Career Timeline of Reese Witherspoon: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Reese Witherspoon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Reese Witherspoon is a highly acclaimed American actress and producer recognized with prestigious awards like an Academy Award and Emmy. She's been featured in Time's 100 most influential people and Forbes' most powerful women lists. In 2021, she was the highest-earning actress globally and in 2023 was named one of the richest US celebrities with an estimated $440 million net worth, demonstrating both her acting success and entrepreneurial achievements.
1991: Cast in The Man in the Moon
In 1991, Reese Witherspoon attended an open casting call and was cast for the lead role of Dani Trant in "The Man in the Moon".
1992: Appeared in Desperate Choices: To Save My Child
In 1992, Reese Witherspoon appeared in the television film "Desperate Choices: To Save My Child", portraying a critically ill young girl.
1993: Return To Lonesome Dove
In 1993, Reese Witherspoon appeared in Return to Lonesome Dove.
1994: Leading Role in S.F.W.
In 1994, Reese Witherspoon had a leading role as Wendy Pfister in the film "S.F.W.", directed by Jefery Levy.
1996: Starred in Freeway and Fear
In 1996, Reese Witherspoon starred in the films "Freeway" and "Fear".
1998: Major Roles in Overnight Delivery, Pleasantville and Twilight
In 1998, Reese Witherspoon had major roles in three films: "Overnight Delivery", "Pleasantville", and "Twilight". In "Pleasantville", she starred with Tobey Maguire as Jennifer, a teenager transported into a 1950s television series.
1999: Co-starred in Best Laid Plans, Cruel Intentions, and Election
In 1999, Reese Witherspoon co-starred in the drama thriller "Best Laid Plans", played Lissa, co-starred in "Cruel Intentions", and starred in "Election" as Tracy Flick.
1999: Breakthrough Role in Cruel Intentions and Election
In 1999, Reese Witherspoon had her breakthrough with a supporting role in "Cruel Intentions" and her portrayal of Tracy Flick in the film "Election".
1999: Election Film Release
In 1999, the film "Election", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2000: Supporting Role in American Psycho and Guest Appearance in Friends
In 2000, Reese Witherspoon had a supporting role in "American Psycho" and made a guest appearance in the sixth season of "Friends" as Rachel Green's sister Jill.
September 29, 2001: Saturday Night Live Host
On September 29, 2001, Reese Witherspoon hosted Saturday Night Live, the first episode to air after the September 11 attacks.
2001: Gained Recognition in Legally Blonde
In 2001, Reese Witherspoon gained wider recognition for playing Elle Woods in the comedy "Legally Blonde".
2001: Starred in Legally Blonde
In 2001, Reese Witherspoon starred as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde", marking a turning point in her career.
2001: Legally Blonde Film Release
In 2001, the film "Legally Blonde", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2002: Featured in The Simpsons and The Importance of Being Earnest
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon featured in "The Simpsons" episode "The Bart Wants What It Wants" and as Cecily in "The Importance of Being Earnest", a film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play. She also starred in "Sweet Home Alabama".
2002: Starred in Sweet Home Alabama
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Sweet Home Alabama".
2002: Highest Paid Actress
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon was paid $15 million for the role in legally blonde sequel, making her one of Hollywood's consistently highest-paid actresses.
2003: Starred in Legally Blonde 2 Sequel
In 2003, Reese Witherspoon starred in "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde", the sequel to the original film.
2004: Starred in Vanity Fair
In 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in "Vanity Fair", a film adaptation of the 19th-century novel. She played Becky Sharp, a determined woman seeking fortune. Witherspoon's pregnancy was accommodated during filming, enhancing her portrayal of the character. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Witherspoon's performance and others finding her miscast.
2004: Starred in romantic comedy Just Like Heaven
In late 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Just Like Heaven" alongside Mark Ruffalo. She portrayed Elizabeth Masterson, a doctor who becomes a spirit after a car accident and finds love.
2005: Starred in Walk the Line
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon starred as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line" alongside Joaquin Phoenix. Witherspoon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.
2005: Cast as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon was cast as June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash's wife, in the movie "Walk the Line". She learned to sing for the role and performed her own vocals. Her performance was critically acclaimed, and she won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.
2005: Won Academy Award for Walk the Line
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the musical biopic "Walk the Line".
2005: Walk the Line Film Release and Awards
In 2005, the film "Walk the Line", starring Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, was released and became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films. She won the Golden Globe, SAG Award, BAFTA, and Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
March 2006: Began filming Penelope
In March 2006, filming began for the movie "Penelope", produced by Reese Witherspoon's company, Type A Films. Witherspoon played Annie, the best friend of the main character.
2006: CDF Project in New Orleans
In 2006, Reese Witherspoon participated in a Children's Defense Fund (CDF) project in New Orleans to publicize the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims and helped open the city's first Freedom School.
October 2007: Appeared in Rendition
In October 2007, Reese Witherspoon appeared in the thriller "Rendition", playing Isabella El-Ibrahim. The film received mixed reviews, and Witherspoon's performance was criticized.
2007: Global Ambassador for Avon Products
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon became the first Global Ambassador for Avon Products and honorary chair of the Avon Foundation.
2007: Best-Dressed Female Star
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was selected by People and Access Hollywood as one of the year's best-dressed female stars. She also established herself as the highest-paid actress in the American film industry, earning $15 to $20 million per film.
February 2008: Penelope released after premiere at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival
In February 2008, "Penelope" was released, after its premiere at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival. The film was produced by Reese Witherspoon's company, Type A Films, in which she played the role of Annie.
2008: Starred in Four Christmases
In 2008, Reese Witherspoon starred in the comedy "Four Christmases" with Vince Vaughn. Despite negative reviews, the film was a box office success.
2009: Filming How Do You Know
During the summer and fall of 2009, Reese Witherspoon filmed "How Do You Know" in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
2009: Voiced Susan Murphy in Monsters vs. Aliens
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon voiced Susan Murphy in the animated movie "Monsters vs. Aliens", which was released in March and grossed $381 million worldwide. She also co-produced the spin-off "Legally Blondes".
2009: Monsters vs. Aliens Film Release
In 2009, the film "Monsters vs. Aliens", featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released and became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
March 2010: Began circus training for Water for Elephants
In March 2010, Reese Witherspoon began circus training for her role as Marlena in "Water for Elephants", where she played a performer in a love triangle.
August 2010: Principal photography began between May and early August 2010
Principal photography for "Water for Elephants", starring Reese Witherspoon, began between May and early August 2010 in various locations in Tennessee, Georgia, and California.
September 2010: Began production of This Means War
In September 2010, Reese Witherspoon began production in Vancouver on "This Means War", where she played a character at the center of a love triangle.
December 2010: How Do You Know received mainly unfavorable reviews
In December 2010, the film "How Do You Know", starring Reese Witherspoon, received mainly unfavorable reviews, with an approval rating of 35% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 111 reviews.
December 17, 2010: How Do You Know released
On December 17, 2010, the movie "How Do You Know", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. Despite a large budget, it was commercially and critically unsuccessful.
2010: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2010, Reese Witherspoon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2010: Highest Paid Actress
In 2010, Reese Witherspoon remained one of Hollywood's consistently highest-paid actresses.
April 22, 2011: Water for Elephants released
On April 22, 2011, "Water for Elephants", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and received mixed critical reviews.
September 2011: Filmed small role in Mud
In September 2011, Reese Witherspoon filmed a small role in Jeff Nichols's "Mud" in Arkansas, playing Juniper, the former girlfriend of a fugitive.
2011: Returned with three romances released in 2010, 2011 and 2012
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon returned with three romances released in 2010, 2011 and 2012, all starring her as a woman caught in a love triangle between two men.
2011: Starred in Water for Elephants
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon's sole box-office success during a career downturn was the romantic drama "Water for Elephants".
February 17, 2012: This Means War fully opened
On February 17, 2012, "This Means War", starring Reese Witherspoon, fully opened in theaters. The film was panned by critics and performed poorly at the box office.
March 2012: Pacific Standard Formation
In March 2012, Reese Witherspoon merged Type A Films with Bruna Papandrea's Make Movies to form a new production company called Pacific Standard.
May 2012: Mud premiered at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2012, the movie "Mud", featuring Reese Witherspoon, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, but did not win the Palme d'Or.
July 2012: Filming of Devil's Knot
In July 2012, Reese Witherspoon filmed "Devil's Knot" in Georgia, playing Pam Hobbs. She was pregnant with her third child during filming.
2012: Founded production company Pacific Standard
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon founded the production company Pacific Standard, aiming to produce projects with strong female lead characters.
2012: Returned with three romances released in 2010, 2011 and 2012
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon returned with three romances released in 2010, 2011 and 2012, all starring her as a woman caught in a love triangle between two men.
January 19, 2013: Mud debuted at the Sundance Film Festival
On January 19, 2013, "Mud", featuring Reese Witherspoon, made its American debut at the Sundance Film Festival.
April 26, 2013: Mud had a limited release in North American theaters
On April 26, 2013, "Mud", featuring Reese Witherspoon, had a limited release in selected North American theaters.
2013: Somethin' Stupid
In 2013, Reese Witherspoon recorded a cover of "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé for his album, To Be Loved.
2013: Mud Film Release
In 2013, the film "Mud", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2013: Devil's Knot premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival
In 2013, the movie "Devil's Knot", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
May 9, 2014: Devil's Knot released in selected American theaters
On May 9, 2014, the movie "Devil's Knot", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released in selected American theaters. The film received mainly negative reviews.
May 2014: Began production on Hot Pursuit
In May 2014, Reese Witherspoon began production in Louisiana on "Hot Pursuit", a comedy where she plays a police officer protecting a drug lord's widow.
October 3, 2014: The Good Lie released
On October 3, 2014, "The Good Lie", featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released. The film tells the true story about an employment counselor helping Sudanese refugees.
December 2014: Wild released to critical acclaim
In December 2014, "Wild", produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, was released to critical acclaim. She portrayed Cheryl Strayed on her 1,000-mile hike. Witherspoon earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
2014: Starred in and Produced Wild
In 2014, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred as Cheryl Strayed in the drama "Wild", which earned her a second Academy Award nomination.
2014: Produced Gone Girl
In 2014, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation "Gone Girl".
2014: Wild Film Release
In 2014, the film "Wild", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
May 8, 2015: Hot Pursuit released
On May 8, 2015, "Hot Pursuit", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. In the movie, she plays a police officer trying to protect a drug lord's widow.
May 2015: Draper James launch
In May 2015, Reese Witherspoon launched Draper James, a retail brand focusing on fashion and home décor.
2016: Witherspoon gained full control of Pacific Standard
In 2016, Reese Witherspoon gained full control of Pacific Standard after parting ways with Bruna Papandrea. Pacific Standard became a subsidiary of Hello Sunshine.
2016: Voice role in animated musical comedy film Sing
In 2016, Reese Witherspoon voiced a character in the animated musical comedy film Sing and also contributed to the film's soundtrack. Sing became her biggest commercial success, grossing over $200 million domestically and $600 million worldwide. Also in 2016, Witherspoon began filming "Big Little Lies", her first television project since 1993.
2016: Sing Film Release
In 2016, the film "Sing", featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released and became one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
February 19, 2017: Big Little Lies premiere
On February 19, 2017, the miniseries "Big Little Lies," co-produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on HBO.
March 2017: Chief Storyteller for Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
In March 2017, Reese Witherspoon became the chief storyteller for Elizabeth Arden, Inc., helping to shape the brand's narrative.
September 8, 2017: Home Again release
On September 8, 2017, the romantic comedy "Home Again," starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.
December 2017: Big Little Lies renewed for a second season
In December 2017, HBO renewed "Big Little Lies" for a second season.
2017: Highest-Paid Primetime Emmy Nominee
In 2017, Forbes reported Reese Witherspoon's career earnings were in excess of $198 million, making her the highest-paid primetime Emmy nominee.
2017: Produced and Starred in Big Little Lies
In 2017, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the HBO drama series "Big Little Lies".
March 2018: A Wrinkle in Time release
In March 2018, Reese Witherspoon starred in Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time", a film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's novel of the same name, playing Mrs. Whatsit.
September 2018: Whiskey in a Teacup Publication
In September 2018, Reese Witherspoon published her first book, "Whiskey in a Teacup", a lifestyle publication inspired by her southern upbringing. She also joined the Time's Up initiative.
September 2018: Where the Crawdads Sing
In September 2018, Reese's Book Club's most influential pick was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
June 2019: Big Little Lies Season 2 Premiere
In June 2019, the second season of Big Little Lies premiered.
November 2019: The Morning Show Premieres
In November 2019, The Morning Show premiered on Apple TV+ starring and produced by Reese Witherspoon.
December 2019: Truth Be Told Premieres
In December 2019, Truth Be Told premiered on Apple TV+, with Reese Witherspoon serving as executive producer.
2019: Produced and Starred in The Morning Show
In 2019, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Apple TV+ drama series "The Morning Show".
March 2020: Truth Be Told renewed for a second season
In March 2020, the Apple TV+ series "Truth Be Told", for which Reese Witherspoon serves as an executive producer, was renewed for a second season.
October 19, 2020: The Morning Show restarts production
On October 19, 2020, production on season two of The Morning Show restarted after a shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Produced and Starred in Little Fires Everywhere
In 2020, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Hulu miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere".
2020: Little Fires Everywhere and Fierce Queens
In 2020, Reese Witherspoon starred in and produced the Hulu drama miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere" and narrated the Quibi nature documentary series "Fierce Queens."
2020: Draper James Loves Teachers initiative
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reese Witherspoon announced the "Draper James Loves Teachers" initiative, offering free dresses from her clothing collection to teachers.
September 2021: The Morning Show Season Two Premieres
In September 2021, season two of The Morning Show, starring and produced by Reese Witherspoon, premiered on Apple TV+.
2021: Named World's Highest Earning Actress
In 2021, Forbes recognized Reese Witherspoon as the world's highest-earning actress and also listed her among the world's 100 most powerful women.
2022: Produced Where the Crawdads Sing
In 2022, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation "Where the Crawdads Sing".
2022: Where the Crawdads Sing Film Adaptation
In 2022, Where the Crawdads Sing was adapted into a feature film by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine, becoming a box office hit.
2023: My Kind of Country and Your Place or Mine
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon executive produced "My Kind of Country" with Kacey Musgraves and starred in "Your Place or Mine" opposite Ashton Kutcher.
2023: Produced Daisy Jones & the Six
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon produced the miniseries adaptation "Daisy Jones & the Six".
2025: You're Cordially Invited
In 2025, Reese Witherspoon is set to star in and produce the romantic comedy "You're Cordially Invited" for Amazon Prime Video.
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