History of Cameron Diaz in Timeline
Cameron Diaz is a well-known American actress celebrated for her comedic and dramatic roles. Her films have achieved remarkable success, grossing over \$3 billion in the U.S. box office, establishing her as a prominent sex symbol and a highly bankable star in Hollywood. In 2013, she reached a significant milestone by becoming the highest-paid actress over 40. Her exceptional talent has earned her numerous accolades, including nominations for a prestigious BAFTA Award and four Golden Globe Awards.
August 30, 1972: Birth of Cameron Diaz
Cameron Michelle Diaz was born on August 30, 1972.
1976: N/A
This date is not relevant to Cameron Diaz's career and is likely a typo.
July 1990: Seventeen Magazine Cover
In July 1990, at age 17, Cameron Diaz was featured on the cover of Seventeen magazine.
1991: Modeling in Australia and Coca-Cola Commercial
Diaz spent a few months modeling in Australia in 1991 and shot a commercial for Coca-Cola in Sydney.
1992: Topless Photoshoot
At age 19, Diaz participated in a topless photoshoot with photographer John Rutter.
1994: Casting in "The Mask" and Rise as a Sex Symbol
At 21, Diaz auditioned for and was cast in "The Mask." Despite having no prior acting experience, she began taking acting lessons and quickly became a sex symbol due to the film's success.
1994: Film Debut in "The Mask"
Cameron Diaz made her film debut at age 21 in 1994, starring opposite Jim Carrey in the comedy "The Mask."
1995: Role in "The Last Supper"
Diaz starred in the independent black comedy "The Last Supper" in 1995.
1996: Roles in "Feeling Minnesota," "She's the One," and "Head Above Water"
Diaz starred in three films in 1996: "Feeling Minnesota," "She's the One," and "Head Above Water," showcasing her versatility across genres.
1997: Supporting Role in "My Best Friend's Wedding"
Cameron Diaz had a supporting role in the popular romantic comedy "My Best Friend's Wedding" in 1997, further establishing her presence in Hollywood.
1997: Return to Mainstream with "My Best Friend's Wedding"
In 1997, Diaz returned to mainstream film with a notable role in the highly successful romantic comedy "My Best Friend's Wedding."
1998: Breakthrough Role in "There's Something About Mary"
Cameron Diaz's fame rose significantly in 1998 after starring in "There's Something About Mary," which earned her her first Golden Globe nomination.
1998: Success with "There's Something About Mary" and Role in "Very Bad Things"
Diaz solidified her comedic prowess with the massive success of "There's Something About Mary" in 1998, earning a Golden Globe nomination. She also starred in the comedy "Very Bad Things."
1999: Transition to Dramatic Roles
In 1999, Diaz took on roles in "Any Given Sunday" and "Being John Malkovich," demonstrating her versatility and earning recognition for her dramatic acting abilities.
1999: Critically Acclaimed Role in "Being John Malkovich" and Lead in "Any Given Sunday"
Diaz received widespread acclaim for her role in Spike Jonze's "Being John Malkovich" in 1999, earning nominations for a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Award. She also starred in Oliver Stone's sports drama "Any Given Sunday."
2000: Charlie's Angels Release
In 2000, Cameron Diaz starred alongside Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu in the action-comedy "Charlie's Angels." The film achieved major commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, earning US\$264.1 million globally.
2000: Commercial Success with "Charlie's Angels"
Diaz furthered her commercial success in 2000 by starring in the action comedy "Charlie's Angels."
2001: Supporting Roles and "Shrek" Franchise
Cameron Diaz showcased her range with supporting roles in "Vanilla Sky" and "Gangs of New York" in 2001. She also began voicing Princess Fiona in the successful "Shrek" franchise.
2001: Diaz Stars in "The Invisible Circus" and "Vanilla Sky"
Cameron Diaz showcased her versatility in 2001 by taking on roles in two distinct films: the independent drama "The Invisible Circus," premiering at Sundance, where she portrayed a young woman who tragically commits suicide in 1970s Europe; and the critically acclaimed romantic drama "Vanilla Sky," starring alongside Tom Cruise. In "Vanilla Sky," she delivered a "ferociously emotional" performance (as characterized by The New York Times) as the ex-lover of Cruise's self-absorbed publishing magnate. For her compelling portrayal in "Vanilla Sky," Diaz received nominations for Best Supporting Actress at prestigious award ceremonies, including the Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, Critics' Choice Awards, and the American Film Institute Awards.
2001: Diaz Voices Princess Fiona in "Shrek"
In 2001, Cameron Diaz lent her voice to Princess Fiona in the animated blockbuster "Shrek." The film, revolving around her character's curse that transformed her into an ogress every sunset, achieved immense commercial success, grossing US\$484.4 million worldwide. "Shrek" also marked a significant milestone as the inaugural recipient of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
2002: Continued Success in Hollywood
Diaz continued to build a successful career in 2002 with her role in Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York."
2002: Diaz Leads "The Sweetest Thing"
In 2002, Cameron Diaz took the lead in the romantic comedy "The Sweetest Thing." Playing a single woman on a quest to master the art of attracting the opposite sex, she ultimately encounters the man of her dreams. The film enjoyed moderate commercial success, garnering US\$68.6 million at the global box office.
2003: "Charlie's Angels" Sequel
Cameron Diaz reprised her role in the sequel to "Charlie's Angels" in 2003.
2003: Diaz Stars in "Gangs of New York" and Reprises Role in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle"
In 2003, Cameron Diaz took on a significant role in Martin Scorsese's historical epic "Gangs of New York," set in the mid-19th century amidst the Five Points district of New York City. Portraying a skilled pickpocket and the love interest of Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Diaz contributed to the film's positive critical reception and commercial triumph, as it garnered US\$193 million globally. However, some critics noted that the presence of co-star Daniel Day-Lewis overshadowed both Diaz and DiCaprio. The same year, she reprised her role in the commercially successful sequel "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle."
2003: Blackmail Attempt
Rutter attempted to blackmail Diaz in 2003 by offering her the 1992 photos and video for $3.5 million before selling them to others, leading to a lawsuit from Diaz.
July 2004: Leaked Video Surfaces
A 30-minute video of Diaz from a 1992 photoshoot was leaked on a Russian website in July 2004.
2004: Diaz Voices Princess Fiona in "Shrek 2"
Continuing her vocal contributions to the beloved animated franchise, Cameron Diaz reprised her role as Princess Fiona in the commercially successful sequel "Shrek 2" in 2004.
May 2005: Diaz Wins Defamation Suit Against American Media Incorporated
In May 2005, Cameron Diaz emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit against American Media Incorporated, the parent company of the National Enquirer. The lawsuit stemmed from an article and pictures published online with the headline "Cameron Caught Cheating." The content falsely alleged that Diaz was being unfaithful to her then-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, with a married MTV producer. Following Diaz's complaint, the magazine retracted the article and pictures from its website, omitting them from the print edition as well. The National Enquirer issued an apology to Diaz, Timberlake, the producer, and his wife, acknowledging the distress caused and admitting the story's falsity. They clarified that the picture merely depicted a farewell hug between friends.
September 16, 2005: John Rutter Sentenced
On September 16, 2005, John Rutter was sentenced to over three years in prison for attempted grand theft, forgery, and perjury related to topless photos and videos of Diaz taken in 1992.
2005: Diaz Stars in "In Her Shoes"
In 2005, Cameron Diaz delivered a noteworthy performance in the comedy-drama "In Her Shoes," sharing the screen with Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine. Based on Jennifer Weiner's novel, the film delves into the complex relationship between two sisters and their grandmother. Diaz's portrayal of a dyslexic free spirit navigating a tumultuous relationship with her more conventional sister garnered praise from critics. USA Today hailed it as "her best work" at that point in her career.
2005: Lead Role in "In Her Shoes"
Diaz took on the lead role in the comedy-drama "In Her Shoes" in 2005.
2006: Diaz Stars in "The Holiday"
Cameron Diaz further solidified her presence in the romantic comedy genre with her role in Nancy Meyers' "The Holiday" in 2006. Starring alongside Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, Diaz portrayed Amanda, an American movie trailer producer who embarks on a house swap with a British woman played by Winslet. The film proved to be a major commercial triumph, amassing over US\$205 million globally, securing its place among the year's most successful films.
2006: Starring in "The Holiday"
Diaz starred in Nancy Meyers' romantic comedy "The Holiday" in 2006.
2007: Diaz Voices Princess Fiona in "Shrek the Third"
In 2007, Cameron Diaz continued her vocal contributions to the Shrek franchise with "Shrek the Third." While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it maintained the series' commercial success, grossing US\$798 million worldwide.
June 2008: Diaz Earns Estimated US\$50 Million
By June 2008, Cameron Diaz had earned an estimated US\$50 million for her contributions to the "Shrek" franchise and her upcoming film "What Happens in Vegas," underscoring her status as a highly sought-after actress.
2008: Starring in "What Happens in Vegas"
Diaz starred in the romantic comedy "What Happens in Vegas" in 2008.
June 2009: Diaz Stars in "My Sister's Keeper"
In June 2009, Cameron Diaz starred in the drama "My Sister's Keeper," adapted from Jodi Picoult's novel of the same name. The film garnered mixed reviews from critics. Diaz's performance as a former lawyer and mother of three, grappling with one child's leukemia diagnosis, contributed to the film's moderate commercial success, amassing US\$95 million at the global box office, predominantly from its domestic release.
2010: Leading Role in "Knight and Day"
Diaz starred in the action comedy "Knight and Day" in 2010.
2010: Diaz Ranked as the Richest Female Celebrity by Forbes, Voices Princess Fiona in "Shrek Forever After," and Stars in "Knight and Day"
Cameron Diaz achieved a significant milestone in 2010, as Forbes recognized her as the wealthiest female celebrity, placing her at number 60 among the top 100 richest individuals. In the same year, she reprised her vocal role as Princess Fiona in "Shrek Forever After," the fourth installment of the Shrek series. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the film resonated with audiences, achieving global box office success with over US\$752 million and becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of the year. Additionally, Diaz reunited with her "Vanilla Sky" co-star, Tom Cruise, in the action-comedy "Knight and Day." Portraying a classic car restorer unexpectedly entangled with Cruise's eccentric secret agent on the run from the Secret Service, Diaz contributed to the film's mixed reception and eventual sleeper hit status, grossing US\$262 million globally despite a slow start at the box office.
April 21, 2011: The Green Hornet ends its theatrical run
On April 21, 2011, Cameron Diaz's film The Green Hornet, in which she played journalist Lenore Case, ended its theatrical run. Despite mixed to negative reviews, the superhero action comedy directed by Michel Gondry grossed US$228 million worldwide.
2011: Roles in "The Green Hornet" and "Bad Teacher"
Cameron Diaz appeared in two comedies in 2011, "The Green Hornet" and "Bad Teacher."
2013: Publication of "The Body Book"
Cameron Diaz published her first health book, "The Body Book," in 2013, which became a New York Times bestseller.
2013: Highest-Paid Actress Over 40
In 2013, Cameron Diaz was named the highest-paid actress over 40, reflecting her significant success and bankability in Hollywood.
March 2014: The Body Book reaches No. 2 on NYT Best Seller list
In March 2014, Cameron Diaz's health book, The Body Book: Feed, Move, Understand and Love Your Amazing Body, co-written with Sandra Bark, reached No. 2 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
2014: Three Successful Comedies
Diaz starred in three successful comedies in 2014: "The Other Woman," "Sex Tape," and "Annie."
January 5, 2015: Marriage to Benji Madden
On January 5, 2015, Cameron Diaz married musician Benji Madden in a Jewish ceremony at her home in Beverly Hills, California. The couple had been introduced ten months earlier by her close friend Nicole Richie.
2015: Marriage to Benji Madden
Cameron Diaz married Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden in 2015.
June 2016: Release of The Longevity Book
In June 2016, Cameron Diaz released her second health book, The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time.
2016: Publication of "The Longevity Book"
Diaz released her second health book, "The Longevity Book," in 2016.
2016: Named one of the greatest actors never to receive an Oscar nomination
In 2016, IndieWire named Cameron Diaz one of the greatest actors never to have received an Academy Award nomination.
July 2017: Cameron Diaz announces break from acting
In July 2017, Cameron Diaz announced she was taking a break from acting due to the exhaustion from constant travel for filming. This hiatus was later confirmed as her retirement in March 2018.
May 2019: Cameron Diaz speaks at EEEEEATSCON
In May 2019, Cameron Diaz was a keynote speaker at The Infatuation's annual food festival, EEEEEATSCON.
December 2019: Birth of daughter
In December 2019, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden welcomed their first child, a daughter.
2019: Birth of First Child
Diaz and Madden welcomed their first child, a daughter, via surrogate in 2019.
2020: Launch of Avaline wine brand
In 2020, Cameron Diaz launched an organic wine brand, Avaline, with her 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 Jamie Foxx in the Netflix action-comedy Back in Action, marking their reunion since the film Annie.
2022: Return to Acting
Following a period of retirement to focus on her family, Diaz returned to acting in 2022.
2022: Guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7
In 2022, Cameron Diaz appeared as a guest judge on the season opener episode of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7. She expressed her enthusiasm as a huge fan of the show, and her presence was noted for being knowledgeable by contestant Trinity the Tuck.
March 2024: Talks to star in Outcome
In March 2024, Cameron Diaz was announced to be in talks to star in the Apple Original Film Outcome alongside Keanu Reeves. Filming for the project started later that month.
March 2024: Birth of son
In March 2024, it was announced that Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden had welcomed their second child, a son.
2024: Birth of Second Child
Diaz and Madden had their second child in 2024.