Anne Hathaway celebrates 25 years of ‘magical’ The Princess Diaries breakthrough
By Casey Cooper-Fiske, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter
Actress Anne Hathaway has celebrated the 25th anniversary of her breakthrough role in The Princess Diaries, describing it as “one of the most magical things that has ever happened to me”.
The 43-year-old American played Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 Disney coming-of-age film, which tells the story of Mia as she learns she is the crown princess of Genovia.
In a post on Instagram accompanied with a video of her making the film, Hathaway said: “25 years later and it’s still one of the most magical things that has ever happened to me.
“Thank you all for loving The Princess Diaries as much as I do- I am forever grateful for my PD family.”
Hathaway also paid tribute to the film’s director Garry Marshall, who died in July 2016.
She added: “Love you Garry, miss you every day.”
In the video, Hathaway says making the film was “truly a magical experience” and adds that it was “so much fun”.
She returned to the role of Mia in 2004 for The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, and will reportedly star in an upcoming third film in the series.
It comes after actress Mandy Moore, who plays Lana Thomas, a popular cheerleader who bullied Mia in The Princess Diaries also posted to celebrate the milestone.
She said: “Five years ago, The Princess Diaries hit the big screen and I walked my very first red carpet for my very first movie.
“How crazy is that?
“Having started in musical theatre, I could’ve never imagined that I’d spend the next 25 years getting to blend my love of singing and acting in so many incredible ways.
“It’s truly been a dream come true.
“And to watch 16-year-old Mandy talk about landing her first big break is such a surreal experience because I can honestly say she’s still living the dream she was so excited about back then.
“That little chapter of my life, and yes, Stupid Cupid too, will always hold such a special place in my heart, so thank you for celebrating 25 years of The Princess Diaries with me.”
Hathaway has gone on to win a best supporting actress Oscar for her role as Fantine in Les Misérables (2013), having been nominated for one for best actress for her role in Rachel Getting Married (2008).
She most recently appeared in Sir Christopher Nolan’s adaption of The Odyssey as Penelope.
