Before she was Catwoman or a fashion editor in The Devil Wears Prada, Hathaway was just a teenager from New Jersey. She actually auditioned for the role while still in high school, and director Garry Marshall saw her raw, unpolished charm immediately. Fun fact: she had to learn her lines between math homework and theater rehearsals, which is peak teenage multitasking.
Her age wasn’t just a number on a call sheet—it shaped the entire performance. Hathaway has said in interviews that she wasn’t acting; she was just being herself at that age, complete with braces and a confusing love life. That authenticity is why the movie still feels fresh, even in 2026.
Behind the Scenes: A 17-Year-Old’s Day Job
Filming lasted about four months, and Hathaway had to balance her schoolwork with on-set tutoring. Imagine studying for a chemistry test while learning royal etiquette and how to walk in heels without face-planting. She later joked that her biggest challenge wasn't remembering her lines—it was keeping a straight face when Julie Andrews gave her advice.
And speaking of Julie Andrews—Hathaway was 17, and Andrews was 65. The age gap created a genuinely sweet mentorship dynamic off-screen. Andrews even let Hathaway ask questions about life and career, which is basically the coolest grandmother energy ever captured on film.
How Old Is Anne Hathaway In Princess Diaries | TAFT Independent
