The Princess Diaries is cherished by millennials and early 2000s audiences for its story of Mia Thermopolis, who transforms from an awkward teenager into the Princess of Genovia with the help of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi. The 2001 film, featuring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, became a timeless classic, celebrated for its charm, humor, and messages about identity and self-acceptance. Its enduring appeal keeps it relevant and beloved over two decades after its release.The film’s lasting popularity remains strong in the streaming era, attracting new viewers and comforting longtime fans with nostalgic memories. Iconic moments, like the perfect delivery of “shut up,” the foot pop during the kiss, and the makeover scene, have secured their place in pop culture. The Princess Diaries also led to a beloved sequel, launched Anne Hathaway’s successful career, and left fans eager for a third installment, despite the actors’ aging out of their original roles.Behind every successful film is a network of contributors often unnoticed by audiences. The Princess Diaries owes its success to Karen Glass, a former Disney executive who saw the potential in Meg Cabot’s book series and played a vital role in its casting. Her passing at 63 is a loss not just to her loved ones, but to all who have found joy in The Princess Diaries over the years.Karen Glass Dies: Former Disney Exec & 'A Pickleball Christmas' Producer Was 63 https://t.co/Tyt7EFvAVD— Deadline (@DEADLINE) December 25, 2025Karen Glass’s Disney Executive Career Karen Glass worked for The Walt Disney Company from 1989 to 2006, spending 17 years contributing to the studio’s success during period that saw Disney produce numerous beloved films and expand its reach across multiple entertainment platforms. She began her Disney career on the Buena Vista Television marketing team, learning the business and demonstrating the skills and instincts that would eventually lead to greater responsibilities and creative influence.Glass moved to Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and later to Buena Vista Pictures Marketing, where she became executive director of national promotions. This progression demonstrated her value to the company and positioned her to have meaningful impact on which projects Disney pursued and how they were developed and marketed to audiences.Her most significant contribution to Disney’s legacy came when she bought The Princess Diaries book for the studio, recognizing that Meg Cabot’s young adult novel had the potential to become successful film if developed properly. Identifying promising source material requires combination of market awareness, creative instinct, and understanding of what resonates with audiences. Glass possessed these qualities and used them to bring The Princess Diaries into Disney’s development pipeline.The Julie Andrews InsistencePerhaps Glass’s most crucial creative contribution to The Princess Diaries was persuading Disney to hire Julie Andrews to play Queen Clarisse Renaldi. This casting decision proved essential to the film’s success, as Andrews brought gravitas, warmth, humor, and an undeniable screen presence that elevated the entire production. Her performance created a perfect counterbalance to Anne Hathaway’s awkward teenager, establishing the relationship dynamic that provided the emotional core of the film.The decision to pursue Julie Andrews was not necessarily obvious or automatic. Andrews was a Hollywood legend whose previous Disney work included Mary Poppins, one of the studio’s most beloved classics, but she hadn’t been working extensively in films during the years immediately preceding The Princess Diaries. Convincing her to take the role and convincing Disney to pursue her required vision and persistence that Glass demonstrated.Credit: Inside the MagicAndrews’s involvement brought credibility to The Princess Diaries, attracting audiences who might have otherwise overlooked it and ensuring it was viewed as more than just a teen movie. The chemistry between Andrews and Hathaway, fueled by a mentorship dynamic and their genuine bond during filming, was a result of Glass’s focus on perfect casting.Beyond The Princess DiariesGlass’s contributions to Disney extended beyond The Princess Diaries franchise, though her work on both the original film and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement remains her most visible legacy. She also worked on other beloved Disney films from that era, including Freaky Friday (2003), the body-swap comedy starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan that became another successful Disney remake of a classic property. She contributed to Tuck Everlasting, Herbie: Fully Loaded, and Ice Princess, serving as executive producer on the latter.Credit: Video Screenshot, ‘Freaky Friday’, DisneyThese projects demonstrate Glass’s focus on family-friendly entertainment, which combines heart, humor, and positive messages, creating films that parents can feel good about their children watching while still being entertaining enough for the whole family to enjoy together. This balance defines successful family entertainment, and Glass clearly understood how to identify and develop properties that achieved it.Post-Disney Executive CareerAfter leaving Disney in 2006, Glass continued working in film production, with a particular focus on holiday movies that brought seasonal joy to audiences. She produced Same Time, Next Christmas and, most recently, worked on A Pickleball Christmas, maintaining her commitment to creating feel-good entertainment that brings people together and provides comfort and happiness.Holiday films represent their own specialized genre with dedicated audiences who seek out new content each season, and Glass’s transition to this space demonstrated her continued understanding of what audiences wanted and how to deliver it effectively.Her Personal LegacyKaren Glass’s obituary describes her as someone always interested in everyone around her, outgoing and engaged, warm and funny, with a devoted group of longtime friends. These personal qualities undoubtedly influenced her professional success, as the ability to connect with people, understand what moves and entertains them, and build lasting relationships serves creative executives well in the collaborative entertainment industry.Her son, Zachary Sean Barry, was described as the center of her world, reflecting the balance she maintained between her demanding career and personal life priorities. She is also survived by her brother, Ira Glass, the radio personality known for hosting This American Life; her sister, Randi Glass Murray; their spouses, David Meckel and Susanna Fogel; stepmother, Sandy Glass; nephews, Sam and Ben Murray; and uncle, Bennett Politzer.Remembering Her ImpactKaren Glass died Monday, December 22, 2025, at UCLA Medical Center from complications of pancreatic cancer. Her passing at 63 represents life cut short, with years of potential contributions lost to a devastating disease that claims too many lives.For the millions of people who love The Princess Diaries, who quote it with friends, who rewatch it when they need comfort, who introduced it to their own children, and who still hold out hope for that long-promised third film, Karen Glass deserves recognition and gratitude for making it all possible. She saw the potential, fought for the right casting, and helped create a film that has brought joy to countless people for more than two decades.The Princess Diaries endures as a classic film that many love today and reference often because people like Karen Glass cared enough to fight for it, to insist on quality, and to understand what would make it special. Her legacy lives on every time someone watches Mia Thermopolis find her courage and claim her identity.The post Former Disney Executive Who Brought The Princess Diaries to Life Dies at 63 appeared first on Inside the Magic.