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 an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. She has been repeatedly named as one of the most influential people globally by Time magazine and one of the world's most powerful women by Forbes. Notably, she was the world's highest-earning actress in 2021 and is among the richest women in America with a net worth estimated at $440 million.
1991: Screen Debut in 'The Man in the Moon'
In 1991, Reese Witherspoon made her screen debut in the film "The Man in the Moon", marking the beginning of her acting career.
1991: Cast in Lead Role in 'The Man in the Moon'
In 1991, Reese Witherspoon, originally intending to audition for a bit part, was cast in 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 acted 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", continuing to build her early career.
1998: Major Roles in 'Overnight Delivery', 'Pleasantville' and 'Twilight'
In 1998, Reese Witherspoon had major roles in three films: "Overnight Delivery", "Pleasantville", and "Twilight".
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, in "Cruel Intentions", and appeared in "Election" opposite Matthew Broderick.
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 black comedy "Election."
1999: Release of Election
In 1999, the film Election, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released to critical acclaim.
2000: Supporting Role in 'American Psycho' and Guest Appearance in 'Friends'
In 2000, Reese Witherspoon had a supporting role in "American Psycho" as Patrick Bateman's trophy girlfriend and made a guest appearance in the sixth season of "Friends" as Rachel Green's sister Jill.
September 29, 2001: Hosting Saturday Night Live After 9/11
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", which marked a turning point in her career.
2002: Starred in 'Sweet Home Alabama'
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Sweet Home Alabama", further solidifying her presence in the film industry.
2002: Starred in 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde'
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the sequel, "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde", where she reprised her role as Elle Woods.
2002: Featured in 'The Simpsons' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest', Starred in 'Sweet Home Alabama'
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon voiced Greta Wolfcastle in "The Simpsons", played Cecily in "The Importance of Being Earnest", and starred as Melanie Carmichael in "Sweet Home Alabama".
2003: Starred in 'Legally Blonde' Sequel
In 2003, Reese Witherspoon starred in the sequel to "Legally Blonde", continuing her role as Elle Woods.
2004: Starred in Vanity Fair
In 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in "Vanity Fair", a film adaptation directed by Mira Nair. She portrayed Becky Sharp, a determined woman seeking fortune and social status. Witherspoon's pregnancy was concealed during filming, and she believed it enhanced her portrayal of the character. The film and her performance garnered mixed reviews.
2004: Starred in Just Like Heaven
In late 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Just Like Heaven" alongside Mark Ruffalo. She played Elizabeth Masterson, a doctor who ends up in a coma after a car accident and whose spirit finds love.
2005: Starred in Walk the Line
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon starred as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line". She performed her own vocals and won several awards for her acclaimed portrayal. She did not get a chance to meet June Carter Cash as she was filming Vanity Fair when the singer died.
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".
March 2006: Began filming Penelope
In March 2006, Reese Witherspoon began filming "Penelope", a film produced by her company Type A Films. In the movie, she played Annie, the best friend of the main character, Penelope.
2006: Support for Hurricane Katrina Victims
In 2006, Reese Witherspoon joined a group of actresses in New Orleans as part of a Children's Defense Fund project 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. It was her first film appearance since 2005's Walk the Line.
2007: Global Ambassador for Avon Products
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon became the first Global Ambassador for cosmetics firm Avon Products, acting as a spokeswoman and honorary chair of the Avon Foundation.
2007: Best-Dressed Female Star and Highest-Paid Actress
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was selected as one of the year's best-dressed female stars by People and Access Hollywood. She also became the highest-paid actress in the American film industry, earning $15 to $20 million per film.
February 2008: Penelope released after premiere
After premiering at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, the movie "Penelope", produced by Reese Witherspoon's company, remained unreleased until February 2008.
2008: Starred in Four Christmases
In 2008, Reese Witherspoon starred with Vince Vaughn in the comedy "Four Christmases". Despite negative reviews, the film was a box office success.
2009: Filmed How Do You Know
During the summer and fall of 2009, Reese Witherspoon filmed "How Do You Know" in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. She played a former national softball player.
2009: Release of Monsters vs. Aliens
In 2009, Monsters vs. Aliens, featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released as a high-grossing film.
2009: Voiced Susan Murphy in Monsters vs. Aliens
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon voiced Susan Murphy in the animated film "Monsters vs. Aliens". She also co-produced the "Legally Blonde" spin-off "Legally Blondes".
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".
August 2010: Began Principal Photography for Water for Elephants
Between May and early August 2010, principal photography began for Reese Witherspoon's movie Water for Elephants. It was filmed in various locations in Tennessee, Georgia and California.
September 2010: Began Production on This Means War
In September 2010, Reese Witherspoon began production in Vancouver on "This Means War".
December 2010: Reviews for How Do You Know
By December 2010, the film How Do You Know, starring Reese Witherspoon, had received mainly unfavorable reviews. It received a 35% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
December 17, 2010: How Do You Know released
On December 17, 2010, "How Do You Know", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. The film was critically and commercially unsuccessful.
2010: One of Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actresses
Between 2002 and 2010, Reese Witherspoon was consistently one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses.
2010: Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2010, Reese Witherspoon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.
April 22, 2011: Water for Elephants released
On April 22, 2011, the movie "Water for Elephants", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and received mixed critical reviews.
September 2011: Filmed role in Mud
In September 2011, Reese Witherspoon filmed a small role in Jeff Nichols's drama "Mud" in Arkansas. She played Juniper, the former girlfriend of a fugitive.
2011: Acted in romances
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon acted in three romances with women caught in love triangles between two men.
2011: Starred in 'Water for Elephants'
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic drama "Water for Elephants", which was her sole box-office success during a career downturn.
February 17, 2012: This Means War released
On February 17, 2012, the movie "This Means War", starring Reese Witherspoon, fully opened in theaters after a "sneak-peek" release on Valentine's Day. The film was panned by critics.
March 2012: Merger to Form Pacific Standard
In March 2012, Type A Films, owned by Reese Witherspoon, merged with Bruna Papandrea's Make Movies banner to create a new production company called Pacific Standard.
May 2012: Mud Premiered at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2012, "Mud", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered in competition for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, but did not win.
July 2012: Filming Devil's Knot
In June and July 2012, Reese Witherspoon filmed Devil's Knot in Georgia. She was pregnant with her third child during filming.
2012: Acted in romances
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon acted in three romances with women caught in love triangles between two men.
2012: Founded Production Company Pacific Standard
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon founded the production company Pacific Standard, later part of Hello Sunshine, to produce projects with strong female lead characters.
January 19, 2013: Mud Debuted at Sundance Film Festival
On January 19, 2013, Reese Witherspoon's film, Mud, made its American debut at the Sundance Film Festival.
April 26, 2013: Mud Released in Theaters
On April 26, 2013, Reese Witherspoon's film Mud had a limited release in selected North American theaters.
2013: Recording of "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé
In 2013, Reese Witherspoon recorded a cover of "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé for his album "To Be Loved".
2013: Release of Mud
In 2013, the film Mud, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and well-received.
2013: Devil's Knot premiered at 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 theaters
On May 9, 2014, Reese Witherspoon's movie, Devil's Knot, was released in selected American theaters.
May 2014: Started production on Hot Pursuit
In May 2014, Reese Witherspoon began production in Louisiana on Hot Pursuit. She played a police officer trying to protect a drug lord's widow.
October 3, 2014: The Good Lie released
On October 3, 2014, Reese Witherspoon's movie The Good Lie was released.
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 in the biographical adventure.
December 2014: Interview reflecting on career
In a December 2014 interview, Reese Witherspoon reflected on her career, stating that after her split from her first husband in 2006, she spent a few years trying to feel better and wasn't making things she was passionate about.
2014: Produced and Starred in 'Wild'
In 2014, Reese Witherspoon made a comeback by producing and starring 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 of "Gone Girl", showcasing her work behind the scenes.
2014: Release of Wild
In 2014, the film Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.
May 8, 2015: Hot Pursuit released
On May 8, 2015, the movie Hot Pursuit, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.
May 2015: Launch of Draper James
In May 2015, Reese Witherspoon launched Draper James, a retail brand focusing on fashion and home décor inspired by the American South, named after her grandparents.
2016: Witherspoon Gains Control of Pacific Standard
In 2016, Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea parted ways, and Witherspoon gained full control of Pacific Standard, which became a subsidiary of Hello Sunshine.
2016: Voice role in animated musical comedy film Sing
In 2016, Reese Witherspoon voiced a role in the animated musical comedy film "Sing", which became her biggest commercial success, making over $200 million domestically and $600 million worldwide. That same year she began filming the miniseries "Big Little Lies".
2016: Release of Sing
In 2016, the animated film Sing, featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released.
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
In March 2017, Reese Witherspoon became the chief storyteller for Elizabeth Arden, Inc., to help shape the brand's narrative.
September 8, 2017: Release of "Home Again"
On September 8, 2017, the romantic comedy "Home Again," starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It marked the directorial debut of Hallie Meyers-Shyer.
December 2017: "Big Little Lies" Renewed for Second Season
In December 2017, HBO renewed "Big Little Lies," the miniseries co-produced and starring Reese Witherspoon, for a second season.
2017: Produced and Starred in 'Big Little Lies'
In 2017, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the HBO drama series "Big Little Lies", a female-led literary adaptation under her company Hello Sunshine.
March 2018: Release of "A Wrinkle in Time"
In March 2018, "A Wrinkle in Time", a film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's novel starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.
September 2018: Publication of "Whiskey in a Teacup"
In September 2018, Reese Witherspoon published her first book, "Whiskey in a Teacup", a lifestyle publication inspired by her southern upbringing.
September 2018: Reese's Book Club Picked Where the Crawdads Sing
In September 2018, Reese's Book Club picked "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens, which was later adapted into a film by Hello Sunshine in 2022.
June 2019: Premiere of "Big Little Lies" Season 2
In June 2019, the second season of "Big Little Lies", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on HBO.
November 2019: Premiere of "The Morning Show" Season 1
In November 2019, the first season of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon alongside Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell, premiered on Apple TV+.
December 2019: Premiere of "Truth Be Told" on Apple TV+
In December 2019, "Truth Be Told", an Apple TV+ series for which Reese Witherspoon serves as an executive producer, premiered.
2019: Produced and Starred in 'The Morning Show'
In 2019, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Apple TV+ drama series "The Morning Show", continuing her work in female-led literary adaptations.
March 2020: "Truth Be Told" Renewed for Season 2
In March 2020, "Truth Be Told", the Apple TV+ series for which Reese Witherspoon serves as an executive producer, was renewed for a second season.
October 19, 2020: Production Restart of "The Morning Show" Season 2
On October 19, 2020, production on season two of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon, restarted after a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Production and Starring role in "Little Fires Everywhere"
In 2020, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Hulu drama miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere", which is the televised adaptation of Celeste Ng's 2017 novel. In the same year, Witherspoon narrated the Quibi nature documentary series "Fierce Queens."
2020: Produced and Starred in 'Little Fires Everywhere'
In 2020, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Hulu miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere", adding to her portfolio of female-led literary adaptations.
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: Premiere of "The Morning Show" Season 2 on Apple TV
In September 2021, season two of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on Apple TV+ after production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022: Adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing" into a Feature Film
In 2022, "Where the Crawdads Sing" was adapted into a feature film by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine, based on the book that was a Reese's Book Club pick in September 2018.
2022: Produced 'Where the Crawdads Sing'
In 2022, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing", further establishing her role as a producer.
2023: Executive Producer of "My Kind of Country" and Starred in "Your Place or Mine"
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon executive produced "My Kind of Country" with Kacey Musgraves and starred in the romantic comedy "Your Place or Mine" released on Netflix.
2023: Produced 'Daisy Jones & the Six'
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon produced the miniseries adaptation of "Daisy Jones & the Six", continuing her focus on literary adaptations.
2025: Starring Role in "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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