Anne Hathaway Jokes She Had the ‘Longest Unbroken Awkward Phase in Hollywood’ (Exclusive)

**Anne Hathaway Opens Up About Her Long Awkward Phase as She Graces PEOPLE’s 2026 World’s Most Beautiful Cover**

In a candid interview featured in PEOPLE’s 2026 World’s Most Beautiful issue, Anne Hathaway shared her experience of feeling out of place in the world, revealing that her awkward phase spanned several decades. The acclaimed actress, now 43, stated that she believes she might hold the record for the longest prolonged awkward phase in Hollywood, which she claims lasted into her late 30s.

Reflecting on her early days, Hathaway described her struggles with comfort in social situations. “I just didn’t feel like I could get comfortable anywhere,” she admitted. The star, who gained fame with her role in the 2001 hit film *The Princess Diaries*, explained that she often found herself wanting to be relaxed and sociable but struggled to establish her footing in various environments.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Hathaway has always battled with anxiety, particularly around communication. She revealed to PEOPLE that speaking felt incredibly challenging for her during childhood. However, acting became a refuge for her, allowing her to memorise lines and express her emotions in ways that were difficult for her off-stage.

Interestingly, Hathaway noted that her moments of awkwardness seemed to have only recently dissipated. Marking her transition into her 40s, she experienced a shift in perspective. “All of a sudden, the dress rehearsal was over. I realised it was never a dress rehearsal; it was life,” she explained. This realisation helped her acknowledge that she had been living with a sense of discomfort for far too long.

Now, Hathaway is embracing her life with newfound confidence. “Turning 40, I just kind of found a different gear,” she expressed. The actress has transitioned from living an awkward existence to focusing on the more enjoyable aspects of life. With this change of attitude, she noted that fear is no longer a dominant aspect of her life. She shared that having experienced some of her worst moments has allowed her to let go of the anxiety surrounding potential failures.

The actress’s resurgence in Hollywood is remarkable, with Hathaway set to star in five major films this year alone. Her upcoming projects include a sequel to the beloved *The Devil Wears Prada*, Christopher Nolan’s *The Odyssey*, and adaptations of popular novels *Verity* by Colleen Hoover and *The End of Oak Street*. Hathaway humorously described her film commitments as “a real casual five,” highlighting the busy year ahead.

Hathaway’s transition from a self-described awkward individual to one of Hollywood’s leading actresses demonstrates her resilience and growth. Her candid reflections provide a relatable narrative for many who struggle with similar feelings of insecurity.

For additional insights from Hathaway and more features on the World’s Most Beautiful issue, readers can pick up the latest edition of PEOPLE, hitting newsstands this Friday.