Cameron Diaz Then and Now
Cameron Diaz Then
Cameron Diaz, born on August 30, 1972, in San Diego, California, grew up in Long Beach, California, as the daughter of Billie Diaz and Emilio Diaz.
Her diverse heritage includes Cuban, Italian, and German ancestry, reflecting her family’s rich cultural background.
Diaz’s father worked as an oil company foreman, while her mother was an import broker.
Growing up, Diaz attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where she crossed paths with future rapper and actor Snoop Dogg, who was a classmate.
From a young age, Diaz showed promise in the modeling world, starting her career at 16.
Her striking looks and natural charisma landed her on the covers of magazines like Seventeen and Mademoiselle.
Additionally, she became a prominent face in advertising campaigns for major brands such as Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and Coca-Cola.
Related Article: Drew Barrymore Then and Now
Diaz’s modeling career took her around the globe, and she spent a significant amount of time living in Paris, further broadening her horizons and experiences.
Diaz’s early exposure to the fashion and modeling industries laid the foundation for her eventual transition into acting.
Her international experiences and diverse background contributed to her unique perspective and appeal as she embarked on a successful career in Hollywood.
Related Article: Bob Saget Then and Now
Cameron Diaz’s Acting Career
Cameron Diaz’s career in Hollywood began with a breakthrough role in the 1994 comedy “The Mask.”
At the age of 21, Diaz auditioned for a small part but ended up landing the female lead role of Tina Carlyle opposite Jim Carrey.
The success of the film catapulted her into stardom, showcasing her natural comedic talent and screen presence.
Related Article: John Stamos Then and Now
Despite her relative newcomer status, Diaz’s performance earned her widespread recognition and opened doors for future opportunities.
Following her success in “The Mask,” Diaz appeared in several low-budget films, including “The Last Supper” (1995) and “Feeling Minnesota” (1996).
However, it was her role in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997) that further solidified her status as a box-office draw.
Related Article: Rob Lowe Then and Now
The romantic comedy, starring alongside Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney, showcased Diaz’s versatility beyond comedy.
In 1998, Diaz achieved monumental success with “There’s Something About Mary,” a blockbuster comedy that became a cultural phenomenon.
Her portrayal of the titular Mary garnered critical acclaim and showcased her ability to anchor a major Hollywood production.
Related Article: Elisabeth Shue Then and Now
The film’s success further elevated Diaz’s star status and solidified her as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses.
Diaz continued to showcase her versatility with roles in diverse projects.
In 1999, she starred in the innovative comedy “Being John Malkovich,” displaying her ability to tackle unconventional roles with ease.
She also appeared in Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday,” further demonstrating her range as an actress.
Related Article: Bruce Springsteen Then
In the early 2000s, Diaz’s career reached new heights with starring roles in major box-office hits.
She starred in the action-comedy “Charlie’s Angels” (2000), alongside Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu, and lent her voice to the animated blockbuster “Shrek” (2001), among others.
Diaz continued to tackle challenging roles, such as in Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” (2002), showcasing her versatility and acting prowess.
Beyond acting, Diaz expanded her horizons into writing and entrepreneurship. She co-authored two health books and co-founded a “clean” wine brand called Avaline.
Related Article: Laurence Fishburne Then and Now
Diaz’s multifaceted career reflects her ability to excel in various creative endeavors and her ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth.
Cameron Diaz Movies
- The Mask (1994)
- The Last Supper (1995)
- Feeling Minnesota (1996)
- She’s the One (1996)
- Head Above Water (1996)
- My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
- A Life Less Ordinary (1997)
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
- There’s Something About Mary (1998)
- Very Bad Things (1998)
- Being John Malkovich (1999)
- Any Given Sunday (1999)
- Charlie’s Angels (2000)
- Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (2000)
- Shrek (2001) – Princess Fiona (voice)
- Vanilla Sky (2001)
- The Sweetest Thing (2002)
- Gangs of New York (2002)
- Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
- Shrek 2 (2004) – Princess Fiona (voice)
- In Her Shoes (2005)
- The Mask 2: Son of the Mask (2005)
- The Holiday (2006)
- Shrek the Third (2007) – Princess Fiona (voice)
- Shrek the Halls (2007) – Princess Fiona (voice)
- What Happens in Vegas (2008)
- My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
- The Box (2009)
- Knight and Day (2010)
- Shrek Forever After (2010)
- The Green Hornet (2011)
- Bad Teacher (2011)
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)
- Gambit (2012)
- A Liar’s Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman (2012) – Sigmund Freud (voice)
- The Counselor (2013)
- The Other Woman (2014)
- Sex Tape (2014)
- Annie (2014)
- The Holiday 2: Another Year (2023)
- Back in Action (2024)
Cameron Diaz’s Personal Life
In addition to her successful career onscreen, Cameron Diaz’s personal life has often captured media attention.
Her romantic relationships have been a topic of interest over the years, revealing a series of high-profile romances and partnerships.
Diaz’s dating history includes several notable figures from the entertainment industry and sports.
Related Article: Eric Roberts Then and Now
Diaz’s romantic journey began with a five-year relationship with video producer Carlos de La Torre, which ended in 1995.
Following this, she dated her “There’s Something About Mary” co-star Matt Dillon from 1996 to 1998, showcasing a pattern of relationships with fellow actors.
Later, Diaz became involved with actor Jared Leto in 1999, but the couple parted ways in 2003.
One of Diaz’s most publicized relationships was with singer Justin Timberlake, which began in 2003.
Related Article: John Cusack Then and Now
The couple’s high-profile romance lasted for several years before they ended their relationship in 2007.
Their split garnered significant media attention and speculation.
Throughout her dating history, Diaz has also been linked to professional athletes, including Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.
Their relationship generated considerable media buzz during their time together.
In 2014, Diaz’s romantic life took a significant turn when she began dating Benji Madden, guitarist for Good Charlotte.
Related Article: Mary Steenburgen Then and Now
Their whirlwind romance culminated in an engagement in December of the same year, followed by a surprise wedding on January 5, 2015, at Diaz’s Beverly Hills home.
The intimate ceremony included close friends and family, with Drew Barrymore and Nicole Richie among her bridesmaids.
This marked a new chapter in Diaz’s personal life as she embarked on marriage and motherhood.
In 2019, Diaz and Madden welcomed their daughter, Raddix, further solidifying their bond as a family.
Related Article: Ted Danson Then and Now
Diaz’s journey through relationships reflects the ups and downs of love and commitment, showcasing her ability to find happiness and fulfillment in her personal life alongside her successful career in Hollywood.
Cameron Diaz Now
At 51 years old, Cameron Diaz remains a prominent figure in Hollywood known for her versatility and charm.
As an American actress, she has left an indelible mark on the film industry, showcasing her talent across a wide range of genres, including comedy and drama.
Related Article: Bryan Cranston Then and Now
Diaz’s films have collectively grossed over $3 billion at the U.S. box office, attesting to her enduring appeal and commercial success.
Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered memorable performances, earning her widespread acclaim and admiration from audiences worldwide.
Diaz’s career trajectory saw her rise to fame as both a sex symbol and one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Related Article: David Schwimmer Then and Now
Her onscreen presence, coupled with her natural charisma, helped solidify her status as a leading actress in the industry.
In 2013, Diaz was named the highest-paid actress over 40, a testament to her continued relevance and earning power even as she entered her fifth decade.
Despite taking a step back from acting in recent years, Diaz remains a celebrated figure in entertainment.
Related Article: Jon Hamm Then and Now
Her upcoming movie “Back in Action,” set to release on November 15, 2024, signals her return to the big screen after a hiatus.
Fans eagerly anticipate Diaz’s comeback, eager to see her captivating performances once again.
Beyond her success in film, Diaz’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen have contributed to her impressive net worth of $140 million.
Related Article: Helen Hunt Then and Now
Her ventures outside of acting include modeling and various business ventures, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted and accomplished individual.
As Cameron Diaz continues to evolve in her career and personal life, her impact on Hollywood and popular culture remains undeniable.
Her talent, resilience, and lasting influence make her a true icon of the entertainment industry, inspiring generations of actors and fans alike.
Related Article: James Earl Jones Then and Now