Hogwarts Grad Emma Watson, Ellen Page, Keira Knightley, Zac Efron, Blake Lively In ’30 Under 30′ [Video]
What do Harry Potter breakout star Emma Watson, High School Musical standout Zac Efron, Bend It Like Beckham beauty Keira Knightley, entrepreneur Blake Lively, and Ellen Page, known for her coming out speech, have in common? They all are being honored by Forbes in the “30 Under 30: The Young People Who Are Changing Hollywood” annual list.
The celebrities chosen for this honor must have distinguished themselves in multiple ways. Rather than choose a single genre, each of the 30 honorees has achieved multiple accomplishments prior to turning 30.
Hogwarts graduate Emma Watson grew up in the public spotlight. But despite earning millions in her role of Hermione Granger, Watson took on new challenges in adult films such as The Bling Ring.
And as the Inquisitr reported, Watson also became a human right activist, kick-starting the HeForShe campaign in her battle for women’s rights.
In addition to graduating from college, Emma has officially become the United Nations Women’s Goodwill Ambassador, reported MTV.
Although Hollywood’s propensity for burning out child actors is legendary, Zac Efron didn’t succumb. After graduating from High School Musical, he experimented with various film genres before discovering his knack for comedy. With those famous abs and impeccable comedic timing, Zac charmed viewers as he played against Seth Rogen in Neighbors.
Blake Lively’s last name sums up her career. From Gossip Girl to her entrepreneurial talents showcased in her Web site Preserve, Blake keeps it real.
“I’ll never feel like I arrived. The people I look up to the most are the people that are continuing to up their game.”
Keira Knightley hasn’t stopped experimenting with her career either. The actress is earning Oscar-worthy reviews for The Imitation Game while learning to produce with The Other Typist.
Actress and producer Ellen Page is best known for a very personal moment. She chose to be open about her sexuality, and her coming out speech has been viewed millions of times.
During her speech, Ellen also reflected on the standards of Hollywood, pointing out the challenges of being authentic in an industry that’s built on pretend.
“It’s weird because here I am, an actress, representing — at least in some sense — an industry that places crushing standards on all of us. Not just young people, but everyone. Standards of beauty. Of a good life. Of success. Standards that, I hate to admit, have affected me.
“You have ideas planted in your head, thoughts you never had before, that tell you how you have to act, how you have to dress and who you have to be. I have been trying to push back, to be authentic, to follow my heart, but it can be hard.”
Following her speech, Page was invited to discuss her decision with Ellen DeGeneres. The talk show host also has been candid about her own sexuality, including her marriage.
[Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]
