolades such as Academy Awards and Golden Globes, but she has also used her influence to champion important causes.