Emma Watson Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1990 |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Paris, France |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actress, activist, entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 2001-present |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Spouse | Not publicly married; linked to entrepreneur Brandon Green |
| Children | None reported |
| Net Worth | ~$85 million |
| Known For | Hermione Granger, UN Women HeForShe campaign, sustainable fashion projects |
Early Life & Education
Watson was born in Paris and raised in Oxfordshire after her parents divorced. She trained at the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, leading to her casting as Hermione Granger at age 9. Watson later earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Brown University (2014) and studied at Oxford's Worcester College during her junior year.
Career Journey
Acting Highlights
Watson starred in all eight Harry Potter films (2001-2011). Post-Potter roles include The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, Noah, and Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017), which grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide. She has also participated in limited projects to focus on activism and education.
Activism & Entrepreneurship
Appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014, Watson launched the HeForShe campaign promoting gender equality. She moderates book club "Our Shared Shelf," highlighting feminist literature. Watson advocates sustainable fashion, serving on the board of Kering, investing in ethical brands, and co-founding Renais Spirit, a gin company with her brother Alex.
Current Projects
Watson's upcoming work includes narrating a BBC nature docuseries and developing a scripted limited series about climate activists for Amazon MGM Studios. She continues occasional acting roles while prioritizing philanthropy and business ventures.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-2011 | Harry Potter Series | Hermione Granger | Eight films |
| 2012 | The Perks of Being a Wallflower | Sam | Coming-of-age drama |
| 2013 | The Bling Ring | Nicki Moore | Sofia Coppola film |
| 2014 | Noah | Ila | Darren Aronofsky epic |
| 2017 | Beauty and the Beast | Belle | Live-action remake |
| 2019 | Little Women | Meg March | Greta Gerwig adaptation |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | MTV Movie Awards | Trailblazer Award | Career | Won |
| 2014 | Britannia Awards | British Artist of the Year | Career | Won |
| 2017 | MTV Movie & TV Awards | Best Actor in a Movie | Beauty and the Beast | Won |
| 2018 | Time 100 | Most Influential People | Activism | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$85 million (2026)
Watson's earnings include Harry Potter royalties, Beauty and the Beast salary, brand partnerships (Lancome, Prada Beauty), and investments in sustainable startups. She also profits from her spirits brand Renais and board membership at Kering.
Personal Life
Watson values privacy, spending time between London, New York, and Ibiza. She enjoys surfing, painting, and writing essays on climate justice. Watson describes herself as "self-partnered" and advocates for balanced relationships.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Beyond HeForShe, Watson donates to Camfed, Black Lives Matter, and legal defense funds for women activists. She curated the feminist legal handbook Feminists Don't Wear Pink and funds scholarships for young women in STEM fields.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @emmawatson shares activism updates, book recommendations, and sustainable fashion campaigns.
- Facebook: Highlights HeForShe milestones and interviews.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Watson became a certified yoga and meditation instructor in 2013.
- She helped launch "The Book Fairies," leaving books in public spaces worldwide.
- Watson writes handwritten letters to fans monthly as part of a gratitude practice.
- She volunteers as a guest lecturer on sustainability at universities.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Watson is executive-producing Generation Earth, an anthology series on climate pioneers, and launching a Renais sustainable cocktail pop-up tour across Europe. She will also host a UN Women summit in Nairobi focusing on technology access for girls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Emma Watson?
Emma Watson is a British actress and activist known for playing Hermione Granger and for her global work on gender equality through the UN.
What is Emma Watson most famous for?
She is most famous for the Harry Potter films, Beauty and the Beast, and her leadership of the HeForShe campaign.
Is Emma Watson active on social media?
Yes. Watson uses Instagram and Facebook to spotlight activism, reading lists, and sustainable brands.