Before stepping into the iconic role of Christine Daaé, Emmy Rossum’s path to stardom took a surprising turn. Here’s how she landed the part—and stunned on and off screen.
How Emmy Rossum Landed the Role of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera
After Anne Hathaway dropped out of the role of Christine Daaé because the film’s production schedule overlapped with The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, which she was contractually obligated to make, the then-16-year-old Emmy Rossum got the lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.
Simon Callow (as Andre), Miranda Richardson (as Madame Giry), Jennifer Ellison (as Meg Giry), composer/screenwriter/producer Andrew Lloyd Webber, Minnie Driver (as Carlotta), Murray Melvin (as Reyer), Ciarán Hinds (as Firmin), and Emmy Rossum (as Christine) in The Phantom of the Opera, a 2004 musical drama film based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1986 musical of the same name
For her performance in the movie, Emmy Rossum was nominated at the 62nd Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Still, she lost to Annette Bening in Being Julia.
However, Emmy won Best Performance by a Younger Actor at the Saturn Awards.
Can Emmy Rossum Really Sing in The Phantom of the Opera? A Look at Her Classical Music Training
Yes, she is a classically trained singer. Performing alongside the likes of Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti at the Metropolitan Opera since the age of seven, Emmy’s perfect singing voice was left relatively untouched during the editing process of The Phantom of the Opera.
Emmy Rossum exudes classic elegance in a strapless, ruffled black cocktail dress paired with minimalist black ankle-strap heels at the Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night Gala for La Fille du Régiment on April 21, 2008, in New York City (Credit: Charlie Steffens / WENN / PNP / Z.Tomaszewski)
Before her leading role as Christine Daaé in the film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, she had already appeared in the ABC television film The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000).
Making her film debut at 13 in 2000’s Songcatcher, Emmy also sang a duet with Dolly Parton on the Songcatcher soundtrack.
Emmy Rossum wears the iconic off-the-shoulder white ballgown as Christine Daaé in the “Think of Me” scene from The Phantom of the Opera (2004), with intricate starburst embroidery by costume designer Alexandra Byrne (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Following her critically acclaimed performance in The Phantom of the Opera, Rossum was offered several deals to record classical albums.
Her debut album, Inside Out, was released on October 23, 2007, and entered the U.S. Billboard 200 at number 199. Her second album, Sentimental Journey, was released in 2013.
Emmy Rossum radiates youthful glamour in a strapless blush satin gown with a matching wrap and clutch at the world premiere of The Phantom of the Opera in London on December 6, 2004
How Old Was Emmy Rossum While Filming The Phantom of the Opera? Age Timeline & Casting Details
Really Useful Films announced on June 13, 2003, that 16-year-old Emmy Rossum would play opera singer Christine Daaé, whose voice is inspired by the Phantom.
Principal photography lasted from September 15, 2003, to January 15, 2004. Emmy, born September 12, 1986, turned 17 three days before filming started. When the film was released on December 22, 2004, Emmy Rossum was 18.
Emmy Rossum stuns in an off-the-shoulder ivory gown with delicate beading and a sparkling clutch while posing with Andrew Lloyd Webber at The Phantom of the Opera New York premiere on December 12, 2004
After captivating audiences on the big screen and red carpet, Emmy Rossum showed her softer side at a heartwarming charity event. Ditching the drama of opera gowns, she embraced a more playful yet polished look — with an adorable puppy in tow.
Emmy Rossum Charms in Monochrome While Supporting Rescue Dogs
What’s better than Emmy Rossum looking cute? What about Emmy Rossum looking cute while holding a puppy?
Emmy Rossum wears her hair in loose waves at the All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration on November 21, 2015, at The Barker Hangar in Los Angeles
In November 2015, the American actress attended the All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Emmy Rossum cuddles a puppy at the All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration
The special aired on Thanksgiving Day on Fox and was “a one-of-a-kind event celebrating America’s rescue dogs, raising awareness of dog-related issues and encouraging people to adopt rescue animals.”
Emmy Rossum poses on the red carpet in a black-and-white top-and-skirt combo
Emmy kept it simple — yet chic — in a black-and-white monochrome number.
She wore a printed sleeveless top with a black A-line skirt that featured pink button details and a straight hem that fell to a couple of inches above her knees.
Emmy Rossum happily gets dog fur on her monochrome outfit
She carried a black clutch and wore red pumps, lipstick, and nail polish. Emmy side-parted her wavy brunette tresses, tucking them behind an ear on one side, rounding out her gorgeous look.
Christian Louboutin “Gwalior” Pumps: Emmy Rossum’s Red Carpet Shoe of Choice
Emmy wore the Christian Louboutin “Gwalior” pumps, which are made of red suede and have peaked vamps, two tassel details, pointed toes, and about four-inch heels.
She wore the same heels at the Hot Chocolate For A Cause event, and Amber Heard showed off the black version during the 2015 Venice Film Festival.
Emmy Rossum’s feet in Christian Louboutin pumps
While they’ve sold out, you can browse similar styles from the same French shoe designer at Nordstrom and Mytheresa.
