Who is Emma Watson and Why is She Famous?
Emma Watson is a talented British actress who is world famous for playing the role of smart and ethical wizard Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter movies. With her quick wit and magical skills, Hermione became one of the most popular characters from J.K. Rowling‘s beloved Harry Potter book and film series.
Emma as fan favorite character Hermione Granger. (Image credit: Wizarding World)
Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born on April 15, 1990 in Paris, France, where her British parents were working as lawyers at the time. When Emma was just 5 years old, her family moved back to England and settled in Oxfordshire.
From a young age, Emma loved reading, acting, playing hockey and tennis, drawing, and dancing ballet. She attended the Dragon School, a prestigious prep school where she excelled academically and in sports. As a child, Emma dreamed of becoming an actress. By age 6 she had already landed her first role – starring as a princess in a school play!
Auditioning for Harry Potter
When Emma was just 9 years old, her school drama teacher suggested she try out for a new movie called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The director was searching for a British girl to play Harry Potter‘s brainy best friend, Hermione Granger.
Emma went through a grueling audition process of over eight auditions to win the part! She competed with thousands of other girls, but producers were impressed by Emma‘s confidence and quirky personality, perfect for portraying the bossy, bookish Hermione.
"I was focusing on my schoolwork, and next thing I know, I’m flying around the world and making films." – Emma Watson
Playing Hermione in the Harry Potter Films
In 2001 at age 11, Emma Watson made her professional acting debut in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer‘s Stone. She starred as Hermione Granger opposite Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. The movie broke box office records and was praised for its enchanting portrayal of J.K. Rowling‘s magical world.
Emma‘s performance was a hit with both critics and audiences. She was brilliant as the earnest, morally upright Hermione who helps Harry navigate the wizarding world. Fans were amazed by how the young actresses and actors so perfectly brought the beloved book characters to life onscreen.
Over the next decade, Emma would reprise her iconic role of Hermione in all eight Harry Potter films. Fans worldwide got to see Emma and her co-stars grow up throughout the course of the movie franchise.
Harry Potter Films Emma Watson Starred In:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer‘s Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
The main Harry Potter stars together on set. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
Balancing Acting with School
While starring in the globally successful films, Emma worked hard to continue her studies. She trained 5 hours a day on set, followed by 3 hours of schoolwork!
"I have an hour-long French lesson, an hour-long English lesson, an hour-long geography lesson, all before I go to the studio and film." – Emma on balancing acting with school
Emma attended the Headington School for Girls in Oxford and achieved top grades. In 2009, she graduated from high school. Emma took a gap year to focus fully on filming Harry Potter before attending Brown University in the United States.
In 2014, Emma graduated from Brown with a bachelor‘s degree in English Literature. She loved her university experience, stating: "I really wanted a life outside of Harry Potter."
Activism and Modeling
In 2014, Emma Watson was chosen as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. She helped launch the UN‘s HeForShe campaign, which promotes gender equality by encouraging men‘s support.
Emma has given inspirational speeches at the UN Headquarters and World Economic Forum advocating for women‘s rights. She embraces her role model status and ability to impact young girls‘ lives.
Emma giving a speech for the UN‘s HeForShe event. (Image credit: Getty Images)
Along with acting and activism, Emma has modeled for brands like Burberry and Lancôme. She has appeared on numerous magazine covers, including Vogue and Elle. Emma is considered a fashion icon for her classy and effortless style.
Recent Acting Projects
Emma continues to take on diverse, interesting acting roles. Some of her notable projects over the past few years include:
- Playing herself in the comedy This Is the End (2013)
- Portraying thief Nicki in The Bling Ring (2013) directed by Sofia Coppola
- Starring as Ila in the Biblical epic Noah (2014) alongside Russell Crowe
- Playing Belle in the live-action remake Beauty and the Beast (2017)
- Portraying Meg March in Little Women (2019) directed by Greta Gerwig
- Voicing herself in the animated film Playmobil: The Movie (2019)
- Starring as Molly in the thriller The Circle (2017) with Tom Hanks
- Appearing as Pauline in Little Women (2017) directed by Vanessa Caswill
“I look for characters who have a positive influence.” – Emma
Fun Facts About Emma Watson
- Her favorite books growing up were The Chronicles of Narnia series.
- She loves yoga, meditation, and baking cookies.
- Emma has two cats named Bubbles and Domino.
- She is best friends with her Harry Potter costars.
- Her first crush was on Tom Felton who played Draco Malfoy.
- Emma speaks fluent English and French.
- She was born in Paris but grew up in Oxfordshire, England.
- Emma is currently single and calls herself "self-partnered".
Emma Watson is only 30 years old and already has an amazing acting resume along with a degree from an Ivy League university under her belt. She has gracefully transitioned from child star to leading lady while using her fame for good. Emma is an inspiration for young girls everywhere to work hard, be smart, and follow their dreams!