Why Do People Love Anne Hathaway?
Anne Hathaway is one of the most beloved and acclaimed actresses of her generation. Ever since bursting onto the scene with her star-making role in The Princess Diaries, Hathaway has wowed audiences with her talent, charisma, and versatility.
She has starred in blockbuster films like The Dark Knight Rises and critically acclaimed dramas like Les Miserables, for which she won an Oscar. But what is it exactly about Anne Hathaway that makes her so adored by audiences and critics alike? This article will explore the key reasons why Anne Hathaway has become such a fan favorite over the course of her decades-long career.
Her Acting Range and Ability
One of the biggest reasons why people love Anne Hathaway is her immense talent as an actress. She has repeatedly shown an ability to take on a wide variety of roles across different genres. Whether it’s a lighthearted romantic comedy, an intense gritty drama, or an epic superhero film, Hathaway always fully commits and brings complexity and emotional depth to every character she portrays.
Dramatic Roles
Some of her most acclaimed roles have been in serious, dramatic films like Rachel Getting Married, for which she received her first Oscar nomination. In this film she played a complex, troubled woman struggling with addiction and family issues. Critics praised the rawness and vulnerability that Hathaway brought to the emotionally heavy role.
She went on to receive even more acclaim for her role as the tragic Fantine in Les Misérables, losing a drastic amount of weight and cutting off her hair to fully transform into the character. Her stunning acting and musical performance earned her dozens of awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. These dramatic roles displayed the full extent of her acting abilities.
Comedic Roles
While Hathaway shines in serious roles, she’s also proved herself to be extremely talented at comedy. She earned praise for her hilarious lead performance in The Devil Wears Prada, where she showed off excellent comedic timing and chemistry with Meryl Streep.
She also got to flex her comedy muscles alongside Jason Sudeikis in Colossal, playing an unemployed writer with a chaotic life. Hathaway’s funny, offbeat performance added heart and humanity to the fantastical film. Her ability to balance humor and vulnerability makes her a very well-rounded comedic actress.
Blockbuster Roles
In addition to indie films, Hathaway has starred in several major blockbuster franchises like The Dark Knight Rises and Alice in Wonderland. As Selina Kyle/Catwoman, she brought sex appeal, sly humor, and commanding screen presence to Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman trilogy.
Meanwhile, her turn as the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland gave the surreal fantasy adventure a needed dose of warmth and likability. Hathaway manages to shine even in big budget spectacles, always creating memorable characters that resonate with audiences. Her star power is a key reason why people flock to see her in these mainstream movies.
Her Versatility as a Performer
Another major factor in Hathaway’s popularity is how versatile she is as a performer. Though she’s best known as an actress, she’s also a very talented singer and dancer. Hathaway gained acclaim for showing off these skills in Les Miserables. Her stunning vocals on songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” added even more emotional impact to her already powerful acting performance.
She holds her own vocally among the cast of seasoned Broadway singers, highlighting what an incredible triple threat she is. Hathaway also got to highlight her dance abilities alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in Rio, bringing sizzle and passion to the animated film with her salsa dance scenes. Whether it’s acting, singing, or dancing, the multi-talented Hathaway does it all with grace and star power.
Her Charisma and Likeability
While some actresses thrive on playing icy or unlikeable characters, Hathaway’s charm and warmth are key parts of her appeal. She comes across as down-to-earth, funny, and sincere in interviews, giving off the sense that she’s someone you could be friends with. This likeable, relatable quality translates to many of her most beloved on-screen characters.
Audiences loved her as the approachable, awkward Mia Thermopolis coming into her own in The Princess Diaries. In films like The Devil Wears Prada, Bride Wars, and Ocean’s 8, Hathaway plays regular women that viewers enjoy living vicariously through as they navigate careers, relationships, and sisterly bonds. Hathaway often chooses roles of ordinary women facing relatable challenges, making her characters universally lovable.
Her Philanthropic Spirit
It’s not just on-screen that Hathaway displays admirable qualities. She has shown herself to be a generous, big-hearted person in real life through her extensive charity and philanthropic work. She is involved with dozens of organizations and campaigns supporting causes like women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and equality. After winning her Oscar for Les Miserables, Hathaway donated her $25,000 gift bag to raise money for multiple charities.
She also frequently auctions off and donates the glamorous red carpet dresses she wears at events to raise funds for important causes. Beyond just throwing money at problems, she puts time into mentoring young girls, traveling to speak out for human rights, and using her platform to champion diversity. Her generosity of spirit and desire to make a difference in people’s lives is inspiring.
Her Underdog Story
For many people, part of Hathaway’s appeal is her rise to stardom from humble beginnings. While many actresses get their big break due to famous parents or immediate success, she had a long journey of small roles before making it big. This underdog narrative makes her success story all the more satisfying.
She has spoken often about battling anxiety and self-doubt on her path to fame, making her human and relatable. Though now one of Hollywood’s highest paid stars, she still comes across as someone grateful for her opportunities. After essentially growing up on screen through her roles in The Princess Diaries and beyond, audiences feel invested in her success story.
Conclusion
Anne Hathaway is the rare star possessed of simultaneous relatability and aspirational talent. Though gifted in many areas, she gives off an authentic, grounded vibe in her real life that allows fans to connect with her. She makes interesting and thoughtful career choices rather than chasing paychecks, clearly passionate about the art of acting.
Hathaway’s unique combination of acting range, likeable charisma, philanthropic heart, and underdog backstory is why she remains so cherished by audiences worldwide. She manages to stay grounded even while charming millions on the world’s biggest movie screens. There is a good chance Anne Hathaway will remain one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading ladies for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why People Love Anne Hathaway
What was Anne Hathaway’s breakout role?
Anne Hathaway’s breakout role that made her a star was as Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 hit family film The Princess Diaries. Though she had acted previously in short-lived TV shows, this wildly popular Disney comedy was her big break and introduced her to mainstream audiences.
What was the role that earned Anne Hathaway an Oscar?
Anne Hathaway won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Fantine in the 2012 musical drama Les Miserables. It was critically praised as a career-best performance for Hathaway, who lost 25 lbs and cut her hair for the incredibly challenging part.
What films showcase Anne Hathaway’s comedic talents?
Some of the best films that highlight Anne Hathaway’s excellent comedic timing and abilities include The Devil Wears Prada, Bride Wars, Valentine’s Day, Ocean’s 8, and Love and Other Drugs. She balances humor and depth beautifully.
What are some of Anne Hathaway’s acclaimed dramatic roles?
Beyond her Oscar-winning part in Les Miserables, Anne Hathaway has also given acclaimed dramatic performances in films like Rachel Getting Married, Brokeback Mountain, One Day, and Dark Waters. She disappears completely into these emotionally complex characters.
Is Anne Hathaway known for singing and dancing?
Yes, Anne Hathaway is a highly talented singer and dancer in addition to her acting abilities. She showed off these skills wonderfully in movie musicals like Les Miserables and Ella Enchanted.
What makes Anne Hathaway seem so relatable and down-to-earth?
Despite being a huge movie star, Anne Hathaway comes across as very genuine and humble in interviews and real life. She openly discusses her insecurities and early career struggles, making her very relatable. Her charity work also shows her compassion.
What are some of Anne Hathaway’s iconic roles in blockbuster franchises?
Anne Hathaway took on the classic role of Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. She also starred as the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland and its sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Does Anne Hathaway use her fame to support charities and causes?
Yes, Anne is a dedicated philanthropist who supports organizations like the LGTBQ+ community, the Human Rights Campaign, and Step Up Women’s Network. She uses her platform to champion equality.
What was Anne Hathaway’s childhood like before she made it big?
Anne grew up in New Jersey in a working class family. She discovered her passion for acting as a teenager and had to work hard in commercials and small TV roles before achieving fame with The Princess Diaries.
