Anne Hathaway’s New York Confession: From a Tiny 350-Square-Foot Apartment to Hollywood Stardom

Anne Hathaway may now be one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actresses, but her journey in New York City began in a remarkably modest setting. The Oscar-winning star recently opened up about her long relationship with the city, sharing memories of her first tiny apartment and some of the everyday experiences that came with living in New York.

During a recent New York Magazine segment, Hathaway was asked about her experiences in the city, including one particularly relatable question about cockroaches. The The Devil Wears Prada actress admitted that she had seen one “not too long ago,” revealing that even celebrity life does not completely escape the realities of New York living.

Anne Hathaway’s First New York Apartment

Hathaway’s first New York home was a modest 350-square-foot walk-up that she rented as a sublet. The apartment was a far cry from the luxurious properties associated with her later success.

She recalled having an inflatable mattress and a television but initially having nothing to place the TV on. While walking down the street, she spotted a small table that she loved and brought it home. According to Hathaway, that table remained with her for around a decade.

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The apartment’s fire escape was another memorable feature. Hathaway recalled spending time there with friends, turning the tiny outdoor space into a special part of her early New York experience.

She Has Moved Around 15 Times in New York

Hathaway’s connection with New York stretches back decades. Born in Brooklyn and raised primarily in New Jersey, she returned to New York at the age of 18 as her acting career began developing.

Since then, she estimates that she has lived in around 15 different homes across the city. Her experiences have also made her comfortable with everyday New York routines, including changing subway trains and dealing with confusing taxi routes.

Despite the cramped apartments and occasional frustrations, Hathaway still appreciates the city’s unique character. She specifically highlighted the New York skyline as something that continues to make the city special to her.

From Small Apartment to Hollywood Success

Hathaway’s career changed dramatically after she became widely known as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries in 2001. She later starred in major films including The Devil Wears Prada, The Dark Knight Rises, The Intern and Les Misérables.

Her performance in Les Misérables earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her latest chapter includes Verity, a thriller starring Hathaway alongside Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. The film is scheduled to premiere on October 2, 2026, and Hathaway has been promoting the project in recent weeks.

Anne Hathaway’s New York memories offer a glimpse into the less glamorous but deeply personal side of her journey. From a 350-square-foot apartment and a second-hand table to global Hollywood success, her story shows how dramatically her life has evolved while her connection with New York has remained.

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