Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cameron Diaz

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Cameron Diaz

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

Cameron Diaz is a celebrated American actress known for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her films have generated over $3 billion in U.S. box office revenue. She became a prominent sex symbol and a bankable star through numerous romantic comedies in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2013, she was recognized as the highest-paid actress over 40. Diaz has received nominations for a British Academy Film Award and four Golden Globe Awards.

1966: Release of original Gambit movie

In 1966, the original movie Gambit was released. In 2012, Cameron Diaz starred in a remake of the movie.

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1976: Setting of "The Box"

In 1976, the movie "The Box," starring Cameron Diaz and James Marsden, is set. The film involves a couple who receive a box from a mysterious man offering them one million dollars if they press a button inside, knowing someone will die as a result.

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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, marking a milestone in her early modeling career.

1991: Modeled in Australia and Filmed Coca-Cola Commercial

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

1994: Film Debut in The Mask

In 1994, Cameron Diaz made her film debut at the age of 21, starring opposite Jim Carrey in the comedy film, The Mask. This role marked the beginning of her acting career.

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1995: Starred in The Last Supper

In 1995, Cameron Diaz starred in the independent black comedy The Last Supper, playing one of the liberal graduate students.

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

In 1996, Cameron Diaz had a lead role in Feeling Minnesota and was cast opposite Jennifer Aniston in She's the One, expanding her presence in various film genres.

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1997: Supporting Role in My Best Friend's Wedding

In 1997, Cameron Diaz played a supporting role in the romantic comedy My Best Friend's Wedding. This appearance contributed to her rising profile in Hollywood.

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1998: Starred in There's Something About Mary

In 1998, Cameron Diaz starred as the titular character in the Farrelly brothers' comedy, There's Something About Mary. This role brought her increased fame and her first Golden Globe nomination.

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1999: Recognition as a Dramatic Actress

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

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1999: Starred in Being John Malkovich

In 1999, Cameron Diaz starred in Being John Malkovich, receiving widespread acclaim and earning Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Awards. Also in 1999, she starred in Any Given Sunday.

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2000: Role in Charlie's Angels

In 2000, Cameron Diaz played one of the trio of investigators in Charlie's Angels, which was one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

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2001: Roles in Vanilla Sky and Shrek

In 2001, Cameron Diaz received praise for her supporting role in Vanilla Sky and also voiced Princess Fiona in the animated film Shrek. Both roles contributed to her continued success and recognition.

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2001: Roles in The Invisible Circus and Vanilla Sky

In 2001, Cameron Diaz starred in The Invisible Circus and Vanilla Sky, receiving critical acclaim and earning nominations for Best Supporting Actress at various awards for her performance in Vanilla Sky.

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2001: Voiced Princess Fiona in Shrek

In 2001, Cameron Diaz voiced Princess Fiona in the animated film Shrek, which was a major commercial success and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. She also starred in the Sundance-premiered independent drama The Invisible Circus this year.

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2002: Starred in The Sweetest Thing

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

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2002: Role in Gangs of New York

In 2002, Cameron Diaz starred in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York. This role further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress capable of handling both dramatic and comedic roles.

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2003: Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle Release

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 as Princess Fiona in Shrek 2.

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2005: Starred in In Her Shoes

In 2005, Cameron Diaz played opposite Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine in the comedy-drama film In Her Shoes, receiving acclaim for her performance.

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2006: Starred in The Holiday

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

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2007: Shrek the Third and Shrek the Halls

In 2007, Cameron Diaz voiced Princess Fiona in Shrek the Third, which grossed US$798 million worldwide, and in the Christmas special, Shrek the Halls.

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June 2008: Earnings of US$50 million

Cameron Diaz earned an estimated US$50 million during the period of a year ending in June 2008, for her roles in Shrek the Third and What Happens in Vegas.

2008: Starred in What Happens in Vegas

In 2008, Cameron Diaz starred in What Happens in Vegas opposite Ashton Kutcher, which grossed US$219 million despite negative reviews.

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

In June 2009, "My Sister's Keeper", a film based on Jodi Picoult's novel of the same name and starring Cameron Diaz, was released to mixed reviews. Diaz played a former lawyer and mother of three in the drama.

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

2010: Role in Knight and Day

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

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2010: Forbes names Diaz as richest female celebrity and Shrek Forever After released

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", the fourth installment in the Shrek series, and voiced Princess Fiona in a thirty-minute Halloween special titled "Scared Shrekless". Diaz also reunited with Tom Cruise in the action comedy film "Knight and Day" in 2010.

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April 21, 2011: "The Green Hornet" theatrical run ends

On April 21, 2011, "The Green Hornet," starring Cameron Diaz, Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, and Christoph Waltz, ended its theatrical run with a worldwide gross total of US$228 million.

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2011: Starred in The Green Hornet and Bad Teacher

In 2011, Cameron Diaz starred in two comedies: The Green Hornet and Bad Teacher, continuing her presence in popular films.

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2012: Diaz cast in "What to Expect When You're Expecting", "Gambit" and voices Sigmund Freud in "A Liar's Autobiography"

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

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2013: Authored The Body Book

In 2013, Cameron Diaz authored The Body Book, which became a New York Times bestseller.

2013: Diaz stars in "The Counselor" and publishes "The Body Book"

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

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2013: Named Highest-Paid Actress Over 40

In 2013, Cameron Diaz was named the highest-paid actress over 40, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in Hollywood. She also released her book 'The Body Book' in 2013.

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

In 2014, Cameron Diaz starred in "The Other Woman" and "Sex Tape".

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2014: Starred in Three Successful Comedies

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

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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".

The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time
The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time

2016: Authored The Longevity Book

In 2016, Cameron Diaz authored The Longevity Book, adding to her publications focused on health and well-being.

July 2017: Diaz takes a break from acting

In July 2017, Cameron Diaz decided to take a break from acting following the release of Annie due to being tired of traveling for filming.

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2020: Diaz launches Avaline

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

June 2022: Return to acting in "Back in Action"

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

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March 2024: Talks to star in "Outcome" and filming start

In March 2024, it was announced that Cameron Diaz was in talks to star in the Apple Original Film "Outcome" alongside Keanu Reeves. Filming started for the project later that month.

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January 17, 2025: Release of "Back in Action" on Netflix

On January 17, 2025, "Back in Action", starring Cameron Diaz, was released on Netflix.

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2025: Return to Acting in Back in Action

In 2025, Cameron Diaz made a return to acting with the action comedy Back in Action, marking her comeback to the profession.

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2026: Diaz reprises Princess Fiona in Shrek 5

In 2026, Cameron Diaz will reprise her voice role as Princess Fiona in Shrek 5.

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