History of Reese Witherspoon in Timeline
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 consistently been recognized as one of the world's most influential people by Time magazine, and a powerful woman by Forbes. In 2021, Witherspoon was named the world's highest-earning actress. By 2023, she was among the richest celebrities in America with an estimated net worth of $440 million, highlighting her success both on and off screen.
March 22, 1976: Reese Witherspoon Born
On March 22, 1976, Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1991: Cast in The Man in the Moon
In 1991, Reese Witherspoon attended an open casting call for "The Man in the Moon" and was cast in the lead role of Dani Trant.
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 filmed Return to Lonesome Dove, her first television project.
1993: Roles in Return to Lonesome Dove, A Far Off Place, and Jack the Bear
In 1993, Reese Witherspoon played Nonnie Parker in "Return to Lonesome Dove", appeared in "A Far Off Place", and had a minor role in "Jack the Bear", winning a Young Artist Award for the latter.
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", marking significant roles early in her career.
1996: Parents Separated
In 1996, Reese Witherspoon's parents separated, although they remained legally married.
March 1997: Meeting Ryan Phillippe
In March 1997, Reese Witherspoon met actor Ryan Phillippe at her 21st birthday party.
December 1998: Engagement to Ryan Phillippe
In December 1998, Reese Witherspoon became engaged to actor Ryan Phillippe.
1998: Major Roles in Overnight Delivery, Pleasantville and Twilight
In 1998, Reese Witherspoon had major roles in the films "Overnight Delivery", "Pleasantville", and "Twilight". In "Pleasantville", she played Jennifer, earning praise and a Young Hollywood Award.
June 5, 1999: Marriage to Ryan Phillippe
On June 5, 1999, Reese Witherspoon married Ryan Phillippe at Old Wide Awake Plantation in Hollywood, South Carolina.
September 9, 1999: Birth of daughter Ava Elizabeth Phillippe
On September 9, 1999, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's daughter, Ava Elizabeth Phillippe, was born.
1999: Starred in Best Laid Plans, Cruel Intentions, and Election
In 1999, Reese Witherspoon co-starred in "Best Laid Plans" and "Cruel Intentions", and she also starred in "Election", earning critical acclaim and Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award nominations for her role in "Election".
1999: Breakthrough with "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 movie "Election".
1999: Election film release
In 1999, the film "Election", one of Witherspoon's most acclaimed films, was released.
2000: Roles in American Psycho, Little Nicky, and Friends
In 2000, Reese Witherspoon had a supporting role in "American Psycho", a cameo in "Little Nicky", and a guest appearance in the sixth season of "Friends".
September 29, 2001: Hosted Saturday Night Live
On September 29, 2001, Witherspoon hosted Saturday Night Live, the first episode to air after the September 11 attacks.
2001: Gained Wider 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 in "Legally Blonde", which marked a turning point in her career, and earned her praise and a Golden Globe nomination.
2001: Legally Blonde film release
In 2001, the film "Legally Blonde", one of Witherspoon's most acclaimed films, was released.
2002: Featured in The Simpsons and The Importance of Being Earnest
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon featured as Greta Wolfcastle in "The Simpsons", starred in "The Importance of Being Earnest", and played Melanie Carmichael in "Sweet Home Alabama".
2002: Starred in "Sweet Home Alabama"
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Sweet Home Alabama", further solidifying her status as a leading actress.
2002: Starred in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon was paid $15 million, a starting point which would make her consistently one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses. She followed up the success of Legally Blonde by starring in the sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.
October 23, 2003: Birth of son Deacon Reese Phillippe
On October 23, 2003, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's son, Deacon Reese Phillippe, was born.
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 of the 19th-century classic novel. Witherspoon played Becky Sharp, a determined woman seeking fortune and a place in society. Her pregnancy during filming was concealed with costumes. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Witherspoon's portrayal while others felt she was miscast.
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 in a coma whose spirit finds love after returning to her apartment.
2005: Starred in Walk the Line and won multiple awards
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon portrayed June Carter Cash in Walk the Line. She performed her own vocals, requiring six months of training. Her performance was acclaimed, earning her Best Actress awards at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, British Academy Film Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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: Ranked in Teen People's List
In 2005, Witherspoon was ranked No. 5 in Teen People magazine's list of most powerful young Hollywood actors.
2005: Walk the Line film release
In 2005, the film "Walk the Line", one of Witherspoon's most acclaimed films, was released. She won multiple awards for her performance as June Carter in this movie.
2005: Release of Walk the Line
Reese Witherspoon starred in Walk the Line in 2005, receiving critical acclaim and several awards for her performance as June Carter Cash.
March 2006: Began filming Penelope
In March 2006, Reese Witherspoon began filming Penelope, a film produced by her company, Type A Films, where she played Annie, the best friend of the lead character, Penelope.
October 2006: Split from first husband
In October 2006, Reese Witherspoon split from her first husband, which she later stated led to a period of career floundering as she focused on feeling better.
October 30, 2006: Announcement of separation from Ryan Phillippe
On October 30, 2006, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe announced their separation.
November 8, 2006: Filing for divorce
On November 8, 2006, Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce from Ryan Phillippe, citing irreconcilable differences.
2006: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2006, Time magazine named Reese Witherspoon as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing her impact and prominence.
2006: CDF Project in New Orleans
In 2006, 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.
2006: Time 100 and Sexiest Women
In 2006, Witherspoon was listed among the Time 100 and selected as one of the "100 Sexiest Women In The World" by FHM readers.
March 2007: Dating Jake Gyllenhaal
In March 2007, Reese Witherspoon began dating her Rendition co-star Jake Gyllenhaal.
May 15, 2007: Phillippe files for joint physical custody
On May 15, 2007, Ryan Phillippe filed for joint physical custody of their children, and did not seek spousal support.
October 5, 2007: Official end of marriage
On October 5, 2007, Reese Witherspoon's marriage to Ryan Phillippe officially ended.
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: Named Global Ambassador of Avon Products
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was named Global Ambassador of Avon Products and served as honorary chair of the charitable Avon Foundation dedicated to women's causes.
2007: Forbes Celebrity 100
In 2007, Witherspoon appeared on the Forbes magazine Celebrity 100 list at No. 80.
2007: Best-Dressed and Highest-Paid Actress
In 2007, Witherspoon was selected as one of the year's best-dressed female stars and established herself as the highest-paid actress in the American film industry.
February 2008: Penelope was released
Though filming began in March 2006, the film Penelope, starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival but was not released until February 2008.
June 13, 2008: Final divorce arrangements settled
On June 13, 2008, the final divorce arrangements between Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were settled, with the couple sharing joint custody of their children.
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: Filming of 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: Split with Jake Gyllenhaal
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal split because the relationship didn't leave her enough time to care for her children.
2009: Voiced Susan Murphy in Monsters vs. Aliens
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon voiced Susan Murphy in the animated film Monsters vs. Aliens, released in March. She also co-produced Legally Blondes.
2009: Monsters vs. Aliens film release
In 2009, the film "Monsters vs. Aliens", one of Witherspoon's most acclaimed films, was released.
February 2010: Dating Jim Toth
In February 2010, Reese Witherspoon was reported to be dating Jim Toth, a talent agent.
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: Principal photography of Water for Elephants concluded
Between May and early August 2010, Reese Witherspoon was involved in principal photography for Water for Elephants 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.
December 2010: Negative reviews for How Do You Know
As of December 2010, How Do You Know, starring Reese Witherspoon, received mainly unfavorable reviews, with a 35% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
December 17, 2010: Release of How Do You Know
How Do You Know, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released on December 17, 2010. The film was critically and commercially unsuccessful.
2010: Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actresses
From 2002 to 2010, Reese Witherspoon became consistently one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses.
2010: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2010, Reese Witherspoon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
March 26, 2011: Marriage to Jim Toth
On March 26, 2011, Reese Witherspoon married Jim Toth in Ojai, California.
April 2011: People's Most Beautiful Issue
In April 2011, Witherspoon ranked No. 3 on the 22nd annual People's Most Beautiful issue.
April 22, 2011: Release of Water for Elephants
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 coming-of-age drama Mud in Arkansas.
2011: Starred in "Water for Elephants"
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic drama "Water for Elephants", a box-office success during a career downturn.
February 17, 2012: Release of This Means War
On February 17, 2012, This Means War, starring Reese Witherspoon, was fully released after a sneak-peek on Valentine's Day. The film was panned by critics.
March 2012: Merger to Form Pacific Standard
In March 2012, Witherspoon merged Type A Films with Bruna Papandrea's Make Movies to form Pacific Standard.
May 2012: Mud premiered at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2012, Mud, featuring Reese Witherspoon in a supporting role, 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.
September 27, 2012: Birth of son Tennessee James Toth
On September 27, 2012, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth's son, Tennessee James Toth, was born.
2012: Father Retired from Otolaryngology Practice
In 2012, John Draper Witherspoon, Reese Witherspoon's father, retired from his private practice as an otolaryngologist.
2012: Founded Pacific Standard
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon founded production company Pacific Standard (now part of Hello Sunshine) to produce projects with "strong" female lead characters.
2012: Overpaid Actors in Hollywood
In 2012, Witherspoon was noted as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood.
January 19, 2013: Mud debuted at Sundance Film Festival
On January 19, 2013, Mud, which includes Reese Witherspoon, made its American debut at the Sundance Film Festival.
April 19, 2013: Arrested for disorderly conduct
On April 19, 2013, Reese Witherspoon was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after Jim Toth was stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence.
April 26, 2013: Limited release of Mud
On April 26, 2013, Mud, featuring Reese Witherspoon, had a limited release in selected North American theaters.
June 2013: Lawsuit Against Marketing Advantages
In June 2013, Witherspoon filed a lawsuit against Marketing Advantages International Inc. for using her name and image in jewelry advertising without permission.
2013: Devil's Knot premiered at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2013, Devil's Knot, starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2013: Recorded "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé
In 2013, Witherspoon recorded a cover of "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé for his album To Be Loved.
2013: Overpaid Actors in Hollywood
In 2013, Witherspoon was noted as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood.
2013: Mud film release
In 2013, the film "Mud", one of Witherspoon's most acclaimed films, was released.
May 9, 2014: Release of Devil's Knot
On May 9, 2014, 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 in which she plays a police officer.
October 3, 2014: Release of The Good Lie
The Good Lie, in which Reese Witherspoon appeared, was released on October 3, 2014. The film tells a true story about an employment counselor assigned to help four young Sudanese refugees.
December 2014: Reflected on career struggles
In a December 2014 interview, Reese Witherspoon reflected on career struggles following her split from her first husband in 2006, stating that she spent a few years just trying to feel better and wasn't making things she was passionate about.
December 2014: Release of Wild
Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, was released in December 2014 to critical acclaim. It earned Witherspoon a second Academy Award nomination.
2014: Comeback with "Wild"
In 2014, Reese Witherspoon made a comeback by producing and starring in the drama "Wild", earning a second Academy Award nomination.
2014: Produced "Gone Girl"
In 2014, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation of "Gone Girl".
2014: Wild film release
In 2014, the film "Wild", one of Witherspoon's most acclaimed films, was released.
May 8, 2015: Release of Hot Pursuit
On May 8, 2015, Hot Pursuit, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released.
May 2015: Draper James Launch
In May 2015, Witherspoon launched Draper James, a retail brand focusing on fashion and home décor.
December 2015: Trademark Claims Rejected
In December 2015, Witherspoon's trademark claims to her name were rejected, but she could proceed with her right of publicity claims.
2015: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People Again
In 2015, Reese Witherspoon was once again recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
2015: Time 100 and American Cinematheque Award
In 2015, Witherspoon made her second appearance on the Time 100 list and was awarded the American Cinematheque.
2016: Voice role in Sing and filming Big Little Lies
In 2016, Reese Witherspoon voiced a character in Sing and began filming Big Little Lies. Sing became Witherspoon's biggest commercial success.
2016: Full Control of Pacific Standard
In 2016, Witherspoon and Papandrea parted ways, and Witherspoon gained full control of Pacific Standard, which then became a subsidiary of Hello Sunshine.
2016: Sing film release
In 2016, the film "Sing", one of Witherspoon's most acclaimed films, was released.
February 19, 2017: Big Little Lies Premiere
On February 19, 2017, the miniseries adaptation of Liane Moriarty's bestseller, Big Little Lies, which Witherspoon co-produced and starred in, premiered on HBO.
March 2017: Chief Storyteller for Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
In March 2017, 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 Witherspoon and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, was released.
October 2017: Sexual Assault Revelation
In October 2017, Witherspoon revealed that she had been sexually assaulted at age 16 and had had "multiple experiences of harassment and sexual assault" throughout her career.
December 2017: Big Little Lies Renewed
In December 2017, HBO renewed Big Little Lies for a second season.
2017: Highest-Paid Emmy Nominee
In 2017, Forbes reported that 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", beginning her focus on female-led literary adaptations.
2017: Release of Little Fires Everywhere Book
In 2017, the book Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng was released.
March 2018: A Wrinkle in Time Release
In March 2018, Witherspoon starred in Disney's A Wrinkle in Time, a film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's novel.
September 2018: Where the Crawdads Sing Chosen for Reese's Book Club
In September 2018, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens was chosen for Reese's Book Club.
September 2018: Published Whiskey in a Teacup
In September 2018, Witherspoon published her first book, Whiskey in a Teacup, a lifestyle publication inspired by her southern upbringing.
June 2019: Big Little Lies Season 2 Premiere
In June 2019, the second season of Big Little Lies, starring and co-produced by Witherspoon, premiered.
November 2019: The Morning Show Premiere
In November 2019, The Morning Show, starring and produced by Witherspoon, premiered on Apple TV+.
December 2019: Truth Be Told Premiere
In December 2019, the Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told, for which Witherspoon served as an executive producer, premiered.
2019: Listed Among Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2019, Forbes listed Reese Witherspoon among the world's 100 most powerful women, acknowledging her influence and success.
2019: World's 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2019, Forbes listed Witherspoon among the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
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
In March 2020, the Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told, for which Witherspoon served as an executive producer, was renewed for a second season.
October 19, 2020: Production Restart of The Morning Show Season Two
On October 19, 2020, production on season two of The Morning Show, starring Witherspoon, restarted after a COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
2020: Little Fires Everywhere and Fierce Queens
In 2020, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in Little Fires Everywhere and 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".
2020: "Draper James Loves Teachers" Initiative
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Witherspoon announced the "Draper James Loves Teachers" initiative, offering free dresses from the clothing collection to teachers.
September 2021: The Morning Show Season Two Premiere
In September 2021, season two of The Morning Show, starring and produced by Witherspoon, premiered on Apple TV+.
2021: Named World's Highest Earning Actress and Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2021, Reese Witherspoon was named the world's highest-earning actress by Forbes and was also listed among Forbes' 100 most powerful women.
2022: Where the Crawdads Sing Film Adaptation
In 2022, Hello Sunshine, Witherspoon's production company, adapted Where the Crawdads Sing into a feature film.
2022: Produced "Where the Crawdads Sing"
In 2022, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing".
March 2023: Announcement of Divorce from Jim Toth
In March 2023, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage, releasing a joint statement on Witherspoon's Instagram account.
April 2023: Filing for divorce from Jim Toth
In April 2023, Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce from Jim Toth, citing "irreconcilable differences" and asking for joint custody of Tennessee.
August 3, 2023: Divorce from Jim Toth Finalized
On August 3, 2023, Reese Witherspoon's divorce from Jim Toth was finalized, and following the divorce, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
2023: Produced "Daisy Jones & the Six"
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon produced the miniseries adaptation of "Daisy Jones & the Six".
2023: Named One of Richest Celebrities in America
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon was named one of the richest celebrities in America, with an estimated net worth of $440 million.
2023: My Kind of Country and Your Place or Mine
In 2023, Witherspoon executive produced My Kind of Country and starred in Your Place or Mine, released on Netflix.
2025: You're Cordially Invited
In 2025, Witherspoon is set to star in and produce the romantic comedy You're Cordially Invited for Amazon Prime Video.
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