Anne Hathaway credited her marriage to Adam Shulman as a key inspiration for her performance in ‘The Odyssey,’ where she portrays Penelope, a character who waits 20 years for her husband Odysseus’s return. The actress spoke candidly about how her personal relationship informed her work on the film during a premiere event.At the New York City premiere on July 14, Hathaway reflected on how her nearly 14-year marriage to Shulman helped her embody the character’s deep love and commitment. “I am one of the luckiest people on the planet Earth. I met my soulmate, and we decided to get married and have a family,” she told E! News at the event.
Anne Hathaway stars as Penelope opposite Matt Damon’s Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of The Odyssey.Image credit (Instagram)
The 43-year-old noted that her co-star Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, shared a similarly grounded perspective on marriage. “We both kind of started playing these characters in this deep love relationship, knowing that it was possible,” she added.
Adam Shulman’s role in Anne Hathaway’s personal and professional life
Hathaway spoke glowingly about how Shulman, a producer and jewelry designer, has been her anchor throughout her career. The couple, who tied the knot in 2012 after meeting at a film festival in 2008, are currently expecting their third child together. During the premiere event, Hathaway playfully referenced her pregnancy while discussing her accessories for the evening. “Cannot be beat. This is a lovely microphone, but I prefer my accessory,” she quipped to the outlet while cradling her baby bump.The actress is mother to sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6, and recently joked about the surprise pregnancy during an episode of ‘Late Night With Seth Meyers’ on July 13. “It’s amazing. We knew what we were doing, but we were so shocked it worked. We were so shocked it went this way, so we’re calling this one our buzzer-beater,” she said with a laugh.
Anne Hathaway, who is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, reflected on how her family life has shaped both her personal journey and her latest role.Image credit (Instagram)
How they met and Anne Hathaway’s instant certainty
Hathaway and Shulman first crossed paths at a film festival in 2008. According to the Oscar winner, she instantly felt Shulman was the one for her. In a 2013 interview with Harper’s Bazaar U.K., Hathaway reflected on that initial meeting. “I knew from the second I met him that he was the love of my life” she told the outlet describing the immediate connection she experienced.
Adam Shulman’s support throughout her prolific 2026
Hathaway is especially grateful for Shulman’s support during an unprecedented year in her career. She premiered five films in 2026 an exceptional workload that required considerable sacrifice from both partners. Speaking to PEOPLE in April, she praised his dedication. “He supports me completely. This year in particular was unusual. He and I both know that it’s probably never going to happen like this again. And the way he stepped up, in every possible way, he’s the most extraordinary person I’ve ever met,” she shared.She concluded with heartfelt appreciation for their partnership. “I’m so lucky that he’s my partner that I spend my life with. If I didn’t know that before this past year, I think I really know it now because with absolutely everything he’s just, he’s on it. He holds it down. I hope that doesn’t sound like I’m bragging, but he’s a dream partner to me,” Hathaway added.‘The Odyssey’ hits theatres on July 17.
