Emma Watson

Emma Watson, born Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson on April 15, 1990, in Paris, France, is a British actress and activist best known for her iconic role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” film franchise. Born to English lawyers who were living in France at the time, Watson moved to Oxfordshire, England, with her mother and brother after her parents’ divorce. She began acting at a young age, training at the Stagecoach Theatre Arts school in Oxford before being cast in “Harry Potter” at just nine years old.

Watson’s portrayal of Hermione Granger across all eight Harry Potter films (2001-2011) defined a generation and made her one of the most recognized actresses in the world. The franchise grossed over $7.7 billion worldwide, and Watson earned an estimated $60 million from the series alone. Her performance matured remarkably throughout the decade-long franchise, and she became a role model for millions of young people around the world.

Following Harry Potter, Watson pursued both acting and academic interests. She graduated from Brown University in 2014 with a degree in English Literature, balancing her studies with continued film work. She starred in notable films including “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012), “Noah” (2014), “The Bling Ring” (2013), and Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” (2017), which grossed over $1.26 billion worldwide and for which she reportedly earned $15 million. She was also acclaimed for her role in Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” (2019).

Beyond acting, Watson has been a prominent advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. She was appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014 and launched the HeForShe campaign, calling on men to support gender equality. Her endorsement deals with brands like Burberry, Lancome, and other luxury brands, combined with her film earnings and activism work, have contributed to her estimated net worth of $85 million as of 2026.