EMMA WATSON

ABOUT EMMA WATSON

Famous for playing the role of Hermione Granger in all seven adaptations of the "Harry Potter" film series, actress Emma Watson was one of those rare actresses who enjoyed a balanced, normal life despite being one of the most recognized and highest-earning stars of the films. Her meteoric rise to fame was nothing short of magical. With virtually no professional acting experience, the nine-year-old Watson was selected to co-star in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001) and was propelled into international stardom with her very first film. Her portrayal of the bossy, miss-know-it-all Hermione was pitch perfect, so it was no surprise when she was recast alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint in subsequent installments. In her late teens, Watson showed her fans a more stylish, sophisticated side. She became a regular at fashion shows, befriended legendary fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld and often arrived at red carpet events swathed in haute couture. The fashion house Burberry took notice of the budding fashionista and signed Watson to be the new face of the brand in 2009. With a coveted fashion contract under her belt and worldwide acclaim as one of Harry's brainy sidekicks, the multi-dimensional actress successfully made her way into cinematic history.

Born on April 15, 1990 in Paris, France, Watson was raised by her father, Chris, and her mother, Jacqueline, both of whom were attorneys. Living in the City of Lights until she was five, Watson moved with her mother and younger brother, Alex, to Oxfordshire, England after her parents divorced. She first expressed an interest in acting when she was six, which led to studying song, dance, and theatre at the Oxford branch of Stagecoach Theatre Arts. She attended The Dragon School, a renowned prep school in England, and moved on to Headington School, a private all-girls school. She took the lead role in several school plays, including "Arthur: The Young Years and The Happy Prince" (2000). Meanwhile, auditions for "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the adaptation of J.K. Rowling's popular fantasy-adventure novel, began the previous year. Casting agents discovered Watson through her Oxford theater teacher and asked the budding thespian to audition for Hermione. After eight callbacks, Watson earned Rowling's approval atop one of the most coveted roles in history.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," which followed the travails of young Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his transition into the world of magic at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, became an instant blockbuster, breaking opening day sales records and was the highest-grossing film that year. Watson, like her co-stars, received critical acclaim for her earnest performance as the Muggle-born, bookish Hermione. Starring again as Hermione in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002), critics singled her out above co-stars Radcliffe and Grint, giving her kudos for an admirable performance. In 2004, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" - which veered into darker territory than its predecessors - hit theaters. Watson was appreciative of her character growing into a more assertive role in the series and expressed her continued excitement for playing the character in numerous interviews. In the next installment, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005), Watson's performance reached new milestones. The young actress reportedly loved all the arguing between the three teen co-stars, which she felt were more true to character. Meanwhile, the Potter phenomenon even caught the eye of British royalty - Watson appeared as Hermione in a Potter spin-off called "The Queen's Handbag" (2006), a special mini-episode celebrating the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

The fifth adaptation of the Potter franchise, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (2007) was another mega-hit, setting an opening weekend gross of almost $333 million worldwide. Watson's star kept shining brighter - in the same year, she and fellow wizards Radcliffe and Grint left imprints of their hands, feet and wands in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. In spite of the financial success of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," all three teen stars expressed hesitation in continuing their roles for the final two adaptations. The media speculated that she played hard-to-get in an attempt to increase her paycheck, rumored to be in the $4 million-a picture-range. Watson quickly explained that she hesitated because signing on for two more films represented another four-year commitment on her part. She eventually signed for the role after conceding that she loved Hermione's character so much that she couldn't bear someone else playing it.

Like many child superstars, Watson grew up on the film set and under the scrutinizing glare of the media spotlight. But unlike many of her contemporaries who became infamous for partying, drinking, and drug use, Watson managed to keep her life balanced and private. She credited strong family ties for keeping her grounded, as well as the support she received from her co-stars Radcliffe and Grint, both of whom she said had grown to be like her siblings. More notably, she shared a love of learning with her on-screen alter ego. She was a serious student, maintaining top grades while filming the Potter series. In the fall of 2009, Watson headed off to study at Columbia University in New York City.

As the film series progressed, so did Watson's fashion sense. Watson ditched her tweeds in favor of more glamorous get-ups from high-end designer lines like Chanel, Viviene Westwood and Marc Jacobs. She was photographed wearing Chanel to numerous red-carpet events and movie premieres, which sparked a rumor that she was deemed to be the new face of the famed brand, replacing actress Keira Knightley.Alas, the Chanel deal never materialized. But Watson did become the new spokesperson for British fashion house Burberry. In 2009, she modeled Burberry's signature trench coat and other accessories in the brand's autumn collection. In between photo shoots, filming and college, the young glamour maven found time to design a clothing line for teens that benefited UNICEF.

Watson took on other roles in lesser known ventures when she wasn't filming Potter. She starred as the voice of Princess Pea in the animated feature "The Tale of Despereaux" (2008), which starred Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney Weaver, and Matthew Broderick. She also appeared in the critically acclaimed television adaptation of the novel "Ballet Shoes" (2007), where she played one of three sisters who struggle to follow their dreams. Watson reprised her role as Hermione in the sixth installment of the series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (2009), while filming began on the final adaptation of the beloved series "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" that same year.

PARTNERS

Companion	George Craig. Frontman for British indie rock band One Night Only; met while shooting the Burberry Spring/Summer 2010 ads
Companion	Jay Barrymore. Began dating in March 2008; no longer together
Companion	Will Adamowicz. Fellow student at Oxford; spotted kissing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2012

FAMILY

Brother	Alex Watson. Appeared as an extra in two "Harry Potter" films
Father	Chris Watson. Divorced from Emma's mother; Emma was the oldest of seven siblings between the various blended families
Mother	Jacqueline Luesby. Divorced from Emma's father; Emma was the oldest of seven siblings between the various blended families

EDUCATION

	The Dragon School
	Headington School
	Brown University, Providence , Rhode Island

CAREER MILESTONES

2001	Made feature film debut as Hermione Granger in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"; adapted from the first novel of the best-selling fantasy series by J.K. Rowling and directed by Chris Columbus
2002	Reprised role of Hermione in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," again directed by Chris Columbus
2004	Again play Hermione in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," the third in the series directed by Alfonso Cuarón
2005	Reprised the role of Hermione in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," adapted from the fourth book in the fantasy series by J.K. Rowling and directed by Mike Newell
2007	Reprised the role of Hermione in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," adapted from the fifth book in the fantasy series and directed by David Yates
2008	Lent her voice to the animated feature "The Tale of Despereaux"
2009	Reprised her role for sixth film in series "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," once again directed by David Yates
2010	Reprised role of Hermione for the seventh and final installment of the series directed by David Yates, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"; film released in two parts, Part 1 in November 2010 and Part 2 in July 2011
2011	Landed featured role in "My Week with Marilyn"
2012	Co-starred opposite Logan Lerman in feature adaptation of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," written and directed by the novel's author Stephen Chbosky