She has captured the hearts of millions with her talent and beauty. Known for her iconic film roles, as well as her elegant red carpet appearances and stunning fashion choices, Anne Hathaway is a true Hollywood star. Learn more about her early years in Brooklyn, her journey to success, and personal life on brooklynka.
A Brooklyn Girl at Heart
Anne Hathaway was born to Gerald Hathaway, a lawyer, and Kate McCauley, an actress. Inspired by her mother’s career, she developed a passion for acting at a young age. Hathaway spent the first six years of her life in Brooklyn before her family moved to Millburn, New Jersey.
The Hathaway family consisted of five members: Anne, her parents, her older brother Michael, and her younger brother Thomas.
She has a diverse heritage, with Irish and French ancestry, along with distant German and Native American roots.
As a child in Brooklyn, Anne attended a Montessori preschool before moving on to elementary school, which still had a kindergarten-like structure.
Raised in a Catholic household, Anne was deeply influenced by strong religious values and initially wanted to become a nun. However, at 15 years old, she changed her mind after learning about her older brother’s sexual orientation and the church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Later, she identified as a “non-denominational Christian.”
Anne Hathaway attended Millburn High School, where she actively performed in school plays. She was even nominated for the New Jersey Rising Star Award for Best High School Actress.
She then studied English and Women’s Studies at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie before transferring to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study.
As an adult, Hathaway fondly recalled her time in college, saying it helped her connect with others and grow in many ways.
Courage and Determination in Acting
Many actors become known for one or two major roles, leading to typecasting. Anne Hathaway rose to fame with The Princess Diaries (2001), Ella Enchanted (2004), and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Though her early career was successful, she wanted to break away from the “princess” image and take risks to showcase her versatility.
She took on more serious roles, starring in Havoc (2005), Brokeback Mountain (2005), and later in The Devil Wears Prada (2006) opposite Meryl Streep. She also portrayed Jane Austen in Becoming Jane (2007).
However, it was her performance in Rachel Getting Married (2008) that truly cemented her acting credibility. The role earned her numerous awards and her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Looking back, it’s clear that Hathaway’s bold career choices were well worth it.
Her acting style has often been compared to Audrey Hepburn (her favorite actress) and Judy Garland.
Personal Life
In 2012, Anne Hathaway married Adam Shulman, and the couple now has two sons.
So, who is the man behind the star?
Adam Shulman is a co-owner of James Banks Design, a jewelry company. Anne has been a muse for many of the brand’s signature pieces, including delicate butterfly pendants, rings, and earrings.
One of the most interesting pieces is a vintage-inspired pendant shaped like a lamp, which Adam designed after Anne told him she didn’t “feel the light” during long theater rehearsals in London.
Before becoming a jewelry designer, Adam worked as an actor. He appeared in The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning (2007), The West Wing (1999-2006), and American Dreams (2002-2005). In 2014, he also produced his wife’s film, Song One.
The couple felt an instant connection when they first met through mutual friends. By 2009, they began making public appearances together, and in 2012, they had a private wedding in Big Sur, California, with around 150 guests.
Did You Know?
Here are some fun facts about Brooklyn-born Anne Hathaway:
- Her breakout role in The Princess Diaries (2001) was almost an accident. During her audition, she fell off her chair, but this clumsy moment won over the casting directors, helping her land the lead role.
- Although she is iconic in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), the role was originally offered to Rachel McAdams, who turned it down.
- During filming, Hathaway wore padding to achieve a U.S. size 6 (EU size 36). She later revealed that she kept those costume pieces as a memento.
- In The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and Les Misérables (2012), Hathaway played two of her most critically acclaimed roles. Originally, Jessica Biel was considered for both parts, but Hathaway ultimately won them.
- She is deeply involved in charity work, supporting organizations like The Creative Coalition, The Step Up Women’s Network, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Human Rights Campaign, and The Lollipop Theatre Network, which screens movies for seriously ill children.
- Anne Hathaway is a talented soprano and showcased her singing skills in several films. Her first major performance was at 16 in the short-lived TV series Fox’s Get Real. She also performed in school choirs and theater productions in New Jersey.
- In 2001, People magazine named her one of the most promising stars, and in 2006, she was included in the “50 Most Beautiful People” list.
Glamorous Social Life
Anne Hathaway actively participates in Hollywood’s elite social scene. She regularly attends red carpet events, high-fashion shows, and other glamorous gatherings.
Her fashion choices consistently attract media attention, with her outfits often becoming trending topics in magazines and online discussions.
Anne Hathaway’s Personal Views and Quotes
Some of Hathaway’s most thought-provoking quotes give insight into her perspective on life, Hollywood, and society:
- On body image in Hollywood: “If an actress is a U.S. size 6 (EU size 36) or above, she’s considered ‘fat.’ It’s ridiculous. Acting is about talent, not about fitting into a specific dress size. I refuse to waste time worrying about it.”
- On religion: “I couldn’t agree with certain teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly their stance on love. My brother is gay, and I can’t follow a religion that condemns him for who he is.”
- On success and ambition: “I never wanted to be the most famous or the richest. My motivation has always been to do the job I love and to do it well.”
Why Are We Fascinated by Celebrities?
Perhaps it’s their charm, success, and the ability to inspire millions.
Anne Hathaway embodies talent, determination, and elegance, making her a role model for many. Whether through her film roles, philanthropy, or impeccable style, she continues to be a global icon admired by people worldwide.