History of Reese Witherspoon in Timeline
Reese Witherspoon is a highly successful American actress and producer, recognized with an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. She's been featured on Time's 100 most influential people list and Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women. In 2021, she was named the world's highest-earning actress, and in 2023, she was recognized as one of the richest celebrities in America, with an estimated net worth of $440 million, demonstrating her influence and business acumen.
March 22, 1976: Reese Witherspoon Born
On March 22, 1976, Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1991: Casted in 'The Man in the Moon'
In 1991, Reese Witherspoon attended an open casting call for The Man in the Moon and was cast for the lead role of Dani Trant.
1992: Television Film Debut 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.", directed by Jefery Levy.
1996: Starring roles in 'Freeway' and 'Fear'
In 1996, Reese Witherspoon starred in the films "Freeway" and "Fear".
1996: Starred in 'Fear' and 'Freeway'
In 1996, Reese Witherspoon starred in two major films: the thriller "Fear" alongside Mark Wahlberg, and the black-comedy thriller "Freeway" alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Brooke Shields. Her performance in "Freeway" won her the Best Actress Award at the Cognac Police Film Festival.
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 and Ryan Phillippe became engaged.
1998: Major Roles in 'Overnight Delivery', 'Pleasantville' and 'Twilight'
In 1998, Reese Witherspoon had major roles in the films "Overnight Delivery", "Pleasantville", and "Twilight". Her performance in "Pleasantville" earned her praise and garnered her the Young Hollywood Award for Best Female Breakthrough Performance.
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: Roles in 'Best Laid Plans', 'Cruel Intentions', and 'Election'
In 1999, Reese Witherspoon co-starred in the drama thriller "Best Laid Plans", the drama "Cruel Intentions", and the film "Election". Her performance in "Election" earned her acclaim and nominations in the Golden Globes and Independent Spirit Awards, and she won Best Actress Awards from the National Society of Film Critics and the Online Film Critics Society.
1999: Breakthrough with 'Cruel Intentions' and 'Election'
In 1999, Reese Witherspoon had her breakthrough with a supporting role in "Cruel Intentions" and for her portrayal of Tracy Flick in the movie "Election".
1999: Election film release
In 1999, the film "Election", one of Reese Witherspoon's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
2000: Supporting Role in 'American Psycho' and Guest Appearances
In 2000, Reese Witherspoon had a supporting role in "American Psycho", made a cameo appearance in "Little Nicky", and guest-starred in the sixth season of "Friends".
September 29, 2001: Hosts Saturday Night Live
On September 29, 2001, Reese Witherspoon hosted Saturday Night Live, the first episode to air after the September 11 attacks.
2001: Wider Recognition with '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 the film "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 Reese Witherspoon's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
2002: Became one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon became one of Hollywood's consistently highest-paid actresses. She earned $15 million for Legally Blonde 2.
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 in the film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest", for which she received a Teen Choice Award nomination.
2002: Starred in 'Sweet Home Alabama'
In 2002, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Sweet Home Alabama".
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 2
In 2003, Reese Witherspoon starred in "Legally Blonde 2", the sequel to the original movie.
2004: Starring in Vanity Fair
In 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in "Vanity Fair", a film adapted from the classic novel and directed by Mira Nair, where she played Becky Sharp. Witherspoon's performance received mixed reviews, with some critics praising her portrayal and others finding her miscast.
2004: Starring in Just Like Heaven
In late 2004, Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Just Like Heaven" alongside Mark Ruffalo, playing the role of Elizabeth Masterson.
2005: Starring in Walk the Line and Award Wins
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon starred as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line" and won Best Actress at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, British Academy Film Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild award for her performance.
2005: Starring in Walk the Line
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon starred as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line". This was her first film appearance since then.
2005: Ranked in Teen People's List of Most Powerful Young Hollywood Actors
In 2005, Reese Witherspoon was ranked No. 5 in Teen People magazine's list of most powerful young Hollywood actors.
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
In 2005, the film "Walk the Line", one of Reese Witherspoon's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as June Carter in the film Walk the Line (2005).
March 2006: Filming Penelope
In March 2006, filming began for the movie "Penelope", where Reese Witherspoon played Annie and produced the film through her company Type A Films.
October 2006: Split from First Husband
In October 2006, Reese Witherspoon split from her first husband, which she later attributed to a period of career floundering.
October 30, 2006: Separation Announcement
On October 30, 2006, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe announced their separation.
November 8, 2006: Divorce Filing
On November 8, 2006, Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce from Ryan Phillippe, citing irreconcilable differences.
2006: CDF Project to Publicize Hurricane Katrina Needs
In 2006, Reese Witherspoon joined a group of actresses in a Children's Defense Fund (CDF) project in New Orleans to publicize the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims. She helped open the city's first Freedom School.
2006: Listed Among the Time 100
In 2006, Reese Witherspoon was listed among the Time 100, with her featured article written by Luke Wilson.
2006: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2006, Time magazine recognized Reese Witherspoon as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
March 2007: Beginning Relationship with 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: Marriage Officially Ends
On October 5, 2007, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's marriage officially ended.
October 2007: Appearance in Rendition
In October 2007, Reese Witherspoon appeared in the thriller "Rendition", playing Isabella El-Ibrahim. Her performance was criticized.
2007: Global Ambassador for Avon Products
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon signed a multi-year agreement to serve as the first Global Ambassador for Avon Products and honorary chair of the Avon Foundation.
2007: Featured in Forbes Magazine's Celebrity 100 List
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was featured on the annual Celebrity 100 list by Forbes magazine at No. 80.
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's Release
After premiering at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, the movie "Penelope", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released in 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: Starring in Four Christmases
In 2008, Reese Witherspoon starred alongside Vince Vaughn in the comedy "Four Christmases", which was a box office success despite negative reviews.
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: Split with Jake Gyllenhaal
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal ended their relationship because their relationship did not leave Witherspoon enough time to care for her children.
2009: Voice Acting in Monsters vs. Aliens and Producing Legally Blondes
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon voiced Susan Murphy in "Monsters vs. Aliens" and co-produced the Legally Blonde spin-off "Legally Blondes".
2009: Monsters vs. Aliens film release
In 2009, the film "Monsters vs. Aliens", one of Reese Witherspoon's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
February 2010: Dating Jim Toth
In February 2010, Reese Witherspoon was reported to be dating Jim Toth, a talent agent at Creative Artists Agency.
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: Filming Water for Elephants
Between May and early August 2010, principal photography took place for "Water for Elephants", starring Reese Witherspoon, in various locations.
September 2010: Production of 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, the film "How Do You Know", starring Reese Witherspoon, had received mainly unfavorable reviews.
December 17, 2010: Release of How Do You Know
On December 17, 2010, "How Do You Know", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. It was a critical and commercial failure.
2010: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2010, Reese Witherspoon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2010: Hollywood's highest-paid actresses
Reese Witherspoon remained one of Hollywood's consistently highest-paid actresses through 2010.
March 26, 2011: Marriage to Jim Toth
On March 26, 2011, Reese Witherspoon married Jim Toth in Ojai, California, at Libbey Ranch.
April 2011: Ranked on People's Most Beautiful Issue
In April 2011, Reese 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: Filming Mud
In September 2011, Reese Witherspoon filmed a small role in Jeff Nichols's drama "Mud", playing Juniper.
2011: Love Triangle Romances Release
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon began a streak starring in romances involving love triangles between two men.
2011: Success 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: 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: Pacific Standard Formed
In March 2012, Reese Witherspoon's Type A Films merged with Bruna Papandrea's "Make Movies" to form a new production company called Pacific Standard.
May 2012: Premiere of Mud at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2012, "Mud", featuring 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 while pregnant with her third child.
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: Love Triangle Romances Release
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon continued starring in romances involving love triangles between two men.
2012: Founding of Pacific Standard Production Company
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon founded the production company Pacific Standard, aimed at producing projects with strong female lead characters.
2012: Overpaid Actors in Hollywood
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon was noted as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood.
2012: Father's Retirement
In 2012, Reese Witherspoon's father, a medical doctor, retired from his private practice as an otolaryngologist.
January 19, 2013: American Debut of Mud at Sundance Film Festival
On January 19, 2013, "Mud", which stars 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: Filed Lawsuit Against Marketing Advantages International Inc.
In June 2013, Reese Witherspoon filed a lawsuit against Marketing Advantages International Inc., claiming they used her name and image in jewelry advertising without permission.
2013: Premiere of Devil's Knot at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2013, "Devil's Knot", starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2013: Somethin' Stupid Cover Recorded
In 2013, Reese Witherspoon recorded a cover of "Somethin' Stupid" with Michael Bublé for his album "To Be Loved".
2013: Overpaid Actors in Hollywood
In 2013, Reese Witherspoon was noted as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood.
2013: Mud film release
In 2013, the film "Mud", one of Reese Witherspoon's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
May 9, 2014: Release of Devil's Knot in American Theaters
On May 9, 2014, "Devil's Knot", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released in selected American theaters and received mainly negative reviews.
May 2014: Production of Hot Pursuit Begins
In May 2014, Reese Witherspoon began production in Louisiana on "Hot Pursuit", a comedy where she plays a police officer.
October 3, 2014: Release of The Good Lie
On October 3, 2014, "The Good Lie", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released and mostly well-received.
December 2014: Release of Wild and Academy Award Nomination
In December 2014, "Wild", produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, was released to critical acclaim, earning Witherspoon a second Academy Award nomination. Wild was based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir of the same name.
December 2014: Reflection on Career Floundering
In a December 2014 interview, Reese Witherspoon reflected on her career floundering, attributing it to her split from her first husband in 2006 and a lack of passion in her work during that period.
2014: Comeback with '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: Gone Girl
In 2014, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation of "Gone Girl".
2014: Wild film release
In 2014, the film "Wild", one of Reese Witherspoon's most acclaimed and highest-grossing 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 Launched
In May 2015, Reese Witherspoon launched Draper James, a retail brand focusing on fashion and home décor inspired by the American South. It is named after her grandparents.
December 2015: Trademark Claims Rejected
In December 2015, Reese Witherspoon's trademark claims to her name were rejected by the court.
2015: American Cinematheque Award
In 2015, Reese Witherspoon received the American Cinematheque Award for being "a perfect example of an actress flourishing in today's world".
2015: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2015, Time magazine again named Reese Witherspoon one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2016: Witherspoon Gains Full Control of Pacific Standard
In 2016, Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea parted ways, with Witherspoon gaining full control of Pacific Standard, making it a subsidiary of Hello Sunshine.
2016: Sing film release
In 2016, the film "Sing", one of Reese Witherspoon's most acclaimed and highest-grossing films, was released.
February 19, 2017: Big Little Lies Premieres on HBO
On February 19, 2017, the seven-part miniseries adaptation of "Big Little Lies," co-produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on HBO.
March 2017: Witherspoon Becomes 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 through advertising and marketing programs.
September 8, 2017: Home Again Release
On September 8, 2017, the romantic comedy "Home Again", starring Reese Witherspoon, was released. The film marked the directorial debut of Hallie Meyers-Shyer.
October 2017: Witherspoon Reveals Sexual Assault
In October 2017, in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Reese 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 Second Season
In December 2017, HBO renewed "Big Little Lies," a miniseries co-produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon, for a second season.
2017: Highest-Paid Primetime Emmy Nominee
In 2017, Forbes reported that Reese Witherspoon's career earnings were in excess of $198 million, making her the highest-paid primetime Emmy nominee of the year.
2017: 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, Reese Witherspoon started Reese's Book Club, sharing book recommendations with a focus on stories with women at the center.
2017: Little Fires Everywhere Book Release
In 2017, the novel "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng was released, which was later adapted into a miniseries starring and produced by Reese Witherspoon.
March 2018: A Wrinkle in Time Release
In March 2018, Reese Witherspoon starred in "A Wrinkle in Time," a film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's novel. The film was directed by Ava DuVernay and co-starred Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling.
September 2018: Whiskey in a Teacup Published
In September 2018, Reese Witherspoon published her first book, "Whiskey in a Teacup", which is a lifestyle publication inspired by her southern upbringing.
September 2018: Where the Crawdads Sing Picked for Reese's Book Club
In September 2018, Reese Witherspoon's Book Club selected "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens, leading to increased popularity and later adaptation into a feature film.
June 2019: Big Little Lies Season Two Premieres
In June 2019, the second season of "Big Little Lies", starring and co-produced by Reese Witherspoon, premiered.
November 2019: The Morning Show Premieres
In November 2019, the first season of "The Morning Show", starring and produced by Reese Witherspoon alongside Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell, premiered on Apple TV+.
December 2019: Truth Be Told Premieres
In December 2019, the Apple TV+ series "Truth Be Told", for which Reese Witherspoon serves as an executive producer, premiered. The series stars Octavia Spencer.
2019: Listed Among World's 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2019, Forbes listed Reese Witherspoon among the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
2019: The Morning Show
In 2019, Reese Witherspoon began producing and starring in the Apple TV+ drama series "The Morning Show".
March 2020: Truth Be Told Renewed for Second Season
In March 2020, the Apple TV+ series "Truth Be Told", executive produced by Reese Witherspoon, was renewed for a second season.
October 19, 2020: Production of The Morning Show Season Two Restarts
On October 19, 2020, production on the second season of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon, restarted after a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Scripts were rewritten to reflect the pandemic.
2020: Little Fires Everywhere and Fierce Queens Release
In 2020, Reese Witherspoon produced and starred in the Hulu drama miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere". In the same year, she narrated the Quibi nature documentary series "Fierce Queens".
2020: 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, Reese Witherspoon announced the "Draper James Loves Teachers" initiative, offering free dresses from the Draper James clothing collection to teachers.
September 2021: The Morning Show Season Two Premieres on Apple TV
In September 2021, the second season of "The Morning Show", starring and produced by Reese Witherspoon, premiered on Apple TV.
2021: Forbes Recognition
In 2021, Forbes named Reese Witherspoon the world's highest-earning actress and again listed her among the world's 100 most powerful women.
2022: Where the Crawdads Sing
In 2022, Reese Witherspoon produced the film adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing".
March 2023: Divorce Announcement
In March 2023, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage.
April 2023: Divorce Filing
In April 2023, Reese Witherspoon filed for divorce from Jim Toth, citing "irreconcilable differences".
August 3, 2023: Divorce Finalized
On August 3, 2023, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth's divorce was finalized.
2023: My Kind of Country and Your Place or Mine Release
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon executive produced "My Kind of Country" with Kacey Musgraves. She also starred in "Your Place or Mine" with Ashton Kutcher, released on Netflix.
2023: Daisy Jones & the Six
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon produced the miniseries adaptation "Daisy Jones & the Six".
2023: 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.
2025: Gone Before Goodbye Novel Release
In 2025, Reese Witherspoon is set to co-author her first novel, "Gone Before Goodbye," with Harlan Coben.
2025: You're Cordially Invited Announced
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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