Anne Hathaway’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris for president has caught widespread attention, particularly because she did so in a memorable and nostalgic way by reprising her iconic performance from the 2004 film Ella Enchanted. The 41-year-old Oscar-winning actress made her presidential endorsement public during the Broadway for Harris fundraiser in New York City on October 14, 2024. The event, which was filled with fellow celebrities and Broadway stars, provided a stage for Hathaway to deliver her message of political support through song and personal reflection.
Hathaway’s Memorable Performance and Endorsement
Taking to the stage in a stunning black shimmery tuxedo jacket paired with black shorts and thigh-high leather boots, Hathaway captivated the audience not just with her endorsement of Harris, but with her throwback performance of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” The performance held a special meaning for fans, as it was a reprisal of a beloved moment from Ella Enchanted, in which Hathaway’s character, Ella of Frell, performs the song in a scene that has since become iconic.
Before breaking into song, Hathaway spoke passionately about the 2024 presidential election and her reasons for supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. “In case you didn’t know, I am voting for Kamala,” Hathaway declared to the crowd, prompting applause. She acknowledged that, given the intensity of the political climate, many voters may still be undecided. With that in mind, Hathaway made an effort to reach out to those who might be struggling with their decision. “It’s still very important to remember that you have to meet people where they’re at,” she said, emphasizing the significance of engaging with and understanding undecided voters.
To humorously and theatrically engage with the audience and those undecided voters, Hathaway posed a question she believed some voters might be grappling with: “Can anybody find me somebody to love?”—before launching into the soulful opening lines of the Queen ballad. Her performance was both a lighthearted throwback and a powerful moment of political endorsement, blending her Hollywood legacy with her present-day political convictions.
The Broader Star-Studded Event
The Broadway for Harris fundraiser, held in New York City, was a star-studded affair, bringing together celebrities from Hollywood and Broadway alike in support of Harris’s campaign. In addition to Hathaway, the event featured appearances from Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Porter, Rosie Perez, and Broadway icons like Kristin Chenoweth and Audra McDonald. The event symbolized not only the strong backing Harris has received from the entertainment community but also the growing intersection of politics and pop culture in the modern electoral landscape.
Hathaway’s History with Harris and Politics
Hathaway’s support for Kamala Harris in 2024 is part of her broader engagement with political and social causes. Known for her activism and progressive viewpoints, Hathaway has never shied away from making her political stance clear, whether in public speeches or through her involvement in fundraising events. Her advocacy for gender equality, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights has been a defining element of her public persona in recent years. By endorsing Harris, Hathaway aligns herself with a political candidate she views as a champion for democracy, equality, and progressive values—qualities she emphasized in her speech at the fundraiser.
In Ella Enchanted, Hathaway’s character, Ella, navigates a world where she is cursed with obedience, unable to make decisions for herself. Her performance of “Somebody to Love” in that film was a key moment of rebellion, showing her character’s desire to break free from oppression. In endorsing Harris, Hathaway seems to invoke that same spirit of empowerment, calling for voters to make their voices heard and support a candidate who stands for justice and equality.
Celebrities Rally Around Harris
Hathaway is far from the only celebrity to back Kamala Harris in the lead-up to the 2024 election. The entertainment industry has rallied around the vice president, with notable figures like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen also publicly supporting her. Most recently, Martha Stewart, the lifestyle icon, endorsed Harris as well. During an appearance at the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum, Stewart revealed that she would be voting for Harris, pointing out that she values Harris’s commitment to democracy and her leadership. Stewart emphasized that she supports leaders who do not “hate democracy” or harbor ill-will toward New York, a state that has historically leaned Democratic in presidential elections.
Actor Bryan Cranston, known for his role in Breaking Bad, has also been a vocal supporter of Harris, endorsing her at a Democratic rally in Phoenix, Arizona. Cranston’s endorsement, like Hathaway’s, highlights the strong ties between the entertainment industry and the Democratic campaign. These endorsements reflect a broader trend of celebrity activism and political engagement, where stars use their platforms to influence public opinion and rally support for their chosen candidates.
The Significance of Hathaway’s Endorsement
Hathaway’s endorsement of Kamala Harris is particularly significant in an election where every vote could make a difference. Her decision to use a beloved scene from her past to connect with voters shows a clever and engaging way to reach out to both dedicated fans and undecided voters. By bringing her Hollywood persona into the political arena, Hathaway adds a layer of relatability and nostalgia to her message, creating a memorable and impactful moment of political advocacy.
Her acknowledgment that some voters are still undecided also speaks to the larger conversation happening across the country. In an election that is expected to be closely contested, Hathaway’s efforts to appeal to undecided voters underscore the importance of every single vote. With her performance, she not only brings attention to the stakes of the election but also encourages others to thoughtfully consider their choice.
Conclusion
Anne Hathaway’s endorsement of Kamala Harris, coupled with her iconic performance of “Somebody to Love” from Ella Enchanted, stands out as a powerful and creative display of political engagement. By using her platform to champion a candidate she believes in, Hathaway exemplifies how celebrities can influence and mobilize voters in meaningful ways. Her participation in the Broadway for Harris fundraiser, alongside other high-profile figures, reflects the strong support Harris has garnered within the entertainment community. As the 2024 election draws closer, Hathaway’s passionate endorsement serves as a reminder of the stakes at play and the importance of civic participation in shaping the future of the country.
Recent Celebrity Endorsements for Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris has received a wave of support from various high-profile celebrities as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches. Aside from Anne Hathaway, other notable figures have publicly endorsed Harris. Martha Stewart recently voiced her support, citing Harris’s leadership and dedication to democracy. Stewart made her endorsement clear during an appearance at the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum. Additionally, Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston endorsed Harris at a Democratic campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona. Music industry icons such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen have also thrown their support behind Harris, reflecting a broad base of celebrity backing.
Audience Reaction to Anne Hathaway’s Performance
Anne Hathaway’s performance at the Broadway for Harris fundraiser was met with enthusiasm and excitement. As she launched into her rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love”, a song she first performed in the beloved 2004 film Ella Enchanted, the audience erupted in applause and cheers. Hathaway’s return to this iconic performance added a layer of nostalgia, especially for fans of the film, which made her message all the more resonant. The audience, filled with celebrities and Harris supporters alike, responded warmly to her combination of humor, music, and political advocacy.
The Message of Anne Hathaway’s Speech
The core of Hathaway’s speech centered on her passionate endorsement of Kamala Harris and her belief in the vice president’s leadership for the upcoming 2024 election. Hathaway urged the audience to consider the importance of this election and highlighted the urgency of meeting undecided voters “where they’re at.” She emphasized the significance of engaging those who may still be uncertain about their political choices, framing her performance of “Somebody to Love” as a metaphor for the search for the right candidate. Hathaway conveyed a sense of responsibility, making clear that in such a high-stakes election, every voter and every vote counts.
Kamala Harris’s Response to Celebrity Endorsements
Kamala Harris has generally embraced the support from Hollywood and the entertainment industry, recognizing the power that celebrities have in shaping public opinion and mobilizing voters. While she hasn’t made specific comments about Hathaway’s endorsement, Harris has previously acknowledged how these endorsements help amplify her message. Celebrities like Hathaway, Taylor Swift, and Bryan Cranston have the ability to reach millions of people, particularly younger audiences who may be less engaged in traditional political messaging. Harris’s campaign has strategically leveraged this celebrity support to expand its outreach, with the hope that these endorsements will energize her voter base.
Anne Hathaway’s Previous Political Performances
Anne Hathaway’s performance at the Broadway for Harris fundraiser is not her first time blending music and political advocacy. Over the years, she has used her platform to support various causes, although her most memorable performance is “Somebody to Love” from Ella Enchanted. While she has not frequently performed at political events, Hathaway has been vocal in supporting progressive causes and using her star power to advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and racial justice. Hathaway’s choice of songs is often influenced by her roles in film and her connection to iconic moments in her career, making her performances at political events both personal and impactful.
In conclusion, Anne Hathaway’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris at the Broadway for Harris event added a unique blend of nostalgia, entertainment, and political advocacy to the 2024 election season. Alongside a host of other celebrities, Hathaway’s endorsement reflects the significant role Hollywood is playing in this high-stakes election. Her passionate performance and thoughtful speech underscored the importance of civic engagement and the power of every vote.
Has Anne Hathaway performed at any other political events
recently ?
Recently, Anne Hathaway has been active in the political scene, performing at events such as the Broadway for Harris fundraiser, where she endorsed Kamala Harris for president in the 2024 election. During the event, she delivered a heartfelt speech praising Harris for her leadership, emphasizing her compassion and strength. Hathaway’s passionate speech resonated with the audience, who reacted with enthusiasm, particularly when she performed a powerful rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” a song she famously performed in the 2004 film Ella Enchanted. The performance garnered a standing ovation, adding to the night’s energy and highlighting the star power behind Harris’ campaign.
This is not the first time Hathaway has performed at a political event. She has used her platform at various fundraisers and political rallies to advocate for issues close to her heart, including women’s rights and democratic values.
The event saw a number of other prominent Broadway and Hollywood stars, including Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Porter, coming together to rally support for Harris, emphasizing the increasing influence of celebrity endorsements in this election cycle. Harris has responded positively to these endorsements, often acknowledging the importance of these public figures in helping mobilize voters.
While there are no recent records of other specific songs Hathaway has performed at political events, her involvement in events like these underscores her ongoing commitment to political activism.
How did Anne Hathaway prepare for her performance at the event ?
Anne Hathaway’s preparation for her performance at the Broadway for Harris fundraiser likely involved a combination of vocal practice, rehearsals, and reflecting on the political message she wanted to convey. Given her experience as a singer and actress, particularly her prior performance of “Somebody to Love” in Ella Enchanted, Hathaway would have been familiar with the song’s demands, allowing her to focus on tailoring the performance to the event’s tone.
Her choice of the song was symbolic, serving both as a nostalgic callback to her Ella Enchanted days and as a statement for undecided voters searching for leadership. Her preparation also likely included aligning her speech with the message of unity and support for Kamala Harris, ensuring that her performance was not only entertaining but also politically meaningful.
Additionally, Hathaway is known for her thorough approach to roles and public performances, so she may have worked closely with event organizers and possibly vocal coaches to fine-tune her delivery and ensure her performance would have the desired impact at the political event.
Sources haven’t provided specific behind-the-scenes details of her preparation, but Hathaway’s professional background suggests she approached the event with the same dedication she brings to her acting and public appearances.
