When Disney released “The Princess Diaries” in 2001, no one could have predicted just how much of a cultural touchstone it would become. For a whole generation of young girls, this movie was more than just a fairy tale—it was a coming-of-age story filled with humor, heart, and a bit of magic. At the center of it all? A stellar cast that brought every character to life in such a way that fans still talk about them today. If you're curious about the people behind the roles, or maybe you're just reminiscing, you've come to the right place.

“The Princess Diaries” may have been a lighthearted romp through royal protocol and high school drama, but its success was anything but accidental. The chemistry between the actors, the charm of the characters, and the way each performance was delivered left a lasting impression. Whether you’ve just rewatched the film for the tenth time or you’re new to the story, this guide will walk you through the main players of the cast of Princess Diaries and share a bit of what made each performance special.

From Anne Hathaway’s breakout role as the awkward yet lovable Mia Thermopolis to Julie Andrews’ unforgettable portrayal of the poised and regal Queen Clarisse, the cast brought depth and humor in equal measure. In this article, we’ll explore each member of the main cast, look at where they are now, and dive into some behind-the-scenes trivia that you may not have known. Let’s get started!

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Main Cast Members of Princess Diaries
• Where Are They Now?
• Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
• Frequently Asked Questions

Main Cast Members of Princess Diaries

When you think of the cast of Princess Diaries, a few key faces immediately come to mind. The film was filled with recognizable actors who delivered memorable performances. Let’s break them down one by one.

Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis

Anne Hathaway was just 18 when she took on the role of Mia Thermopolis, a shy, awkward teenager who discovers she’s the heir to the throne of Genovia. Her portrayal was so spot-on that it launched her into stardom almost overnight. Hathaway brought a genuine innocence and humor to the role, making Mia someone audiences could root for. She later reprised the role in the 2004 sequel, “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.”

Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi

Julie Andrews, known for her iconic roles in “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” played Queen Clarisse with elegance and dry wit. Her chemistry with Hathaway was undeniable, and her character provided both guidance and comic relief throughout the film. Andrews’ performance was so well-received that she became the voice of Queen Clarisse in the animated spin-off series.

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Héctor Elizondo as Joe

Héctor Elizondo played Joe, the head of security for Queen Clarisse and a loyal confidant. Though his character was often in the background, Elizondo brought warmth and gravitas to the role. His subtle humor and steadfast presence made him a fan favorite. He also appeared in the sequel, continuing to support Mia’s journey into royal life.

Heather Matarazzo as Lilly Moscovitz

Heather Matarazzo played Lilly, Mia’s best friend and the voice of Genovia’s school newspaper. Her character was bold, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. Matarazzo delivered lines with perfect comedic timing, and her friendship with Mia added heart and humor to the story. She returned for the sequel, showing how her character evolved alongside Mia’s transformation.

Carla Gugino as Helen Thermopolis

Carla Gugino played Mia’s mom, Helen, a single parent navigating both motherhood and a blossoming romance with Joe. Gugino brought a grounded energy to the film, balancing the fantasy of royalty with real-life parenting challenges. Her character was relatable and warm, making her a key part of the movie’s emotional core.

Robert Schwartzman as Michael Moscovitz

Robert Schwartzman played Michael, the cute, kind-hearted love interest who just so happens to be Lilly’s older brother. His character was charming without being over the top, and his interactions with Mia felt genuine and sweet. While he didn’t have a ton of screen time, his presence was pivotal in developing Mia’s confidence and emotional growth.

Where Are They Now?

Now that we’ve introduced the main cast of Princess Diaries, let’s see where each of them has landed since the film’s release in 2001.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses. She’s appeared in major films like “Les Misérables,” “Interstellar,” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” and has received critical acclaim and awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She’s also been active in activism and continues to be a major presence in both film and television.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews may be in her late 80s now, but she’s still active in the entertainment world. She’s narrated the “Despicable Me” films and provided voice work for the “Shrek” franchise. She also starred in the Netflix series “Julie’s Greenroom” and continues to be a beloved figure in showbiz.

Héctor Elizondo

Héctor Elizondo has remained a busy actor, appearing in films and television shows over the years. He’s worked with director Garry Marshall on multiple projects, including “Pretty Woman” and “Runaway Bride.” He’s also done voice work and continues to be a respected figure in the industry.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo has appeared in a number of TV shows, including “Pushing Daisies,” “The Leftovers,” and “The Baby-Sitters Club” reboot. She’s also done stage work and continues to be a strong presence in both television and theater.

Carla Gugino

Carla Gugino has taken on a wide range of roles in both film and television. She’s starred in shows like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “American Woman,” and has appeared in blockbusters like “Sin City” and “San Andreas.” Her versatility as an actress has earned her a loyal fanbase.

Robert Schwartzman

Robert Schwartzman has taken a different route in the entertainment industry. In addition to acting, he’s the lead singer of the band Rooney and has worked as a musician, producer, and director. He’s also appeared in other films and TV shows, but music has become a major part of his career.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

There’s more to the cast of Princess Diaries than just what’s on screen. Here are some fun facts and behind-the-scenes tidbits that might surprise you:

• Anne Hathaway was not the first choice for Mia. Hilary Duff and Amanda Bynes were both considered for the role before Hathaway was cast.
• Julie Andrews was hesitant to do the film at first because she thought she was too old for the role of Queen Clarisse. Director Garry Marshall convinced her otherwise.
• Héctor Elizondo and Julie Andrews had worked together before on “S.O.B.” and “Victor/Victoria,” so their chemistry on screen was already well-established.
• Heather Matarazzo improvised several of her lines, including the iconic “That’s my best friend, you guys!” scene.
• The Genovian language featured in the movie was made up by the filmmakers and doesn’t exist in real life.

These little details show how much care went into making “The Princess Diaries” feel authentic and memorable, even though it was a lighthearted comedy. The cast worked hard to make their characters feel real, and that effort definitely paid off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who played the Queen in Princess Diaries?

Julie Andrews played the role of Queen Clarisse Renaldi, the regal and wise grandmother figure to Mia Thermopolis. Her performance was iconic and added a layer of elegance and humor to the film.

Did the cast of Princess Diaries get along off-screen?

Yes, the main cast got along very well. Anne Hathaway has spoken in interviews about how supportive everyone was on set and how much fun they had filming together. Julie Andrews, in particular, was said to be very kind and encouraging to the younger cast members.

Is there going to be a third Princess Diaries movie?

As of now, there hasn’t been any official announcement about a third movie. However, Anne Hathaway has mentioned in interviews that she would be open to doing another film if the right story came along. Fans continue to speculate and hope for a return to Genovia.

If you’d like to explore more about the cast of Princess Diaries and their other projects, feel free to Learn more about the actors and what they’ve been up to since the film’s release. Also, don’t forget to check out our other articles on Disney classics and behind-the-scenes trivia by visiting our main page.