Anne Hathaway versus Jessica Alba

Beginnings:

Alba

She expressed interest in acting at the age of 5, took her first acting class at 12 and signed with her first agent less than a year ago. Made her film debut in the forgettable 1994 film “Camp Nowhere” — Alba was signed for a small supporting part, but ended up with a leading role when the actress left the project. Before graduating from high school, she guest starred in “Brooklyn South,” “Beverly HIlls, 90201” and “The Love Boat: The Next Wave” After graduating from high school, she studied at the Atlantic Theatre Co. with founders playwright David Mamet and William H. Macy.

Hathaway

Her mother, actress Kate McCauley, inspired Hathaway to get into the business. Hathaway performed in plays at Millburn High School as well as Seton Hall Prep and was the first teenager to be admitted to the Barrow Group Theater Co.’s acting program. Hathaway performed twice in 1998 at the All Easter. U.S. High School Honors Chorus at Carnegie Hall. Three days after performing at Carnegie Hall, the soprano was cast in the short-lived 1999 TV series, “Get Real.” She also managed to go to college — first studying at Vassar and then transferring to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individual Study.

Winner: Alba. Hathaway’s performance at Carnegie Hall and college education are impressive, but Alba racked up more credits by the age of 18.  (Jeff Vinnick / For The Times)