Emma Watson admits she 'doesn't know how to be Emma Watson'

Oxford University celebrity student Emma Watson has admitted she "doesn't know how to be Emma Watson".

The Hollywood star, who played Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter movies, grew up in the city after being born in Paris.

Having taken an indefinite leave from acting in recent years, she has instead been focused on pursuing her academic goals.

For many fans, the idea of Emma Watson stepping away from the spotlight came as a surprise. For over a decade, she had been a constant presence on cinema screens, red carpets, and magazine covers. Her decision to pause her acting career signaled a deeper personal shift, one rooted in self-reflection rather than professional burnout.

Ms Watson opted to study a master’s degree in creative writing in September 2023, before it was announced in February that she had switched to a DPhil.

The academic move marked a significant change in pace. Instead of scripts, premieres, and press tours, Watson immersed herself in research, writing, and intellectual exploration. Oxford University offered a space where she could exist outside of the entertainment industry’s expectations, allowing her to focus on growth without constant public scrutiny.

Speaking to Jay Shetty on his On Purpose podcast, the 35-year-old explained why she needed a break from the world of Hollywood.

"Emma Watson became this, like, avatar, this person that I identified with but also kind of didn't," she said.

"She'd become reproduced so many times over and kind of had become so loaded by all of this different stuff that she almost felt too heavy to carry.

"Like I kind of was, like, I don't even know if I can be that b***h anymore."

Her words highlighted the emotional toll of fame that began at an unusually young age. Growing up in the public eye left little room for private self-discovery, and the line between personal identity and public persona slowly blurred. The pressure to maintain a flawless image became something she no longer felt capable of carrying.

Ms Watson then talked about a date she had been on two years prior, when the man she was messaging admitted that the actress made him anxious.

The moment revealed how deeply her celebrity status impacts even the most ordinary human interactions. What should have been a casual, personal connection was overshadowed by the weight of her public image, reinforcing her sense of distance from normal experiences.

Her response was that "Emma Watson makes me anxious, too", as she explained the situation to Mr Shetty further, stating she doesn't know how to be herself.

"I can't even be her," added Ms Watson.

"I don't know how to be her. Live up to what I look like on the cover of a magazine. I don't look like that.

"Like, I don't know. I don't even know how to touch what that person's become."

Watson’s honesty resonated with many listeners, particularly those who struggle with identity in a world shaped by expectations. Her reflections shed light on the emotional complexity behind fame, success, and self-image. While the world sees a confident actress and activist, she continues to navigate the challenge of defining who she is beyond the version of herself seen by millions.

Ultimately, her journey underscores a broader truth: success does not always bring clarity. For Emma Watson, stepping away from Hollywood and into academia appears to be less about retreat and more about reclaiming ownership of her own identity—on her own terms.