It's hard to believe 2021 marks 20 years since Mia Thermopolis was crowned Princess of Genovia [1]. Iconic teen movie The Princess Diaries [2] kicked off the A-list careers of Anne Hathaway [3], Sandra Oh [4], and Mandy Moore [5], all while teaching us how the significance of a foot-popping kiss [6]. And let's be real: who isn't quoting the movie [7] on a daily basis?
With a third film possibly on the horizon [8] — plus plenty of quarantine nostalgia [9] and throwbacks pictures [10] honouring the 2001 hit — it's clear we need to revisit this beloved, stylish [11] classic ahead of its anniversary. Find out what the close-knit cast [12] is up to now!
Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis
Anne Hathaway Now
After her breakout role in The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway [13] has gone on to become a household name. From roles in Ella Enchanted and the upcoming Sesame Street film to the 2006 hit The Devil Wears Prada [14], the 38 year-old star has brought the charisma, charm, and empathy from Mia Thermopolis into every role she plays. She even won an Academy Award for her role as tortured Fantine in Les Misérables!
In 2020, the native New Yorker celebrated her eighth wedding anniversary to actor husband Adam Shulman. The couple have two sons.
Mandy Moore as Lana Thomas
Mandy Moore Now
Onscreen mean girl Mandy Moore [15] took that spilled ice cream sundae to heart. Almost unrecognisable under that ageing makeup as lovable matriarch Rebecca on This Is Us [16], Moore has incorporated her platinum pop star background into both The Princess Diaries soundtrack and her many acting roles since. The 36-year-old was awarded a much-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019, and recently announced she is expecting her first child with second husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith, in early 2021.
Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi
Julie Andrews Now
Best known for The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews was introduced to a new generation with this 2001 millennial classic. Always a queen, Andrews brought her regal sophistication to this year's Bridgerton [17] Netflix series. The 85-year-old icon still flexes her stunning singing voice in animation roles like Shrek and the upcoming Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Heather Matarazzo as Lilly Moscovitz
Heather Matarazzo Now
Mia's best friend Lilly is all grown up! The actress reunited with costar Mandy Moore [18] for 2004's Saved! before her far too brief appearance in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Heather Matarazzo has since worked on indie films like Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot and The Estate. She reportedly took a "short sabbatical" [19] from acting to focus on philanthropic causes, and has since expanded her film credits to include writing, directing, and producing.
Hector Elizondo Now
After capturing Queen Clarisse Renaldi's heart (and all of ours!), Hector Elizondo turned his focus to television. From recurring roles in Monk and Grey's Anatomy [20] to guest appearances on Last Man Standing, 83-year-old Elizondo seems to have forever hung up his royal chauffeur cap.
Erik von Detten in 2010
The 38-year-old star recently announced he's expecting a second child [21] with realtor wife Angela. The Los Angeles-based actor has been voice-acting since 1994, and last was heard in Toy Story 3. Unfortunately for us, he keeps a low profile now.
Patrick John Flueger Now
Patrick John Flueger has come a long way from cohosting a public access show as Jeremiah Hart! The talented actor joined the Dick Wolf family in 2014 with a lead role in Chicago P.D. He has since appeared in sister shows Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. It was rumoured that Flueger even screen-tested [22] for Captain America in 2010 before Chis Evans [23] nabbed the role.