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. Her success has translated into significant financial achievements; in 2021, Forbes declared her the world's highest-paid actress. By 2023, she was considered one of the wealthiest celebrities in the United States, with an estimated net worth of $440 million, underscoring her influence both on and off the screen.
March 22, 1976: Birth of Reese Witherspoon
On March 22, 1976, Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon was born at Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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.
1994: Leading Role in S.F.W.
In 1994, Reese Witherspoon had a leading role as Wendy Pfister in the film S.F.W.
1996: Starring roles in Freeway and Fear
In 1996, Reese Witherspoon starred in the films Freeway and Fear, gaining recognition for her performances.
1996: Starring in Fear and Freeway
In 1996, Reese Witherspoon starred in the thriller Fear and the black-comedy thriller Freeway, gaining recognition for her performances.
1996: Parents' Separation
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 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.
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, Ava Elizabeth Phillippe, the daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, was born.
1999: Roles in Best Laid Plans, Cruel Intentions, and Election
In 1999, Reese Witherspoon co-starred in Best Laid Plans and Cruel Intentions, and starred in Election, receiving acclaim and award nominations for her role in Election.
1999: Breakthrough Role in Cruel Intentions and Election
In 1999, Reese Witherspoon had her breakthrough role in Cruel Intentions and gained recognition for portraying Tracy Flick in the film Election.
1999: Election film release
In 1999, the film Election, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It is 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.
2001: Starring in Legally Blonde
In 2001, Reese Witherspoon gained wider recognition for playing Elle Woods in the comedy Legally Blonde.
2001: Legally Blonde film release
In 2001, the film Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It is one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2002: Role in The Simpsons and Starring in Sweet Home Alabama
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon featured in The Simpsons episode "The Bart Wants What It Wants" and starred in the romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama.
2002: Starring in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon followed up the success of Legally Blonde by starring in the sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.
2002: Starring in Sweet Home Alabama
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama, gaining wider recognition.
October 23, 2003: Birth of son Deacon Reese Phillippe
On October 23, 2003, Deacon Reese Phillippe, the son of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, was born.
2003: Starring in Legally Blonde sequel
In 2003, Reese Witherspoon starred in the sequel to Legally Blonde.
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. Her pregnancy was concealed during filming and she felt it helped her performance. The film and her performance received mixed reviews.
2004: Starred in Just Like Heaven
In late 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy Just Like Heaven, playing Elizabeth Masterson, a doctor who falls into a coma and returns as a spirit to find love.
2005: Starred in Walk the Line as June Carter Cash
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon starred as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line. She performed her own vocals and won several awards for her portrayal, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.
2005: Academy Award for Walk the Line
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for portraying June Carter Cash in the musical biopic Walk the Line.
2005: Walk the Line film release
In 2005, the film Walk the Line, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It is one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
March 2006: Filming began for Penelope
In March 2006, filming began for the fantasy film Penelope, in which Reese Witherspoon starred as Annie, the best friend of the main character. The film was produced by her company, Type A Films.
October 2006: Split from First Husband
In October 2006, Reese Witherspoon split from her first husband, which she later stated contributed to a career slump as she spent the following years trying to feel 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: Hurricane Katrina Victims Project
In 2006, Witherspoon was among a group of actresses who went to New Orleans, Louisiana in a CDF project to publicize the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims and helped open the city's first Freedom School.
2006: Time 100 List
In 2006, Witherspoon was listed among the Time 100, with her featured article written by Luke Wilson. She was also selected as one of the "100 Sexiest Women in the World" by the readers of FHM.
March 2007: Beginning relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal
In March 2007, Reese Witherspoon began dating her Rendition co-star Jake Gyllenhaal.
May 15, 2007: Ryan Phillippe files for joint custody
On May 15, 2007, Ryan Phillippe filed for joint physical custody of their children and did not seek any spousal support.
October 5, 2007: Official end of marriage
On October 5, 2007, Reese Witherspoon's marriage to Ryan Phillippe officially ended.
October 2007: Starred in Rendition
In October 2007, Reese Witherspoon appeared in the thriller Rendition, playing Isabella El-Ibrahim. The film received mixed reviews and her performance was criticized.
2007: Global Ambassador of Avon Products
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was named Global Ambassador of Avon Products, serving as honorary chair of the charitable Avon Foundation dedicated to women's causes.
2007: Forbes Celebrity 100 List
In 2007, Witherspoon appeared on the annual Celebrity 100 list by Forbes magazine at No. 80. Forbes also put her on the top ten Trustworthy Celebrities list.
2007: Best-Dressed Female Star
In 2007, Witherspoon was selected by People and Access Hollywood as one of the year's best-dressed female stars. A study showed she was the most likable female celebrity of 2007. That same year, she became the highest-paid actress in the American film industry.
February 2008: Penelope premiered
Penelope, starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered in February 2008 after being shown at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival.
June 13, 2008: Final divorce arrangements settled
On June 13, 2008, final divorce arrangements between Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were settled, with the two sharing joint custody of their children.
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 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 from Jake Gyllenhaal
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal split up because their relationship did not 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, 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, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It is one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
February 2010: Dating Jim Toth
In February 2010, Reese Witherspoon was reported to be dating Jim Toth.
March 2010: 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 for Water for Elephants Completed
Principal photography for Water for Elephants, starring Reese Witherspoon, concluded by early August 2010 in various locations.
September 2010: Production Began for This Means War
In September 2010, production began in Vancouver for This Means War, starring Reese Witherspoon.
December 2010: Critical Reception of How Do You Know
By December 2010, How Do You Know, starring Reese Witherspoon, had received mainly unfavorable reviews, with a 35% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
December 17, 2010: How Do You Know Released
On December 17, 2010, the film How Do You Know, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It was a critical and commercial failure.
2010: Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actresses
Between 2002 and 2010, Reese Witherspoon was one of Hollywood's consistently highest-paid actresses.
2010: 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, at Libbey Ranch.
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: Water for Elephants Release
Water for Elephants, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released on April 22, 2011, receiving mixed critical reviews.
September 2011: Filmed Role in Mud
In September 2011, Reese Witherspoon filmed a small role in Jeff Nichols's coming-of-age drama Mud, playing Juniper.
2011: Starred in Water for Elephants
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon starred in Water for Elephants, a love-triangle drama.
February 17, 2012: This Means War Full Release
This Means War, starring Reese Witherspoon, had its full release on February 17, 2012, after a sneak peek on Valentine's Day, and 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 a new production company called Pacific Standard.
May 2012: Mud Premiered at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2012, Mud, featuring Reese Witherspoon, premiered in competition 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, playing Pam Hobbs. She was pregnant with her third child during filming.
September 27, 2012: Birth of son Tennessee James Toth
On September 27, 2012, Tennessee James Toth, the son of Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth, was born.
2012: Founded Pacific Standard Production Company
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon founded the production company Pacific Standard, aiming to produce projects with strong female lead characters.
2012: Starred in This Means War
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon starred in This Means War, another love-triangle film, which was poorly received by critics.
2012: Father's Retirement
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon's father retired from his practice as an otolaryngologist.
January 19, 2013: Mud's American Debut at Sundance Film Festival
On January 19, 2013, Mud, featuring Reese Witherspoon, had 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.
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: Mud film release
In 2013, the film Mud, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It is one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
May 9, 2014: Devil's Knot Released in American Theaters
On May 9, 2014, Devil's Knot, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released in selected American theaters.
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: The Good Lie Released
On October 3, 2014, The Good Lie, featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released, receiving mostly positive reviews.
December 2014: Reflection on Career Floundering
In December 2014, Reese Witherspoon reflected on a period of career floundering, attributing it to her split from her first husband and a lack of passion in her work.
December 2014: Wild Released to Critical Acclaim
In December 2014, Wild, produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, was released to critical acclaim, earning her a second Academy Award nomination.
2014: Producing and Starring in Wild
In 2014, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the drama Wild, earning a second Academy Award nomination.
2014: Producing 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. It is 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.
May 2015: Draper James Launch
In May 2015, Witherspoon launched Draper James, a retail brand focusing on fashion and home décor inspired by the American South.
2016: Gained Control of Pacific Standard
In 2016, Witherspoon and Papandrea parted ways, and Witherspoon gained full control of the company Pacific Standard, which later became a subsidiary of Hello Sunshine.
2016: Sing film release
In 2016, the film Sing, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It is 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 seven-part miniseries adaptation of Liane Moriarty's bestseller, Big Little Lies, which Witherspoon co-produced and starred in, premiered on HBO.
March 4, 2017: TVLine Performer of the Week
During the week of February 26 – March 4, 2017, Reese Witherspoon was named "Performer of the Week" by TVLine for her performance in Big Little Lies.
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 through advertising and marketing.
September 8, 2017: Home Again Release
On September 8, 2017, Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy Home Again, the directorial debut of Hallie Meyers-Shyer.
October 2017: Sexual Assault Revelation
In October 2017, Witherspoon revealed that she had been sexually assaulted at age 16 and had experienced harassment and sexual assault throughout her career.
December 2017: Big Little Lies Renewed for Season 2
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 in 2017.
2017: Producing and Starring in Big Little Lies
In 2017, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the HBO drama series Big Little Lies.
2017: Reese's Book Club Started
In 2017, Witherspoon started Reese's Book Club, selecting books with a woman at the center of the story.
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 of the same name, playing Mrs. Whatsit.
September 2018: Whiskey in a Teacup Publication
In September 2018, Witherspoon published her first book, Whiskey in a Teacup, a lifestyle publication inspired by her southern upbringing.
November 2019: The Morning Show Premiere
In November 2019, the first season of The Morning Show, a drama series 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 serves as an executive producer, premiered.
2019: World's 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2019, Forbes listed Witherspoon among the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
2019: Producing and Starring 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 is an executive producer, was renewed for a second season.
October 19, 2020: The Morning Show Season 2 Production Restart
On October 19, 2020, production on season two of The Morning Show restarted after a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with scripts rewritten to reflect the pandemic.
2020: Producing and Starring 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, Witherspoon produced and starred in the Hulu drama miniseries Little Fires Everywhere. Also in 2020, she narrated the Quibi nature documentary series Fierce Queens.
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 2 Premiere
In September 2021, Season two of The Morning Show, starring and produced by Witherspoon, premiered on Apple TV.
2021: Highest-Paid Actress
In 2021, Forbes named Reese Witherspoon the world's highest-paid actress.
2022: Producing Where the Crawdads Sing
In 2022, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation Where the Crawdads Sing.
March 2023: Divorce announcement
In March 2023, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage via a joint statement on Instagram.
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 finalized
On August 3, 2023, Reese Witherspoon's divorce from Jim Toth was finalized.
2023: Producing Daisy Jones & the Six
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon produced the miniseries adaptation Daisy Jones & the Six.
2023: Wealthiest Celebrities in the U.S.
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon was named one of the wealthiest celebrities in the U.S., with an estimated net worth of $440 million.
2023: My Kind of Country and Your Place or Mine Release
In 2023, Witherspoon executive produced My Kind of Country, and she starred in Your Place or Mine, which was released on Netflix.
2025: Gone Before Goodbye Release
In 2025, Witherspoon co-authored her first novel, Gone Before Goodbye, with Harlan Coben.
2025: You're Cordially Invited Production
In 2025, Witherspoon starred in and produced the romantic comedy You're Cordially Invited for Amazon Prime Video.
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