When I entered the industry as a child, I was cautioned that my career would decline sharply by the age of 35, a challenge many women confront,” shared 41-year-old Anne Hathaway in a recent interview with Net-a-Porter, published on November 13. Despite not disclosing the source of this misguided prediction, the Princess Diaries star chose not to dwell on it. Instead, she proactively pursued her dreams.
“I’ve always been transparent about my ambition. I have goals, dreams; they haven’t changed much since my youth, but I’m still chasing them,” she explained.
Hathaway, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her breakout role in The Princess Diaries, transitioned to more dramatic projects such as Brokeback Mountain (2005) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006). Her career continued to soar with her portrayal of Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises.
Reflecting on her impact, Hathaway expressed joy in knowing she’s become a part of people’s lives through her work. “It is such a sweet feeling to know that you’re kind of woven into someone’s life. I can’t describe the honor of knowing that I’m involved in the moments where people need comfort,” she shared.
Her career persisted beyond the predicted downturn. Hathaway earned her first Academy Award nomination for Rachel Getting Married (2008) and won the Oscar in 2012 for her role as Fantine in Les Misérables. With accolades including a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe, and a Primetime Emmy, she became one of the world’s highest-paid actresses in 2015, according to Forbes.
As she continues to achieve her goals, Hathaway appreciates the enduring relationships in her life, emphasizing her gratitude for being “invited back to the table” in the industry.