Disney Executive Behind The Princess Diaries Karen Glass Passes Away at 63
Karen Glass, the former The Walt Disney Company executive who brought The Princess Diaries to the big screen, has died at age 63. Glass passed away on Monday, December 22, at UCLA Medical Center following complications from pancreatic cancer.
For fans of The Princess Diaries, Glass’s name might not be immediately recognizable, but her impact on the beloved 2001 film is undeniable. She was the executive who purchased the rights to Meg Cabot’s book for Disney and championed the project through development. Most significantly, she insisted that Disney hire Julie Andrews for the role of Queen Clarisse Renaldi, a casting decision that proved essential to the film’s enduring success.
The Princess Diaries Legacy
The Princess Diaries remains a cultural touchstone more than two decades after its release. The film, starring Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis and Julie Andrews as her grandmother, resonates with audiences who grew up in the early 2000s and continues to find new fans through streaming platforms.
The movie’s charm lies in its heartfelt story about an awkward teenager who discovers she’s royalty and learns to embrace her identity. Memorable moments, such as the makeover scene, the foot pop kiss, and countless quotable lines, have made it a comfort movie that people rewatch regularly. The film launched Anne Hathaway’s career and spawned an equally beloved sequel.
Fans have been requesting a third Princess Diaries film for years, demonstrating the franchise’s enduring relevance and emotional connection with audiences who consider it essential viewing.
Glass’s Role in The Princess Diaries Happen
Karen Glass worked at The Walt Disney Company from 1989 to 2006, a 17-year career that saw her contribute to numerous projects that became family favorites. She started with the Buena Vista Television marketing team before moving to Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and eventually Buena Vista Pictures Marketing, where she became executive director of national promotions.
Her decision to acquire The Princess Diaries book showed strong creative instincts about what could translate successfully to film. But buying the rights was only the first step. Glass’s insistence on casting Julie Andrews in the grandmother role demonstrated an understanding of what would elevate the material from standard teen movie to something with lasting appeal.
Julie Andrews brought credibility, warmth, and star power that made The Princess Diaries feel special. Her presence signaled quality and attracted audiences who might otherwise have skipped what appeared to be just another teenage movie. The chemistry between Andrews and Hathaway, as well as the genuine mentorship relationship portrayed on screen, formed the emotional foundation that made the film work.
Getting Andrews involved wasn’t necessarily easy. She was a Hollywood legend known for Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, but hadn’t been working extensively in films during the years immediately before The Princess Diaries. Pursuing her for the role required conviction that her involvement would be worthwhile, and Glass’s persistence paid off enormously.
Other Disney Projects
Beyond The Princess Diaries franchise, which included the 2004 sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, Glass contributed to other Disney films from that era. She worked on the 2003 remake of Freaky Friday, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, another successful Disney project that updated a classic property for contemporary audiences.
Her credits also include Tuck Everlasting, Herbie: Fully Loaded, and Ice Princess, on which she served as executive producer. These projects share a common thread of family-friendly entertainment that combines heart and humor, the type of film that parents can feel good about their children watching while remaining entertaining for the whole family.
Continuing in Film
After leaving Disney in 2006, Glass continued working in film production. She focused particularly on holiday movies, producing Same Time, Next Christmas and, most recently, A Pickleball Christmas. Holiday films represent a specialized genre with dedicated audiences, and Glass’s work in this space showed her continued commitment to creating feel-good entertainment.
Personal Life
According to her obituary, Karen Glass was described as someone always interested in everyone around her, outgoing and engaged, warm and funny. She maintained a devoted group of longtime friends throughout her life.
Her son Zachary Sean Barry was described as the center of her world. She is survived by Zachary, her brother Ira Glass (the radio personality known for hosting This American Life), 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 Impact
For the millions of fans who love The Princess Diaries, who quote it with friends, and who have made it part of their regular viewing rotation, Karen Glass deserves recognition for making it all possible. She saw potential in a young adult book, fought for the perfect casting, and helped create a film that has brought joy to people for over twenty years.
Her passing at 63 from pancreatic cancer represents a life and career cut short. The legacy she leaves includes not just The Princess Diaries, but a body of work focused on creating entertainment that uplifts audiences and brings families together. That’s a legacy worth celebrating and remembering.
