The success of the Princess Diaries films catapulted Anne Hathaway to fame. However, she felt awkward and overwhelmed during the audition for her male co-star in one of the films. Hathaway revealed that she had to kiss 12 actors within a 10-hour period.
Hathaway says the late director Garry Marshall changed her life and taught her how to navigate the film industry with integrity through a difficult audition.
How Anne Hathaway Landed The Iconic Role
Anne Hathaway didn’t take the most straightforward path to stardom as the adored Princess Mia Thermopolis. Hathaway tried out for The Princess Diaries on a whim while on her way to New Zealand to film the indie film The Other Side of Heaven.
“I was on the way to New Zealand doing an independent film called The Other Side of Heaven. And I had 26 hours in Los Angeles and I said, ‘Hey, let’s do some auditions while I’m out here. Y’know, why not?’”
Hathaway persisted through the audition process despite being a few years older than the target age for the role. In the end, it was her performance that convinced director Garry Marshall to cast her as Princess Mia Thermopolis.
Anne Hathaway’s Discomfort During The Audition Process
Anne Hathaway struggled with her male co-star’s audition when casting Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Hathaway had to be physically affectionate with a dozen actors for director Garry Marshall’s audition process. Hathaway discussed her unease with the experience in a 2004 LA Times interview.
“He decided to test a dozen. And I’m not that kind of girl! Don’t get me wrong, I love kissing, but the idea of having to kiss 12 different people that I’ve just met in one 10-hour period of time is a little much for me.”
Even though Hathaway felt awkward, the incident exemplifies the challenges actors face when they go in for an audition. In the interview, the actress mentioned that even though Garry Marshall made her uncomfortable during her audition, he ultimately changed her life and helped her find her way in the film industry.
With The Princess Diaries, the late director gave her a chance at stardom and helped her develop as an actress.
“I had no idea what I was doing. I was just doing my best. And Garry really crafted that performance to be the best it possibly could be. And that’s how I was introduced to the world. The Princess Diaries changed my life.”
Anne Hathaway credits Marshall with teaching her many of the industry’s most important truths. Despite the uncomfortable experience, Hathaway credits Garry Marshall with changing her life and helping her navigate the movie industry with integrity. Marshall, who sadly passed away in 2016, was a talented director and a mentor to Hathaway.
