Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cameron Diaz

How Cameron Diaz built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cameron Diaz is a successful American actress known for her roles in both comedic and dramatic films. Her movies have grossed over $3 billion domestically, solidifying her status as a bankable star and sex symbol, particularly for her work in romantic comedies during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2013, she was recognized as the highest-paid actress over 40. Throughout her career, Diaz has earned nominations for prestigious awards, including a British Academy Film Award and four Golden Globe Awards.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1966: Original Gambit film release

In 2012 Cameron Diaz starred in the remake of the 1966 film of the same name, called Gambit.

1976: Setting of "The Box"

The movie "The Box", starring Cameron Diaz and James Marsden, is set in 1976. The film revolves around a couple who receive a box offering them one million dollars if they press a button that will cause someone to die.

July 1990: Featured on Seventeen magazine cover

In July 1990, at the age of 17, Cameron Diaz was featured on the cover of Seventeen magazine.

1991: Commercial for Coca-Cola in Sydney

In 1991, Cameron Diaz modeled for 2 to 3 months in Australia and shot a commercial for Coca-Cola in Sydney.

May 1992: Topless Photoshoot

In May 1992, Cameron Diaz was photographed and videotaped topless for an S&M leather fashion lingerie editorial by John Rutter, a professional photographer. These photographs and video were never released at the time.

1994: Starring in The Mask

In 1994, Cameron Diaz auditioned for and starred in "The Mask", launching her acting career. At the time, she also dated video producer Carlos de la Torre.

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1995: Starring in The Last Supper

In 1995, Cameron Diaz starred in the independent black comedy "The Last Supper".

1996: Roles in Feeling Minnesota and She's the One

In 1996, Cameron Diaz had lead roles in "Feeling Minnesota" and "She's the One", along with a starring role in "Head Above Water".

1997: Supporting role in My Best Friend's Wedding

In 1997, Cameron Diaz had a supporting role in the romantic comedy, "My Best Friend's Wedding", further establishing her presence in Hollywood.

1998: Starring in There's Something About Mary

In 1998, Cameron Diaz starred in "There's Something About Mary", receiving a Golden Globe nomination.

1999: Recognition as a dramatic actress

In 1999, Cameron Diaz earned recognition as a dramatic actress for her work in the sports drama "Any Given Sunday" and Spike Jonze's fantasy film "Being John Malkovich".

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1999: Starring in Being John Malkovich and Any Given Sunday

In 1999, Cameron Diaz starred in Spike Jonze's directorial debut "Being John Malkovich" and Oliver Stone's sports drama "Any Given Sunday". She earned best supporting actress nominations for her role in "Being John Malkovich".

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2000: Starring in Charlie's Angels

In 2000, Cameron Diaz starred in "Charlie's Angels", which proved to be a commercially successful action comedy.

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2000: Charlie's Angels film adaptation

In 2000, Cameron Diaz starred in the film adaptation of "Charlie's Angels", which grossed US$264.1 million.

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2001: Praise for Vanilla Sky

In 2001, Cameron Diaz received praise for her supporting role in Cameron Crowe's "Vanilla Sky" and began voicing Princess Fiona in the "Shrek" franchise.

2001: Roles in The Invisible Circus and Vanilla Sky

In 2001, Cameron Diaz starred in "The Invisible Circus" and appeared in "Vanilla Sky", receiving nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Vanilla Sky.

2001: Voices Princess Fiona in Shrek

In 2001, Cameron Diaz voiced Princess Fiona in the animated film "Shrek", which was a major commercial success.

2002: Starring in The Sweetest Thing

In 2002, Cameron Diaz headlined the romantic comedy "The Sweetest Thing", which was a moderate commercial success.

2002: Role in Gangs of New York

In 2002, Cameron Diaz starred in Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York", gaining commercial success and further recognition for her acting abilities.

2003: Charlie's Angels sequel

In 2003, Cameron Diaz continued her commercial success with the sequel to "Charlie's Angels".

2003: Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle

In 2003, Cameron Diaz reprised her role in the commercially successful sequel "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle".

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2004: Shrek 2 release

In 2004, Cameron Diaz reprised her role in "Shrek 2", another commercially successful sequel.

2005: Starring in In Her Shoes

In 2005, Cameron Diaz starred in "In Her Shoes", receiving acclaim for her performance.

2005: In Her Shoes released

In 2005, Cameron Diaz starred in the comedy-drama "In Her Shoes", receiving acclaim for her performance.

2006: Starring in The Holiday

In 2006, Cameron Diaz starred in "The Holiday", which became one of the biggest commercial successes of the year.

2007: Shrek the Third release

In 2007, Cameron Diaz starred in "Shrek the Third" and voiced Princess Fiona in a Christmas special.

June 2008: Earnings of $50 million

In June 2008, Cameron Diaz earned an estimated US$50 million for her roles in "Shrek the Third" and "What Happens in Vegas".

2008: Starring in What Happens in Vegas

In 2008, Cameron Diaz starred in the comedy "What Happens in Vegas" with Ashton Kutcher.

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June 2009: Release of "My Sister's Keeper"

In June 2009, "My Sister's Keeper", starring Cameron Diaz, was released to mixed reviews. The movie, based on Jodi Picoult's novel, features Diaz as a former lawyer and mother dealing with her daughter's leukemia. The movie grossed US$95 million worldwide.

My Sister's Keeper: A Novel (Wsp Readers Club)

Check it on Amazon

2010: Starring in Knight and Day

In 2010, Cameron Diaz starred in the movie "Knight and Day".

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2010: Forbes Ranking and Shrek Forever After Release

In 2010, Forbes ranked Cameron Diaz as the richest female celebrity. Also in 2010, she reprised her role as Princess Fiona in "Shrek Forever After", which grossed over US$752 million. In the same year, she also voiced Princess Fiona in a Halloween special and starred in "Knight and Day" with Tom Cruise.

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April 21, 2011: "The Green Hornet" Theatrical Run Ended

On April 21, 2011, the theatrical run of "The Green Hornet", starring Cameron Diaz, Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, and Christoph Waltz, ended with a worldwide gross of US$228 million. The film received mixed to negative reviews.

2011: Roles in The Green Hornet and Bad Teacher

In 2011, Cameron Diaz starred in both "The Green Hornet" and "Bad Teacher".

2012: Cast in "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and "Gambit"

In 2012, Cameron Diaz was cast in "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and "Gambit". Also in 2012, Diaz voiced Sigmund Freud in "A Liar's Autobiography".

2013: Starring in "The Counselor" and Publishing "The Body Book"

In 2013, Cameron Diaz starred in Ridley Scott's "The Counselor". In late 2013, she published a health book, "The Body Book: Feed, Move, Understand and Love Your Amazing Body", co-written with Sandra Bark.

2013: Named highest-paid actress over 40

In 2013, Cameron Diaz was named the highest-paid actress over the age of 40, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

2013: The Body Book Published

In 2013, Cameron Diaz wrote "The Body Book", a New York Times bestseller focused on health and wellness.

2014: Releases of "The Other Woman" and "Sex Tape"

In 2014, Cameron Diaz starred in "The Other Woman", which earned US$196.7 million globally, and "Sex Tape", which grossed US$126 million worldwide.

2014: Successful Comedies and Retirement

In 2014, Cameron Diaz starred in three successful comedies: "The Other Woman", "Sex Tape", and "Annie". Following these, she retired from acting to focus on her family.

June 2016: Release of "The Longevity Book"

In June 2016, Cameron Diaz released "The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time".

2016: The Longevity Book Published

In 2016, Cameron Diaz published "The Longevity Book", adding to her work in the health and wellness space.

July 2017: Taking a Break from Acting

In July 2017, Cameron Diaz announced that she would take a break from acting, citing exhaustion from traveling for filming.

2020: Launch of Avaline Wine Brand

In 2020, Cameron Diaz launched an organic wine brand, Avaline, with business partner Katherine Power.

June 2022: Announcement of Return to Acting in "Back in Action"

In June 2022, it was announced that Cameron Diaz would return to acting, starring alongside Jamie Foxx in the Netflix action-comedy "Back in Action".

March 2024: Talks to Star in "Outcome" and Filming Starts

In March 2024, Cameron Diaz was announced to be in talks to star in the Apple Original Film "Outcome" alongside Keanu Reeves, and filming started later that month.