Had J.K. Rowling not put pen to paper and created her unfathomably famous series of children’s books, “Harry Potter”, the world may have had to wait a lot longer for the likes of British actress Emma Watson to triumphantly emerge.

In a somewhat unprecedented move the leading female role of Hermione Granger, one of Potter’s closest friends in the Harry Potter series, was given to Emma. Why unprecedented you ask? Because prior to her fantastically lucky break, young Miss Watson had never so much as acted a day in her life on the big screen. Her acting credentials listed only school plays. However, this is not to say that she lacked talent, on the contrary, those who saw her school stage roles instantly noticed that she had a particular flare for the craft.

At a mere fifteen years of age this talented, freckle faced teen actress already has four Harry Potter movies under her cape, staring in each as the same Potter pal role of Hermione Granger. This character sees her as the female comrade to an almost exclusively cast of male leads. At the tender age of ten Watson’s convincing, endearing role as somewhat stuck up, perfect student Granger in the first Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone”, had fans hooked. Over night she became the most searched for Potter cast member on the Internet.

Though her acting career has thus far extended only into the realm of Harry Potter sorcery and humongous box office sales, Watson has an unmistakable talent that will likely see her through when the days of Harry Potter films eventually come to an end. Her acting ability is so bang on that it has earned her the nickname of “One Take Watson”.

In a world of fluffy, pop star-like personas and less than intellectual characters brunette-headed Watson is a refreshing change from the bubble gum-ness that has beseeched the majority of young female actors. Her strong-willed and charming personality only add to her movie appeal and fans can’t seem to get enough of this charismatic fifteen year old.

Hopping the pond, Emma has appeared on a racket of North American late night TV and talk shows; notably her first talk show appearance in 2002 on the long running, phenomenally successful Oprah Winfrey show. Others include Jay Leno in 2002 and Live with Regis & Kelly in 2004. When not dabbling in onscreen witchery and magic Watson goes to the British all-girls school Headington where she primarily studies history, English and art. In her down time Watson’s second love comes out, sports. Her favourites include tennis, rounders and hockey.

Though the world has only known of Emma for four short years, she has created a lasting onscreen character that is recognized by Potter fans – both young and old alike – the world over. Watson says that she wants to branch out and try a variety of roles, and in 2006 fans will be able to see Emma in her first non-Potter role to date. Scheduled to be released within a year the film “Airborn” will see Watson playing Kate de Vries, in an adventurous dramatic tale of cruise ships, pirates and deserted islands. Rather a broomstick’s length away from Hogwarts for this ambitious British actress.

Jessica Cander is a full time freelance writer who loves to stay on top of up-to-the-minute entertainment trends, such as rising stars Emma Watson and Hilary Duff. For the latest information, gossip and hot facts, Jessica recommends Answers.com .

• Flightplan


• Hustle and Flow


• Bob Dylan


• Fatal Accident (1)


• Hart and Huntington


• James Dean - James Byron Dean


• A Whiff of Nostalgia


• The First Woe! And a Note of Mother Shipton


• Depression Can Turn into Joy


• Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith DVD Review