Polly Shulman

Anne Jacqueline Hathaway, born November 12, 1982, is a highly decorated American actress with an extensive filmography and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a Primetime Emmy. Her career began with early roles in television and a breakthrough performance in Disney's 'The Princess Diaries,' leading to a series of family films. Hathaway later transitioned to more mature roles, achieving critical and commercial success in films like 'Brokeback Mountain,' 'The Devil Wears Prada,' and 'Les Misérables,' for which she won an Oscar. Her career has spanned a wide range of genres, from comedies and dramas to musicals and fantasy, with her films grossing billions worldwide. Beyond acting, Hathaway is involved in humanitarian work, advocating for gender equality as a UN Women goodwill ambassador and supporting the Lollipop Theatre Network.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Anne Hathaway's background includes Irish, English, German, and French heritage. Her father was a labor attorney, and her mother a former actress. A pivotal moment in her childhood was witnessing her mother perform in 'Les Misérables,' sparking an early fascination with the stage. Despite initial parental reservations and a period of wishing to become a nun, acting remained a strong aspiration. Her family's religious journey, moving from Roman Catholicism to the Episcopal Church due to its acceptance of homosexuality, reflects a period of evolving personal values. Hathaway's education included Montessori and elementary schooling in New Jersey, followed by participation in numerous high school plays and later studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Vassar College, before transferring to New York University.

Hathaway's performing arts journey included singing soprano with the All-Eastern U.S. High School Honors Chorus at Carnegie Hall and acting in plays. Her early film career saw comparisons to Judy Garland and Audrey Hepburn. She made her cinematic debut in 'The Princess Diaries' (2001), a role that launched her to stardom and earned her significant praise. This was followed by a string of family-friendly films such as 'Ella Enchanted' (2004). To avoid being typecast, Hathaway consciously sought out more mature roles starting around 2005, appearing in 'Havoc' and 'Brokeback Mountain.' This shift marked a deliberate effort to expand her acting range and appeal to a growing audience.

Hathaway's career progressed with notable performances in a variety of genres. She starred in the critically acclaimed 'Brokeback Mountain' (2005), followed by the commercial hit 'The Devil Wears Prada' (2006). Her role as Fantine in the musical 'Les Misérables' (2012) earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Other significant films include 'Rachel Getting Married' (2008), which garnered her an Oscar nomination, 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012) where she played Catwoman, and more recent works like 'Interstellar' (2014) and 'Ocean's 8' (2018). Her versatility is further demonstrated by her work in television, including a Primetime Emmy Award for her voice role on 'The Simpsons.'