Emily Blunt’s Daughters Shocked by Her “Mean” Character in The Devil Wears Prada

Emily Blunt’s iconic role as the caustic, high-strung assistant Emily Charlton in The Devil Wears Prada is beloved by audiences worldwide, but her daughters had quite a different reaction. The British actress, who shares two daughters—Hazel, 10, and Violet, 7—with husband John Krasinski, recently revealed that her kids found her character in the 2006 film to be incredibly “mean.”

Blunt made these revelations during interviews and public appearances, where she discussed how her daughters, after watching The Devil Wears Prada, were shocked by the persona she portrayed. In an interview with Page Six, Blunt humorously recounted how her daughters’ reaction was unexpected. “They thought I was the meanest person they’d ever met,” she shared, reflecting on how her sharp-tongued, ruthless character left a lasting impression on her young children.

The Shock of Emily Charlton’s Attitude

For Hazel and Violet, seeing their mother in such a role was a stark contrast to the person they know at home. Blunt’s role as Emily Charlton is the epitome of the fast-paced, cutthroat nature of the fashion industry, complete with biting comments, sarcastic wit, and a constant air of superiority. This sharply different character clearly struck a nerve with Blunt’s daughters, who weren’t used to seeing their mother behave in such a domineering way on screen.

The actress added that it’s quite a contrast from her usual roles, which tend to be more grounded in warmth or adventure. Blunt’s career has spanned many genres, from action-packed films like Edge of Tomorrow to family-friendly projects like Mary Poppins Returns. But The Devil Wears Prada remains one of her most talked-about roles. The character’s cold exterior, dismissive remarks, and rigid adherence to the fashion hierarchy created a memorably fierce persona. For her young daughters, seeing their mom act that way was understandably disorienting.

Enduring Popularity of The Devil Wears Prada

Despite her daughters’ surprise, Blunt continues to appreciate how much her performance in The Devil Wears Prada resonates with audiences. Nearly two decades since the film’s release, fans still frequently quote her lines, and Blunt herself is well aware of the film’s ongoing cultural relevance. She shared how fans often repeat lines like her famous outburst, “I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight,” reminding her that the film has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Reflecting on her experience, Blunt has spoken fondly about her time working on the film alongside Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Stanley Tucci. In her interviews, she has mentioned that working on The Devil Wears Prada was a turning point in her career. At the time, she didn’t fully realize how much of an impact the movie would have. “It was my first big movie,” Blunt said, recalling her excitement and surprise when her agent informed her of its box office success. “I remember my agent calling me and telling me about the opening weekend, and I was like, ‘Is that good?’ I didn’t know what was good.”

The Krasinski-Blunt Household’s Reactions to Her Work

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski have built a strong family dynamic, but their daughters remain rather selective about watching their mom’s films. Blunt revealed in another interview that Hazel and Violet haven’t seen much of her work. Even in more family-friendly films like Jungle Cruise (2021), her daughters found certain scenes too intense, particularly when Blunt’s character was in peril. The underwater sequences, where her character appears trapped, caused so much anxiety for her girls that they left the room in tears.

Blunt has been candid about her family’s reaction to her work, noting that, while her daughters are aware of her acting career, they aren’t eager to see her on screen. She understands why they may be hesitant. “They don’t love watching me in peril,” she noted, referencing her daughters’ emotional response to some of her action scenes.

In contrast, the “peril” in The Devil Wears Prada came not from physical danger but from the emotional intensity of her character’s demanding, high-pressure work environment. For young Hazel and Violet, seeing their mother play such a stern, sharp-tongued character wasn’t exactly what they expected, leading to their surprising conclusion that Blunt was, in fact, the “meanest person.”

Balancing Motherhood and Hollywood

Despite her daughters’ reactions, Blunt balances her thriving acting career with her role as a mother, carefully choosing projects that allow her to maintain a stable family life. Both Blunt and her husband Krasinski are known for being private about their personal lives, but they occasionally share lighthearted anecdotes about their family. Blunt often discusses the delicate balance of being a working mother and how her children influence the roles she chooses.

In the years since The Devil Wears Prada, Blunt has grown more selective about the roles she takes, aiming to spend as much time with her children as possible. While her portrayal of Emily Charlton might not have won over her daughters, it remains a beloved character for many and an essential part of Blunt’s impressive filmography.

Conclusion

Emily Blunt’s daughters’ reaction to her character in The Devil Wears Prada offers a humorous glimpse into the gap between an actor’s on-screen persona and their real-life personality. While Hazel and Violet may have found their mom’s character to be shockingly mean, Blunt herself appreciates the role for its enduring popularity and the way it continues to resonate with audiences. Balancing her career and motherhood, Blunt remains a versatile and admired figure in Hollywood—whether or not her daughters are ready to watch her on screen again.