Anne Hathaway biography, husband, age, net worth, Oscar, height, family 2025

Biography of Anne Hathaway

Anne Jacqueline Hathaway is a renowned American actress and singer. She broke through with her roles in films like "The Princess Diaries," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Becoming Jane," "Rachel Getting Married," "Alice in Wonderland," "Love & Other Drugs," "Les Misérables," and "The Intern," among others. She's won prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, plus numerous other honors.

Childhood and Education

Anne Hathaway was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 12, 1982, to Gerard Hathaway, a lawyer, and his wife, Kate McCauley, an actress. She has an older brother, Michael, and a younger brother, Thomas.

Anne was named after William Shakespeare's spouse, who was originally known as Anne Hathaway.

When she was six, the family moved to the charming town of Millburn in New Jersey, just outside New York City, where she spent her childhood. Raised Catholic, Anne often talked about being instilled with "strict moral principles." As a child, she thought about joining a convent, but her perspective on religion shifted at fifteen when she realized her older brother was gay. She couldn't support a church that didn't accept him, and now identifies as a nondenominational Christian.

In early childhood, Anne attended a Montessori-based development center before completing her elementary and high school education in Millburn. Throughout school, she played soccer and frequently took the stage in both school and amateur productions. The Paper Mill Playhouse was her main theatrical venue at the time—originally connected to a local paper mill, it later became the State Theatre of New Jersey.

Young Anne Hathaway with her parents and brothers

Along with regular school, she trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world, finishing the program in 1993.

Beyond theater, Anne also trained vocally and performed soprano parts several times at Carnegie Hall between 1998 and 1999. She's often said in interviews that she gets more joy from stage acting than from performing in front of a camera. Her acting role models include Judy Garland and Meryl Streep.

After completing her high school education, Anne enrolled in Vassar College in New York. By her own account, she "found her way through political science, American Gothic literature, and British literature."

Anne Hathaway's brothers: Thomas (left) and Michael (right)

After a few semesters, she transferred to the Gallatin School at New York University, where students can create their own academic curriculum. She's called this transition one of the best decisions of her life and admitted that, if not for acting, she could have become an English literature teacher or a psychologist.

Acting Career

When she was just 16 and captivating audiences at Carnegie Hall, television producers took notice and invited her to star in the series "Get Real." Soon after, the young actress landed the lead role in Disney's teen film "The Princess Diaries" (2001). In this box-office hit, she played an ordinary American high school student who discovers she's actually a princess of a small European kingdom. The film was a massive commercial success, especially for a family movie, launching Anne Hathaway into instant stardom.

'The Princess Diaries' Elevated Anne Hathaway to Stardom Instantly

Building on her success, Hathaway starred in the family film "Ella Enchanted" (2004) and the sequel "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" (2004). Looking back on this time, she said in an interview, "You can only play princesses while you're still young — until it starts to feel awkward. These are wonderful roles, and I felt I had to enjoy them as much as possible while I could. Eventually, you have to move on to play drug addicts, prostitutes, and virtuous characters — the roles that win Oscars."

During this time, Hathaway also voiced main characters in two animated films: the English version of the Japanese anime "The Cat Returns" (2002-2003) and the comedy mystery "Hoodwinked!" (2005). She then took on the lead female role in the teen crime drama "Havoc" (2005) and a supporting role in Ang Lee's three-time Oscar-winning "gay western," "Brokeback Mountain" (2005).

'Brokeback Mountain': Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal

In "Brokeback Mountain," Hathaway had to ride horseback — a skill she had not yet mastered. Surprisingly, this question only came up at the final stages of the audition process, after she'd almost landed the role.

My parents have gifted me many life lessons, and one of them is this: whenever someone asks 'can you do this,' the answer should always be 'yes.' Given the motivation, one can learn virtually anything in two weeks.

She did manage to learn, though she took quite a few falls during filming. The movie proved successful, and Hathaway's co-stars in "Brokeback Mountain" — Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Williams — received nominations for Oscars and other esteemed awards.

It was through her first mature role in "Brokeback Mountain" that Anne Hathaway proved herself as a sophisticated actress, earning the chance to deliver one of her most iconic performances in the comedy-drama "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006), alongside her idol, the legendary Meryl Streep.

While the movie's success was largely due to Meryl Streep's brilliant performance, which earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, Hathaway was satisfied with her work, saying, "I'm proud of this performance. Among all these vivid, character-driven roles, mine was more understated."

The Devil wears Prada Vogue scene

Next, Hathaway stepped into the titular role in the British-Irish biographical drama "Becoming Jane" (2007), which allowed her to further unveil her dramatic potential. The press noted, "With her coltish beauty and candid demeanor, Hathaway's rendition of Jane was marvelous."

Actress's Outfits from 'The Devil Wears Prada'

When asked by a journalist about taking on the role of the celebrated writer, the actress responded, "I was incredibly nervous, not so much about how audiences would receive my performance, but rather how to authentically portray this legendary woman I hold in such high regard and admiration."

Once again, Anne had to prepare intensively for her role: she quickly learned dancing, perfected a British accent, and got used to writing with a quill pen.

In 2008, she took on the role of an experienced super-agent in the comedy-action film "Get Smart," followed by her leading role in the family drama "Rachel Getting Married." For the latter, she received nominations for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and other accolades. Though the box office take barely exceeded the film's budget, critics were glowing in their praise for both the film and Hathaway's portrayal of Kim. "Her nervous laughter, uninhibited manners, and impulsivity convincingly blend into a single character marked by vulnerability and a need for attention."

After the film's release, the actress admitted, 'I didn't want to let go of Kim. Honestly, I didn't. I fell in love with her. She inspired me to be more authentic. After playing this role, I felt a renewed determination to be open to the world and not fear judgment, misunderstandings, or dislikes.'

Her third movie in 2008 was a partly mystical drama thriller "Passengers," which was not particularly successful, despite some merits.

Following that, she co-starred with Kate Hudson in the romantic comedy "Bride Wars" (2009). Critics weren't impressed by the predictable plot about two best friends who accidentally book their weddings on the same day, sparking an all-out war over guests and wedding venues. But audiences loved its lighthearted tone and feel-good ending.

'Bride Wars': Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson

In 2010, another romantic comedy featuring Anne Hathaway was released — "Valentine's Day." The film wove together multiple storylines that cleverly converged by the end. It boasted a star-studded cast including Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba, Julia Roberts, Kathy Bates, Bradley Cooper, among others. Like "Bride Wars," "Valentine's Day" earned mixed reviews—despite strong box office numbers, critics slammed its choppy storytelling and lack of originality.

Through career highs and lows, Anne Hathaway has proven herself a versatile and resilient actress who can tackle any role across genres.

In the same year of 2010, the actress landed a role in the whimsical adventure "Alice in Wonderland," based on Lewis Carroll's classic tale. This visually stunning film came to life through the creative genius of Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter, starring Mia Wasikowska alongside Stephen Fry and other talented actors.

Anne Hathaway portrayed the White Queen, a character she described as tempted by her dark side but afraid to give in, longing instead for a life of light and joy. She's constantly terrified of losing control. In one interview, she playfully called her character a "punk-rock pacifist and vegan."

The White Queen (Alice in Wonderland, 2010)

The film garnered three Oscar nominations, winning two, in addition to receiving three Golden Globe nominations among numerous other accolades. Its box office earnings exceeded one billion dollars. Anne was thrilled to join the project, saying, "Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter are like the coolest rock band ever, and suddenly they asked me to jam with them on this album."

Anne Hathaway took on another compelling role as the lead in the drama "Love and Other Drugs" (2010), starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Her performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe nomination and a Satellite Award. The role marked the first time Hathaway appeared nude on screen, which she found challenging. She looked to actresses like Kate Winslet and Penélope Cruz for inspiration, both of whom had handled nudity with grace and dignity.

Subsequently, she lent her voice to the animated musicals "Rio" (2011) and its sequel "Rio 2" (2014). She also starred in the romantic drama "One Day" (2011) and took on the role of Catwoman in the blockbuster superhero action film "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012), featuring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Gary Oldman, which earned over a billion dollars worldwide.

In 2012, Hathaway joined the cast of the musical drama "Les Misérables," based on Victor Hugo's novel. She starred alongside distinguished actors such as Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen. The film earned eight Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Supporting Actress, which went to Anne Hathaway.

Anne Hathaway won an Oscar for her role as Fantine in Les Misérables

In addition to this Academy Award, Hathaway also received a Golden Globe — one of the three the film won — as well as a Grammy Award. Critics said, "Anne Hathaway simply breaks your heart when she sings about how life has crushed her dreams. Her performance is so exquisite that it's evident she is Oscar-worthy." Others concurred, stating, "The film is worth watching for Hathaway alone."

Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) - All Fight Scenes

In 2014, Hathaway made her debut as a producer and played a key role in creating the dramatic film "Song One," in which she also portrayed the leading character. The film, however, wasn't a major success. Subsequently, she appeared in the science fiction blockbuster "Interstellar" (2014), alongside Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine.

Anne Hathaway raps

Despite some scientific liberties in the script, the film was widely praised by both critics and audiences. Hathaway believes the film's core message comes through in one of her character's lines: "Perhaps we should believe and love, even when we cannot fully comprehend." The film received numerous awards and nominations, including five Academy Award nods, one of which it won.

Hathaway's next project was the heartwarming comedy "The Intern" (2015), where she starred alongside Robert De Niro. With its tagline "Experience never gets old," the film follows a retired widower who becomes an intern at an online fashion company, working under his driven young CEO.

With Robert De Niro on the set of The Intern

In 2016, Hathaway returned as the White Queen in "Alice Through the Looking Glass," the sequel to "Alice in Wonderland." The film brought back Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen, with Tim Burton stepping back to produce while James Bobin took over directing duties. Unfortunately, the sequel couldn't match the original's success, with critics panning it as an expensive misfire.

Even with a young child at home, Hathaway kept her career momentum going. As her son Jonathan got older, she joined the star-studded heist comedy "Ocean's Eight," a spin-off of the popular "Ocean's Eleven" franchise. Released in 2018, the film features an ensemble cast including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Matt Damon, Dakota Fanning, Katie Holmes, and Kim Kardashian.

That same year, she wrapped post-production on the thriller "Serenity" with Matthew McConaughey and Diane Lane, plus the comedy "The Hustle," a remake of the classic 1988 con-artist film "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."

Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey on the set of Serenity

In 2019, she appeared in the anthology series "Modern Love" with Sofia Boutella, Olivia Cooke, Julia Garner, and other talented actresses. The show's seven episodes are each based on real stories from the New York Times column.

In 2020, Hathaway took on the lead role of the Grand High Witch in the family film "The Witches." She was pregnant with her second child during filming.

She also landed the lead in the pandemic-era romantic comedy "Locked Down" (2021), starring opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Views and Public Activism

Anne Hathaway is a passionate advocate for women's and children's rights around the world. She's particularly committed to fighting child marriage and has traveled on missions to Kenya, Ethiopia, and other countries where this issue is most urgent.

The actress assists ailing children worldwide

In 2010, she joined a World Bank-funded consortium to participate in a two-year program called "The Girl Effect," designed to help young girls and women in developing countries gain education and job skills.

In 2013, Hathaway lent her voice to the CNN documentary "Girl Rising," which highlights the lives of young women from different countries fighting to overcome social and cultural barriers to achieve their dreams. Notable actors such as Liam Neeson, Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, and Chloë Grace Moretz also contributed to this project.

The actress is a vegetarian and anti-smoking advocate; although she once fell into this harmful habit, she eventually forced herself to quit.

In 2016, Hathaway became a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, a branch of the United Nations focused on gender equality and expanding rights and opportunities for women.

In 2017, she publicly advocated for the implementation of equal paid parental leave for both fathers and mothers.

Personal Life of Anne Hathaway

In 2004, Anne started dating Italian entrepreneur Raffaello Follieri, who'd set up a foundation in the U.S. a year earlier supposedly to fund vaccinations for children in poor countries. But he later couldn't prove that's where the money actually went.

Raffaello Follieri, Anne Hathaway's former boyfriend, turned out to be a tyrant and a fraud

The relationship was rocky and threw Hathaway's life into such chaos that her colleagues on the set of "The Devil Wears Prada" in 2006 couldn't help but notice.

Anne was constantly on edge. She was living with a man who turned out to be a criminal and a con artist. He couldn't stand her work schedule and hated when she stayed out late. During our late-night shoots, she'd get incredibly stressed.

In June 2008, Follieri was arrested for defrauding investors and embezzling millions meant for Catholic Church real estate deals. Since Hathaway was officially listed as his business partner, the investigation swept her up too, though she was never charged.

Still, Hathaway had to weather intense public scrutiny but managed to keep her head high: "At first, I felt like such an idiot! I thought everyone would judge me. But I found nothing but compassion from my family, friends, and the public — really from everywhere. That helped me process what happened and move past it."

After her messy split from Follieri, Anne began dating actor and jewelry designer Adam Shulman.

The couple announced their engagement in November 2011 and were married on September 29, 2012.

In one of her interviews, the actress admitted: "He's brought such joy into my life. I think there's this narrative now that we, as women, don't need anyone. But it turns out, I really did need my husband. His love has completely changed me."

On March 24, 2016, the couple welcomed their son Jonathan Rosebanks Shulman into the world. Having her son completely shifted the actress's outlook on life: "I'm happiest when my life is simple... My day starts with four checks: Is he breathing? Is he healthy? Is he growing? Is he developing? And if all four answers are 'yes,' then it's pretty hard for anything else to ruin my day."

Anne Hathaway Pregnant with Her Second Child

In 2019, Anne Hathaway became pregnant for the second time. The pregnancy was planned, but the actress had a difficult time conceiving. "Ironically, everyone around me was getting pregnant! I knew it had nothing to do with me, but still, it was really hard," Hathaway recalled later. She spent her 37th birthday "very pregnant," and their second son, Jack, was born in December 2019.

In the summer of 2017, Anne fell victim to a hacking attack, resulting in the unauthorized release of her private photos, including those of an intimate nature. Both the actress and her agent refrained from making public comments on the matter.

Anne Hathaway Now

In March 2022, the series "WeCrashed" premiered on Apple TV+. The lead roles in this 8-episode drama were played by Anne Hathaway and Jared Leto. They play a married couple who build a co-working empire before watching it all come crashing down.

Hathaway's kept her schedule packed with diverse roles. She co-starred with Peter Dinklage in the romantic comedy "She Came To Me" (2023) and with Nicholas Galitzine in the melodrama "The Idea of You."

Anne Hathaway: latest news and articles

Gloria Walker

Anne Hathaway for me is an idol of feminine and beauty, I really like this actress. She showed herself in negative and positive roles, well done.

2021-04-09 19:46:24
Carl Wilson

Beautiful actress, she has a spontaneous character and easygoing. All the roles looks organically and lively.

2021-04-05 12:05:38
Richard Morgan

I like very much a movie Les Misérables with her. Sometimes I rewatching this movie, I like the cast of actors there.

2021-04-04 09:27:08
Melanie Butler

In my opinion Anne should play more in comedies, serious roles are not for her. By the way, from the last movies with her I like The Hustle. I recommend to watch this one, very funny :)

2021-04-02 21:25:31
Tara Wright

I could never think that Hathaway will achieve so much and become a famous actress but it is a fact.

2021-01-03 16:37:03

Photos: Anne Hathaway