If you grew up in the early 2000s, chances are you spent a rainy afternoon watching Mia Thermopolis transform from awkward teen to poised princess in “The Princess Diaries.” It wasn’t just the story that made the film unforgettable — the cast brought the characters to life in a way that made us laugh, cry, and maybe even believe in fairy tales a little more. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or want to know what the actors are up to today, this guide has everything you need about the cast of Princess Diaries.

From Anne Hathaway’s breakout role to Julie Andrews’ regal presence, the movie was a star-studded affair that launched careers and redefined early 2000s pop culture. We’ll walk you through the main cast, some of the lesser-known but equally important actors, and even share a few fun facts along the way.

And if you're wondering how the actors have changed since the film’s release, or if there's any chance of a reunion or sequel, we’ve got that covered too. So, sit back, relax, and let’s take a closer look at the people behind the characters that made “The Princess Diaries” such a timeless favorite.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Main Cast of “The Princess Diaries”
• Where Are They Now?
• Fun Facts About the Cast
• Frequently Asked Questions

Main Cast of “The Princess Diaries”

At the heart of “The Princess Diaries” is a stellar ensemble that brought the whimsical story to life. Here’s a breakdown of the main actors and the characters they portrayed:

Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis

Anne Hathaway made her big-screen debut as the shy, awkward Mia, whose life is turned upside down when she discovers she’s the heir to a European throne. Hathaway’s performance was a perfect blend of humor and heart, making Mia relatable to teens around the world.

Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi

Julie Andrews brought elegance and warmth to the role of Queen Clarisse, Mia’s grandmother and the ruler of Genovia. Her commanding presence and dry wit made her a fan favorite — and a role model for many viewers.

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Heather Matarazzo as Lilly Moskowitz

Heather Matarazzo played Mia’s best friend, Lilly, who’s equal parts supportive and brutally honest. Matarazzo’s performance added a grounded, humorous element to the film, and her character became a symbol of loyal friendship.

Héctor Elizondo as Paolo

Héctor Elizondo portrayed Paolo, the Genovian palace’s head chef and Mia’s personal driver. Known for his loyalty and dry humor, Paolo was a quiet but constant presence throughout the film.

Chris Pine as Nicholas Devereaux

Chris Pine, who later became a Hollywood A-lister, played Nicholas Devereaux — the handsome and charming head of Mia’s royal security. Though he didn’t have a huge role, his character left a lasting impression.

Carla Gugino as Helen Thermopolis

Carla Gugino played Helen, Mia’s mother, who’s trying to balance being a single parent with a demanding career. Her character brought a sense of realism and warmth to the fairy-tale setting.

Where Are They Now?

It’s been over two decades since “The Princess Diaries” hit theaters, and many of the actors have gone on to bigger and brighter things. Let’s take a look at where the cast is today.

Anne Hathaway

Since her debut in “The Princess Diaries,” Anne Hathaway has become a household name. She’s starred in blockbusters like “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Interstellar,” and won an Academy Award for her role in “Les Misérables.” Hathaway is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in women’s rights and environmental causes.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews’ career was already legendary before “The Princess Diaries,” but the film helped introduce her to a new generation. She continued to act and voice characters in animated films, including the “Despicable Me” franchise. In 2019, she released a memoir and remains a beloved icon in the entertainment world.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo continued acting after “The Princess Diaries” and appeared in shows like “The West Wing” and “Pushing Daisies.” She’s also been active in the LGBTQ+ community and has spoken openly about her personal life and experiences.

Héctor Elizondo

Héctor Elizondo has remained a busy actor in film, television, and voice work. He’s known for his long-standing collaboration with director Garry Marshall and has continued to take on diverse roles in both drama and comedy.

Chris Pine

Chris Pine, now a global superstar, is best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in the “Star Trek” reboot films and Steve Trevor in the “Wonder Woman” series. He’s also ventured into directing and producing, showing off his versatility beyond acting.

Carla Gugino

Carla Gugino has had a steady career in both film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role in “Watchmen” and later starred in the Netflix series “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Gugino continues to be a powerful presence in the entertainment industry.

Fun Facts About the Cast

Even if you’ve watched the movie a dozen times, there are probably a few behind-the-scenes tidbits you didn’t know about the cast of Princess Diaries. Here are a few fun facts:

• Anne Hathaway was only 18 when she filmed “The Princess Diaries,” and she admitted in interviews that she found some of the royal etiquette scenes a bit awkward at first.
• Julie Andrews didn’t want to wear a wig for her role and insisted on using her own hair, which she dyed gray for the part.
• Heather Matarazzo said that she based her character’s voice on a mix of her own personality and a bit of a Valley girl accent, which she thought would make Lilly more relatable.
• Chris Pine’s role was originally much smaller, but the filmmakers liked his chemistry with Hathaway and expanded his part.
• The Genovia palace scenes were actually filmed at the Palace of Fontainebleau in France, which added a real sense of grandeur to the movie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a third “Princess Diaries” movie in the works?

As of now, there hasn’t been an official announcement about a third movie. However, both Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews have expressed interest in returning for a sequel, so fans still hold out hope.

Did any of the cast members expect the film to be such a hit?

Most of the cast, especially the younger actors, were surprised by how popular the film became. Anne Hathaway mentioned in interviews that she didn’t realize how big the movie would be until she started getting fan mail and media attention.

Were there any major casting changes during filming?

There were no major cast changes during production. However, some minor roles were recast in the sequel, “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” but those were mostly secondary characters.

Want to dive deeper into the world of “The Princess Diaries”? Learn more about the movie and its impact on pop culture on our site. If you're curious about the real-life stories behind other classic films, you’ll definitely want to check out our other articles here.