Anne Hathaway Already Won an Emmy Playing Penelope—on The Simpsons—Years Before The Odyssey

During a goofy quote-guessing game with Nerdist, the cast of The Odyssey had to decide whether lines were from Homer Simpson or Homer’s epic poems. Lupita Nyong’o correctly pegged one as a The Simpsons gag, and the host promptly reminded Anne Hathaway it was from the very episode that won her an Emmy — exposing a funny career echo: Hathaway had already played a Penelope years before Nolan’s film.

"At least we know Anne doesn't sit around watching her old work all the time."

Matt Damon joked after the reveal, breaking up the room.

"Really? Wow."

Nyong’o reacted when Hathaway confirmed she’d voiced Princess Penelope on the animated series.

Hathaway’s guest spot came in Season 21’s “Once Upon a Time in Springfield, ” where she played Princess Penelope — a turn that earned her a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance.

Two Penelopes, worlds apart

• Princess Penelope — The Simpsons Season 21 episode “Once Upon a Time in Springfield” (Emmy-winning voice performance)
• Penelope — Christopher Nolan ’s The Odyssey, the steadfast wife of Odysseus in the classic Greek tale

Now, years later, Hathaway’s second Penelope is drawing raves. As Odysseus’s devoted partner in Christopher Nolan’s big-screen epic — alongside costars including Damon and Nyong’o — she’s been singled out for the role’s warmth, resolve and emotional shading.

The acclaim is landing as Nolan’s film powers through theaters: according to Variety, $264.1 million worldwide on opening weekend, with $124.5 million domestic and $139.6 million internationally — among the biggest debuts of his career.