Emma Watson: Biography

Emma Watson is an English actress, activist and public figure best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. She became one of the world’s most recognisable young actresses through the franchise before moving into a range of film, fashion and advocacy projects.

Early Life

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born on 15 April 1990 in Paris, France, to English parents. She grew up primarily in England and developed an interest in acting from a young age.

Watson attended the Dragon School in Oxford and later studied at Headington School. She also trained in acting, singing and dance before beginning her professional screen career.

Harry Potter

In 2001, Watson made her feature-film debut as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. She continued playing Hermione throughout all eight Harry Potter films.

The franchise became one of the most successful film series in history and made Watson an international star. Her performance earned her numerous awards and nominations during her teenage years.

Career After Harry Potter

Following the conclusion of the Harry Potter series, Watson deliberately pursued a variety of roles. She appeared in films including The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, Noah and Regression.

In 2017, she played Belle in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. The film became one of her biggest post-Harry Potter successes.

Little Women

Watson portrayed Meg March in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women, alongside Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep.

Education and Activism

Watson attended Brown University in the United States, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English literature in 2014. She has also been involved in campaigns relating to gender equality and women’s rights.

In 2014, she was appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and launched the HeForShe campaign, which encouraged men and boys to participate in discussions around gender equality.

Later Career

Watson has maintained a relatively selective approach to acting while continuing her work in fashion, education and advocacy. She remains closely associated with the Harry Potter franchise while having established a career beyond the role that made her famous.