Who Did Anne Hathaway Almost Marry? Unpacking A Significant Past Relationship

Richie Botsford 27 Jul 2025

Everyone loves a good story about Hollywood's bright lights, and sometimes, those stories include turns no one expects, like a relationship that seemed destined for forever but took a different path. We often see our favorite actors living what looks like a dream, yet their lives, just like ours, are full of personal moments, some public, some kept quiet. It's really interesting, that, how public figures manage their private worlds, especially when love is involved.

Anne Hathaway, a truly celebrated actress with many memorable roles, has certainly had her share of attention, both for her work on screen and for her life away from the cameras. People often wonder about her journey to finding happiness, and a big part of that journey involves a relationship from her past that almost led to marriage. This particular connection became quite a talking point for a while, so we're going to look at it closely, just a little, today.

So, the question many people ask is, "Who did Anne Hathaway almost marry?" It's a question that brings up memories of a time when her personal life was very much in the news, and it shows how even in the glare of fame, people work through their own experiences. We'll explore this period, the person involved, and what came next for Anne, giving you a fuller picture of this significant chapter in her life, you know.

Anne Hathaway: A Brief Look at Her Life
Personal Details and Bio Data
The Relationship That Almost Was: Raffaello Follieri
The Early Days of Their Connection
The Unraveling of a Public Romance
The Impact on Anne Hathaway
Moving Forward and Finding Love Again
Anne Hathaway's Life Today
People Often Ask About Anne Hathaway's Past Relationships
A Look Back at a Public Past

Anne Hathaway: A Brief Look at Her Life

Anne Hathaway has charmed audiences for many years, starting with her early roles that showed off her natural talent. From being a princess in "The Princess Diaries" to her Oscar-winning performance in "Les Misérables," she has truly shown her range as an actress. Her career has been a steady climb, with each project adding to her reputation as a versatile performer. She has a way of connecting with people through her characters, which is pretty special, so.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
Date of Birth	November 12, 1982
Place of Birth	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Spouse	Adam Shulman (married 2012)
Children	Two sons
Notable Works	The Princess Diaries, Brokeback Mountain, The Devil Wears Prada, Get Smart, Alice in Wonderland, Love & Other Drugs, Les Misérables, The Dark Knight Rises, Ocean's 8

The Relationship That Almost Was: Raffaello Follieri

The person Anne Hathaway almost married was Raffaello Follieri, an Italian businessman. Their relationship began in 2004 and lasted for about four years. For a good part of that time, they were a highly visible couple, often seen at red carpet events and in the pages of magazines. It seemed, in a way, like a very glamorous connection, with Follieri appearing to be a successful and charming figure in the New York social scene, you know.

The Early Days of Their Connection

When Anne and Raffaello first started seeing each other, it was a whirlwind romance. He was presented as a real estate developer with ties to the Vatican, and they were often pictured together looking quite happy. There was talk of marriage, and it appeared that Anne had found someone she truly cared for deeply. They shared a home in New York, and she spoke openly about her affection for him in interviews. It really seemed like a serious partnership, that, for a good while.

During their time together, Follieri was involved in various business dealings, some of which focused on acquiring properties owned by the Catholic Church. Anne, for her part, sometimes participated in events related to his charitable foundation, which aimed to provide vaccines to children in developing countries. This added another layer to their public image, suggesting a shared interest in making a positive difference, or so it seemed at the time, anyway.

The Unraveling of a Public Romance

However, the story took a very different turn. As time went on, questions began to arise about Follieri's business practices. Reports surfaced about financial irregularities and legal troubles. These issues slowly started to cast a shadow over their relationship. It was a rather difficult period, as the public watched the situation unfold, and the glamorous image of their partnership began to fade, apparently.

In June 2008, the situation came to a head when Raffaello Follieri was arrested on charges related to wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. These accusations stemmed from his alleged misrepresentation of his ties to the Vatican and his use of investor funds for personal expenses rather than for business purposes. This was a truly shocking development, and it made headlines everywhere, just a little.

Following his arrest, Anne Hathaway ended their relationship very quickly. It was a decision that came during a time of great personal stress and public scrutiny for her. The breakup was widely reported, marking the end of a high-profile romance that had once seemed so promising. The whole thing was, in some respects, a very public lesson in how quickly things can change, so.

Follieri later pleaded guilty to the charges against him. He admitted to defrauding investors by falsely claiming connections to the Vatican that would allow him to buy church property at a discount. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. His legal troubles brought a definitive end to his public career and, of course, to his relationship with Anne. You can learn more about the details of his legal case by looking at reports from the time, for example, from reputable news archives like The New York Times.

The Impact on Anne Hathaway

This experience was, understandably, very tough for Anne Hathaway. She was at the peak of her career, and suddenly, her personal life was caught in a storm of scandal. She had to deal with the fallout publicly, which must have been an incredibly hard thing to go through. It showed, too it's almost, how even famous people face incredibly personal challenges that play out for everyone to see.

She spoke later about how she handled the situation, mentioning that she learned a lot about herself and about trusting her own judgment. It was a period of intense reflection for her, a time when she had to sort through a lot of feelings and public perceptions. This kind of experience can really shape a person, helping them understand what truly matters in their life, you know.

Moving Forward and Finding Love Again

After the very public end of her relationship with Follieri, Anne Hathaway took time to heal and move forward. She continued to focus on her acting career, delivering strong performances that reminded everyone of her talent. It was during this period that she met Adam Shulman, an actor and businessman. Their connection was, by all accounts, much quieter and more private than her previous high-profile relationship, which was probably a welcome change.

Anne and Adam began dating in 2008, the same year her previous relationship ended. They seemed to build their bond on a foundation of mutual respect and shared interests, away from the constant glare of the cameras. Their relationship progressed steadily, and they eventually got engaged in November 2011. This engagement marked a new chapter for Anne, one that promised more stability and personal happiness, actually.

They married in a private ceremony in Big Sur, California, in September 2012. The wedding was kept very low-key, a stark contrast to the public nature of her earlier romance. This choice really showed Anne's desire for a more grounded and personal life away from the intense media spotlight. It was a lovely event, from what was reported, just a little, and it felt like a fresh start for her.

Adam Shulman has often been described as a calming and supportive presence in Anne's life. He is also a jewelry designer, and together, they seem to have built a very strong and happy family life. They have two sons, Jonathan Rosebanks Shulman, born in 2016, and Jack Shulman, born in 2019. Their family life appears to be a source of great joy and stability for Anne, which is wonderful to see, obviously.

The journey from a highly publicized and difficult breakup to finding lasting love and building a family is a testament to Anne Hathaway's resilience. It shows that even when things go wrong, it is possible to find happiness and peace. Her story reminds us that personal growth often comes from overcoming challenges, and that finding the right partner can make all the difference, as a matter of fact.

Anne Hathaway's Life Today

Today, Anne Hathaway continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, taking on diverse roles and earning critical acclaim. She balances her demanding career with her family life, often speaking about the joys of motherhood and her appreciation for her husband. She has, you know, managed to create a life that seems very fulfilling, both professionally and personally.

Her experiences, including the very public one with Raffaello Follieri, have undoubtedly shaped her. She has spoken about how those times taught her valuable lessons about trust, privacy, and who she wants to be. It's clear that she has come through those challenges stronger and with a clearer sense of her own path. She seems to be in a very good place now, which is great to observe, pretty much.

Her career continues to thrive, with recent projects showcasing her continued versatility and acting prowess. She remains a beloved figure, known not just for her talent but also for her graceful handling of life's ups and downs. She truly embodies, in a way, a person who has learned from her past and moved forward with strength and grace. Learn more about her current projects on our site, and link to this page about her filmography.

People Often Ask About Anne Hathaway's Past Relationships

Who was Anne Hathaway engaged to before Adam Shulman?

Before she got engaged to and married Adam Shulman, Anne Hathaway was in a serious relationship with Raffaello Follieri. They were together for about four years, and during that time, there was much talk about them possibly getting married. Their connection was quite public, and many thought they would take that next step, so.

What happened to Raffaello Follieri?

Raffaello Follieri faced serious legal issues. He was arrested in June 2008 on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. He later pleaded guilty to these charges, admitting that he had misrepresented his business dealings and misused investor funds. He was sentenced to serve time in prison for his actions, which was a very big deal, actually.

How long were Anne Hathaway and Raffaello Follieri together?

Anne Hathaway and Raffaello Follieri were together for about four years. Their relationship began in 2004 and ended in June 2008, shortly after his arrest. It was a significant period in her life, and their public appearances made them a very well-known couple during that time, you know.

A Look Back at a Public Past

The story of who Anne Hathaway almost married is a reminder that even for those in the public eye, personal lives can be full of unexpected twists and turns. Her experience with Raffaello Follieri was a very challenging time, but it also showed her strength and ability to overcome difficulties. It's interesting, that, how people can grow through such public experiences.

Her journey from that highly publicized breakup to finding lasting happiness with Adam Shulman offers a valuable perspective on resilience and the power of moving forward. It really highlights how personal growth can happen even when things are difficult. We hope this look back has given you a clearer picture of this part of her life, and perhaps, a new appreciation for her journey.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway - Anne Hathaway Photo (548747) - Fanpop

Anne Hathaway

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