Over the past fifteen years, Emma Watson has proved that she’s so much more than Hermione Granger.

The star of the “Harry Potter” franchise hasn’t let herself be defined by the iconic and beloved character. Over the years, she’s proved that she has acting chops, became a style icon, and is fighting for women’s rights worldwide at the same time — and she’s only 26 years-old. 

Watson’s acting career got started with “Harry Potter,” but she really started to come into her own as an actress and as a public figure once the series ended and she had more time to explore other projects.

Here’s how Emma Watson rose to Hollywood fame and became a feminist activist at the same time:

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born on April 15, 1990 in Paris — but she was raised in England. Her brother Alex was born three years later. Her parents, both British lawyers, got divorced when she was five.

Emma Watson started her acting career as Hermione Granger in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Her only acting experience before being in the films was acting in school plays.

She also took acting classes at the Stagecoach Theatre Arts school at Oxford. J.K. Rowling wanted Watson immediately after seeing her screen test.

Watson went on to continue her role as Hermione in “The Chamber of Secrets” (2002), “The Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004), “The Goblet of Fire” (2005). In 2006, Watson wasn’t sure if she’d sign on for the final films, due to interests outside of acting and wanting to focus on her education.

In 2007, the fifth installment, “Order of the Phoenix” came out. Watson and co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint cast their hands, feet, and wands on cement outside the iconic Gauman’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.

In 2007, Watson made her movie debut in a role that wasn’t Hermione Granger in the BBC adaptation of the 1936 novel “Ballet Shoes.”

“Ballet Shoes”

2009 was a big year for Watson: “The Half Blood Prince” came out, and she also became the new face of Burberry, the iconic British luxury brand. Her brother, Alex, also appeared in some of the ads with her.

In 2010, “Deathly Hallows Part I” came to theaters. A few months later in 2011, the last Potter film, “Deathly Hallows Part II” premiered, and Watson got emotional.

In July 2011, Watson, now making her way to become a style icon, was on the cover of Vogue. The next month, she starred in a commercial for Lancôme perfume.

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