Emma Watson’s transition from child star to global icon has been marked by a blend of self-awareness and maturity. Unlike many of her predecessors, Watson has skillfully balanced the demands of fame with a focus on personal growth and authenticity. This is particularly noteworthy considering that Emma Watson joined the Harry Potter franchise at just nine years old.
This stands in contrast to earlier stars like Elizabeth Taylor, who, despite her remarkable talent, experienced the pressures of growing up in the public eye, including having her first kiss on screen – a milestone that can feel particularly invasive. Watson has expressed gratitude for avoiding such early, highly scrutinized moments.
Emma Watson’s Commitment to Avoiding the Trap of Growing Up Too Quickly
Emma Watson has established her place in Hollywood with several well-acclaimed projects under her belt. The actress was just nine years old when she landed the role of Hermione Granger in Harry Potter. A role that skyrocketed her to global fame and a loyal fan following.
Being in front of the public eye had its own set of challenges, but the actress was determined to not let the hawk eyes of the media dictate her every move. In a past interview, the actress detailed how relieved she was that her first kiss didn’t happen on screen.
Not only this, but she also mentioned the late Elizabeth Taylor in the same context. Watson added:
Thankfully, no. I’ve always been fascinated by Elizabeth Taylor, and I had read that her first kiss happened on a film set, which actually made me a little sad. You need to have normal experiences of your own. I’ve never wanted to grow up too fast: I wanted to wear a sports bra until I was 22! The allure of being sexy never really held any excitement for me. I’ve never been in a terrible rush to be seen as a woman.
Elizabeth Taylor began her film career at just 11 years old with Lassie Come Home (1943), quickly becoming a lifelong celebrity. Her early roles often cast her as a glamorous s*x symbol, a type she struggled to move beyond until her transformative performance in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).
In this film, Taylor uses prosthetics and alters her appearance to play an older, more complex character, earning an Oscar and redefining her career. Further, her fame peaked in the 1960s when she became the first actor to earn $1 million for a film with Cleopatra (1963). Her numerous marriages and high-profile relationships further captivated the media.
As a teenager, Taylor’s transition to adult roles included her first on-screen kiss in Conspirator (1949) with Robert Taylor, which came just a week after her first real-life kiss. In contrast, Emma Watson has managed her transition from child star to adult actress with more control, avoiding such rapid and invasive milestones.
Emma Watson Opens Up About Why Her Acting Break Was a Blessing
Emma Watson graced the cover of British Vogue’s January issue and opened up about why she took a break from acting after Little Women in 2019. The actress added that during her hiatus, she explored new creative avenues, including directing and pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing.
Further, Watson reflected on her decision to step away from Hollywood roles, describing it as a significant and daunting move. She acknowledged the fear of venturing into unfamiliar territory behind the camera, a departure from her usual front-of-camera work.
However, she expressed gratitude for this period of exploration, emphasizing how it allowed her to find her own creative voice and gain a sense of autonomy she felt was missing before.
During this time, Watson also directed a short film as part of her collaboration with Prada Beauty and wrote her first play, though details remained under wraps. Further, she admitted to feeling unfulfilled in her career before her break, citing frustration over a lack of creativity and control.
