History of Reese Witherspoon in Timeline
Reese Witherspoon is a highly acclaimed American actress and producer known for her work in film and television. Her illustrious career has earned her numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. Her influence extends beyond the entertainment industry, as she has been recognized as one of the world's most powerful women and wealthiest actresses by Forbes. Time magazine has also acknowledged her global impact, naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2006 and 2015.
March 22, 1976: Birth of Reese Witherspoon
On March 22, 1976, Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1991: Witherspoon's Performance Earns Critical Acclaim
Following the release of "The Man in the Moon" in 1991, Reese Witherspoon's performance as Dani Trant received positive reviews, with film critic Roger Ebert praising her performance.
1991: Witherspoon Makes Acting Debut in "The Man in the Moon"
Reese Witherspoon began her acting career in 1991 with her debut role as Dani Trant in the film "The Man in the Moon."
1992: Witherspoon Appears in Television Film "Desperate Choices: To Save My Child"
Reese Witherspoon appeared in the television film "Desperate Choices: To Save My Child" in 1992, portraying a young girl facing a critical illness.
1993: Witherspoon Appears in "Return to Lonesome Dove," "A Far Off Place," and "Jack the Bear"
Reese Witherspoon took on various roles in 1993, including appearing in the CBS miniseries "Return to Lonesome Dove," the Disney film "A Far Off Place," and a supporting role in "Jack the Bear," for which she won a Young Artist Award.
1993: Previous Television Project
Reese Witherspoon's last television project before "Big Little Lies" was in 1993.
1994: Witherspoon Stars in "S.F.W."
Reese Witherspoon landed another leading role as Wendy Pfister in the 1994 film "S.F.W.," directed by Jefery Levy.
1996: Witherspoon's Performances Solidify Her Rising Star Status
In 1996, Reese Witherspoon's performances in the thriller "Fear" and the black-comedy thriller "Freeway" earned her critical acclaim, establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.
1996: Witherspoon Gains Recognition for Roles in "Freeway" and "Fear"
Reese Witherspoon garnered attention in 1996 for her performances in two cult films: "Freeway," where she played Vanessa Lutz, and "Fear," where she portrayed Nicole Walker.
1996: Reese Witherspoon's Parents Separate
Reese Witherspoon's parents, John and Betty Witherspoon, separated in 1996.
March 1997: Reese Witherspoon Meets Ryan Phillippe
Reese Witherspoon first encountered actor Ryan Phillippe at her 21st birthday celebration in March 1997.
December 1998: Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Engagement
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe got engaged in December 1998, less than two years after meeting.
1998: Witherspoon Stars in "Overnight Delivery," "Pleasantville," and "Twilight"
Reese Witherspoon continued to expand her filmography in 1998 with roles in "Overnight Delivery," the critically acclaimed "Pleasantville," and "Twilight."
June 5, 1999: Reese Witherspoon Marries Ryan Phillippe
On June 5, 1999, Reese Witherspoon married actor Ryan Phillippe at Old Wide Awake Plantation in Hollywood, South Carolina.
September 9, 1999: Reese Witherspoon Gives Birth to Ava Elizabeth Phillippe
On September 9, 1999, Reese Witherspoon and then-husband Ryan Phillippe welcomed their first child, daughter Ava Elizabeth Phillippe.
1999: Witherspoon Receives Critical Acclaim for "Election" Performance
Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of Tracy Flick in the 1999 film "Election" earned her widespread critical acclaim and several award nominations, including her first Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award nominations.
1999: Witherspoon's Breakthrough with "Cruel Intentions" and "Election"
1999 marked a turning point in Reese Witherspoon's career with her supporting role in "Cruel Intentions" and her critically acclaimed portrayal of Tracy Flick in "Election."
1999: Election Released
The critically acclaimed film "Election," starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered in 1999.
2000: Post-"Election" Career Challenges and Notable Roles
In 2000, after the success of "Election," Reese Witherspoon faced typecasting and struggled to secure leading roles. She appeared in supporting roles in films like "American Psycho" and "Little Nicky." She also made a guest appearance as Rachel Green's sister in the sixth season of "Friends."
September 29, 2001: Hosting Saturday Night Live
On September 29, 2001, Reese Witherspoon hosted Saturday Night Live. This episode held particular significance as the first to air following the September 11 attacks.
2001: Legally Blonde Released
"Legally Blonde," a commercially successful comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, hit theaters in 2001.
2001: Witherspoon Captivates Audiences as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde"
Reese Witherspoon gained widespread recognition and popularity for her portrayal of Elle Woods in the hit comedy "Legally Blonde," released in 2001.
2001: "Legally Blonde" and Career Breakthrough
The year 2001 marked a turning point in Witherspoon's career with her lead role as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde." The film was a commercial success, and Witherspoon's performance earned critical acclaim, establishing her as a major comedic talent.
2002: Diverse Roles and Box Office Success
Witherspoon took on a variety of roles in 2002, including voice acting in "The Simpsons" and starring in the period comedy "The Importance of Being Earnest." She also appeared in the commercially successful romantic comedy "Sweet Home Alabama."
2002: Witherspoon Charms in "Sweet Home Alabama"
Reese Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Sweet Home Alabama" in 2002, which became a commercial success and further endeared her to audiences.
2002: "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" and Continued Success
Witherspoon reprised her role as Elle Woods in the sequel "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" in 2002. While the film received mixed reviews, it was a box office success, solidifying Witherspoon's status as a highly paid actress.
October 23, 2003: Reese Witherspoon Gives Birth to Deacon Reese Phillippe
On October 23, 2003, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe had their second child, a son named Deacon Reese Phillippe.
2003: Witherspoon Reprises Role in "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde"
Reese Witherspoon reprised her beloved role as Elle Woods in the sequel "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," further solidifying her star power.
2004: "Vanity Fair" and Critical Reception
Reese Witherspoon starred in the period drama "Vanity Fair" in 2004, portraying the ambitious Becky Sharp. The film and her performance garnered mixed reviews, with some praising her portrayal while others found her miscast.
2004: Romantic Comedy and Preparation for "Walk the Line"
Witherspoon starred in the romantic comedy "Just Like Heaven" in 2004. Concurrently, she began preparing for her role as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line," which involved overcoming her fear of singing and undergoing extensive vocal training.
2005: Ranked High in Teen People's Most Powerful Young Hollywood Actors
Witherspoon's influence in Hollywood, particularly among younger audiences, was acknowledged in 2005 when Teen People magazine ranked her No. 5 on their list of the most powerful young actors in the industry.
2005: "Walk the Line" and Critical Acclaim
Witherspoon's performance as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line" (2005) earned her widespread critical acclaim. She won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actress, for her portrayal of the iconic singer.
2005: Witherspoon Wins Academy Award for "Walk the Line"
Reese Witherspoon's performance as June Carter Cash in the musical biopic "Walk the Line" earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2005.
2005: Success of "Walk the Line"
Reese Witherspoon achieved critical and commercial success with her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the 2005 biographical musical "Walk the Line." Her performance garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.
2005: Walk the Line Released and Wins Witherspoon an Oscar
2005 marked the release of "Walk the Line," a biographical drama that earned Reese Witherspoon widespread recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter.
March 2006: Filming Begins for "Penelope"
In March 2006, filming began for the fantasy film "Penelope," starring Reese Witherspoon as Annie, the best friend of the titular character. Produced by her company, Type A Films, the movie marked another step in Witherspoon's successful producing career.
October 2006: Witherspoon's First Marriage Ends
Reese Witherspoon's first marriage ended in October 2006, marking a significant turning point in her personal life. This event would later be acknowledged by Witherspoon as a challenging period that influenced her career choices.
October 30, 2006: Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe Announce Separation
After seven years of marriage, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe publicly announced their separation on October 30, 2006.
November 8, 2006: Reese Witherspoon Files for Divorce
Citing irreconcilable differences, Reese Witherspoon officially filed for divorce from Ryan Phillippe on November 8, 2006.
2006: Reese Witherspoon Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In 2006, Time magazine recognized Reese Witherspoon's impact by including her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2006: Recognized in Time 100 and FHM's 100 Sexiest Women
In 2006, Witherspoon's rising star power was cemented with her inclusion in Time magazine's prestigious Time 100 list. That same year, readers of FHM magazine voted her as one of the "100 Sexiest Women In The World."
May 15, 2007: Ryan Phillippe Seeks Joint Custody
Ryan Phillippe responded to the divorce filing by requesting joint physical custody of their children on May 15, 2007.
October 5, 2007: Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Divorce Finalized
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's marriage legally ended on October 5, 2007, after a year of separation.
October 2007: "Rendition" Released, Marking Witherspoon's Return to Screen
October 2007 saw the release of "Rendition," marking Reese Witherspoon's first film appearance since her Oscar-winning role in "Walk the Line" in 2005. Despite high expectations, the thriller received mixed reviews and faced criticism for Witherspoon's performance.
2007: Reese Witherspoon Dates Jake Gyllenhaal
Following her separation from Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon dated actor Jake Gyllenhaal from 2007 to 2009.
2007: Featured on Forbes' Celebrity 100 and Trustworthy Celebrities Lists
Witherspoon's financial success and reputable standing in the entertainment industry were highlighted in 2007 when she appeared on Forbes magazine's annual Celebrity 100 list, ranking at No. 80. Notably, Forbes also recognized her on their top ten Trustworthy Celebrities list, reflecting her positive public image.
2007: Acclaimed for Golden Globe Awards Dress and Named Most Likeable Female Celebrity
Witherspoon's fashion choices garnered significant attention in 2007, with her yellow dress worn to the Golden Globe Awards receiving widespread praise. Further solidifying her popularity, a survey by E-Poll Market Research designated her as the most likeable female celebrity of the year.
2007: Witherspoon Becomes Global Ambassador for Avon
In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was named the Global Ambassador of Avon Products, demonstrating her commitment to women's causes and empowerment.
February 2008: "Penelope" Premieres After Two Years
After a considerable delay, "Penelope" premiered in February 2008. Despite premiering at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, the film faced a two-year delay before its official release.
June 13, 2008: Final Divorce Arrangements Settled
All final arrangements for the divorce between Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were settled on June 13, 2008, granting them joint custody of their children.
2008: Witherspoon Stars in "Four Christmases"
Reese Witherspoon starred alongside Vince Vaughn in the comedy "Four Christmases" in 2008. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, the film performed well commercially, grossing over $157 million worldwide.
2009: Filming Begins for "How Do You Know"
During the summer and fall of 2009, filming commenced for the romantic comedy "How Do You Know," starring Reese Witherspoon. The movie was shot on location in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., marking a return to the East Coast for production.
2009: Witherspoon Lends Voice to "Monsters vs. Aliens"
In 2009, Reese Witherspoon took on the role of Susan Murphy, the lead character in the DreamWorks Animation film "Monsters vs. Aliens." The film, released in March, was a box office success, grossing $381 million globally.
2009: Monsters vs. Aliens Released
Reese Witherspoon lent her voice to the animated feature film "Monsters vs. Aliens," released in 2009.
February 2010: Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth Begin Dating
Reports emerged in February 2010 that Reese Witherspoon was romantically involved with Jim Toth, a talent agent at Creative Artists Agency.
March 2010: Witherspoon Begins Circus Training for "Water for Elephants"
Reese Witherspoon immersed herself in the world of the circus as she began training in March 2010 for her role as Marlena in "Water for Elephants." Her dedication to portraying the glamorous performer authentically involved acquiring new skills and adapting to a unique setting.
August 2010: Filming Wraps on "Water for Elephants"
Principal photography for "Water for Elephants" concluded in early August 2010 after several months of filming. The production, spanning various locations in Tennessee, Georgia, and California, captured the essence of the Depression-era circus setting.
September 2010: Production Starts on "This Means War"
September 2010 marked the beginning of production for "This Means War," a romantic comedy directed by McG. Set against the backdrop of a rivalry between two best friends vying for Witherspoon's character's affections, the film promised a blend of action and humor.
December 2010: "How Do You Know" Receives Negative Reviews
Upon its December 2010 release, "How Do You Know" was met with largely unfavorable reviews from critics. The film's critical reception further contributed to its underwhelming performance at the box office.
December 17, 2010: "How Do You Know" Released to Critical and Commercial Disappointment
James L. Brooks's romantic comedy "How Do You Know," starring Reese Witherspoon, was released on December 17, 2010, to disappointing reviews and box office results. Despite a budget exceeding $100 million, the film only grossed $48.7 million worldwide.
2010: High-Paid Actress in Hollywood
From 2002 to 2010, Reese Witherspoon consistently ranked among Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, reflecting her continued success and bankability in the industry.
2010: Reese Witherspoon Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Reese Witherspoon was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
March 26, 2011: Reese Witherspoon Marries Jim Toth
Reese Witherspoon married talent agent Jim Toth on March 26, 2011, at her Ojai, California estate.
April 2011: Featured in People's Most Beautiful Issue
Maintaining her presence as a recognized figure in popular culture, Witherspoon was featured in the 22nd annual People's Most Beautiful issue in April 2011, securing the No. 3 spot on the list.
April 22, 2011: "Water for Elephants" Premieres to Mixed Reviews
The romantic drama "Water for Elephants," starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered on April 22, 2011, to a mixed reception from critics. Based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel, the film offered a glimpse into the captivating world of a Depression-era circus.
September 2011: Witherspoon Films "Mud" in Arkansas
In September 2011, Reese Witherspoon took on a supporting role in Jeff Nichols's "Mud," filming in Arkansas alongside Matthew McConaughey. This marked a departure from her recent string of romantic comedies, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
2011: Witherspoon Stars in Multiple Love Triangle Films
Reese Witherspoon's filmography in 2011 included multiple romantic films featuring love triangle plots. This thematic trend in her film choices showcased her versatility as an actress exploring complex relationship dynamics on screen.
2011: Witherspoon Stars in Romantic Drama "Water for Elephants"
Reese Witherspoon starred alongside Robert Pattinson and Christoph Waltz in the romantic drama "Water for Elephants," which became her sole box-office success during a period of career fluctuation.
February 17, 2012: "This Means War" Opens to Negative Reviews and Disappointing Box Office
The action-comedy "This Means War," featuring Reese Witherspoon caught in a love triangle, premiered on February 17, 2012. The film, however, was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews and underperformed at the box office, continuing a challenging period for Witherspoon's film career.
March 2012: Merger of Type A Films and Make Movies
Reese Witherspoon merged her production company, Type A Films, with Bruna Papandrea's Make Movies in March 2012. The result was the formation of Pacific Standard, a new production company.
May 2012: "Mud" Premieres at Cannes Film Festival
May 2012 saw "Mud" premiering in competition for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's recognition at Cannes further solidified its critical acclaim and highlighted Witherspoon's successful foray into independent cinema.
July 2012: Filming Concludes for "Devil's Knot"
With Reese Witherspoon expecting her third child during production, filming for "Devil's Knot" wrapped in July 2012. The film, directed by Atom Egoyan, marked another collaboration between Witherspoon and the acclaimed filmmaker.
September 27, 2012: Tennessee James Toth Born
Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth welcomed their son, Tennessee James Toth, on September 27, 2012.
2012: Listed as One of the Most Overpaid Actors in Hollywood
Between 2011 and 2013, a period marked by her appearance in several commercially underperforming films, Witherspoon faced scrutiny and was identified as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood. This categorization highlighted the challenges inherent in maintaining consistent box office success within the film industry.
2012: Founding of Pacific Standard
In 2012, driven by the desire to increase the representation of "strong" female characters in Hollywood, Reese Witherspoon established the production company Pacific Standard. This company, later integrated into Hello Sunshine, aimed to champion projects that placed women at the forefront of their narratives.
2012: Reese Witherspoon's Father Retires from Medical Practice
John Draper Witherspoon, Reese Witherspoon's father, retired from his private practice as an otolaryngologist in 2012.
2012: Witherspoon Stars in Multiple Love Triangle Films
Continuing the trend from the previous year, Reese Witherspoon starred in more love triangle-themed films in 2012. This period marked a distinct phase in her career, later humorously dubbed her "love triangle period."
January 19, 2013: "Mud" Premieres at Sundance Film Festival
The coming-of-age drama "Mud," featuring Reese Witherspoon, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2013. The film, set in the American South, garnered critical acclaim for its performances and poignant storytelling.
April 19, 2013: Reese Witherspoon Arrested
Reese Witherspoon faced legal trouble on April 19, 2013, when she was arrested for disorderly conduct after Jim Toth was pulled over for suspicion of DUI.
April 26, 2013: Limited Release of "Mud" in North American Theaters
Following its successful premiere at Sundance, "Mud" received a limited theatrical release in select North American theaters on April 26, 2013. The film's compelling narrative and strong performances resonated with audiences seeking independent cinema.
June 2013: Lawsuit Against Marketing Advantages International Inc.
In June 2013, Witherspoon took legal action against Marketing Advantages International Inc., alleging the unauthorized use of her name and image in jewelry advertisements both domestically and internationally.
2013: "Devil's Knot" Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
The thriller "Devil's Knot" premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, generating significant buzz for its exploration of a real-life crime and its impact on those involved. Reese Witherspoon's performance as Pam Hobbs garnered particular attention.
2013: Mud Released
The critically acclaimed film "Mud," featuring Reese Witherspoon, premiered in 2013.
2013: Musical Collaboration with Michael Bublé
In 2013, Reese Witherspoon showcased her vocal talents by collaborating with Michael Bublé on a rendition of "Somethin' Stupid," a classic duet originally performed by Frank and Nancy Sinatra. The song was featured on Bublé's album "To Be Loved."
2013: Listed as One of the Most Overpaid Actors in Hollywood
Between 2011 and 2013, a period marked by her appearance in several commercially underperforming films, Witherspoon faced scrutiny and was identified as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood. This categorization highlighted the challenges inherent in maintaining consistent box office success within the film industry.
May 9, 2014: "Devil's Knot" Released in Select American Theaters
Based on the true crime book of the same name, "Devil's Knot," starring Reese Witherspoon, premiered in selected American theaters on May 9, 2014. The film explored the controversial case of the West Memphis Three, shedding light on a gripping true crime story.
May 2014: Start of Production for Hot Pursuit
Reese Witherspoon began filming the comedy "Hot Pursuit" in Louisiana in May 2014.
October 3, 2014: Release of The Good Lie
On October 3, 2014, the drama film "The Good Lie," featuring Reese Witherspoon, was released. The film, based on a true story, portrays Witherspoon as an employment counselor guiding four young Sudanese refugees adapting to life in the U.S. after winning a relocation lottery. The film received positive reviews, with praise for its heartwarming narrative and the performances of the cast, including Witherspoon.
December 2014: Witherspoon Reflects on Career Challenges and Personal Life
In December 2014, Reese Witherspoon opened up about experiencing a period of career uncertainty and personal challenges following her divorce in October 2006. She candidly attributed this phase to the emotional toll of her separation and its impact on her creative drive.
December 2014: Release of Wild and Critical Acclaim
In December 2014, the biographical adventure film "Wild," produced by Reese Witherspoon's company Pacific Standard and starring Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, was released to critical acclaim. The film, based on Strayed's memoir, depicts her 1,000-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Witherspoon's performance was lauded as authentic and understated, marking a significant comeback for her career.
2014: Witherspoon's Comeback with "Wild"
Reese Witherspoon produced and starred as Cheryl Strayed in the drama film "Wild" in 2014, which garnered critical acclaim and earned her a second Academy Award nomination, marking a significant comeback in her career.
2014: Wild Released
Reese Witherspoon starred in the biographical drama "Wild," which hit theaters in 2014.
May 8, 2015: Release of Hot Pursuit
The action comedy "Hot Pursuit," starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara, hit theaters on May 8, 2015. In the film, Witherspoon takes on the role of a police officer tasked with safeguarding a drug lord's widow.
May 2015: Launch of Draper James
In May 2015, Reese Witherspoon launched Draper James, a retail brand specializing in fashion and home decor inspired by the American South, named after her grandparents. The brand debuted online and later opened its first physical store in Nashville, Tennessee.
December 2015: Trademark Claims Rejected & Right of Publicity Case Proceeds
In December 2015, a court rejected Witherspoon's trademark claims related to her name. However, the court allowed her to pursue her right of publicity claims against several defendants. This legal development underscores the complexities surrounding celebrity image rights and unauthorized commercial use.
2015: Featured in Time 100 and Receives American Cinematheque Award
In 2015, Witherspoon earned her second appearance on Time magazine's Time 100 list, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in contemporary culture. That same year, she was honored with the American Cinematheque Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the art of motion pictures. The award acknowledged her multifaceted career as both a successful actress and a proactive film producer.
2015: Signing onto the Tinker Bell Project
It was reported in 2015 that Reese Witherspoon had committed to starring in and producing a live-action film centered around the character of Tinker Bell for Disney.
2015: Reese Witherspoon Makes Time's 100 Most Influential People List Again
Reese Witherspoon's influence was reaffirmed in 2015 when she was once again named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
2016: Sing Released
Reese Witherspoon provided a voice role for the animated musical comedy "Sing," released in 2016.
2016: Voice Role in Sing and Start of Big Little Lies Filming
In 2016, Reese Witherspoon lent her voice to the animated musical comedy "Sing" and contributed to its soundtrack. The film went on to become her highest-grossing project at the time, exceeding $200 million domestically and $600 million globally. The same year, she began filming for "Big Little Lies," a television adaptation of Liane Moriarty's bestselling novel.
2016: Witherspoon Taking Full Ownership of Pacific Standard
Reese Witherspoon assumed complete control of Pacific Standard in 2016 following a parting of ways with Bruna Papandrea.
February 19, 2017: Premiere of Big Little Lies
The seven-part miniseries "Big Little Lies," adapted from Liane Moriarty's bestseller, premiered on HBO on February 19, 2017. Reese Witherspoon co-produced and starred in the series, marking her return to television acting since 1993. Her performance was met with widespread critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to her iconic roles in "Election" and "Legally Blonde."
March 2017: Chief Storyteller for Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
In March 2017, Witherspoon became the chief storyteller for Elizabeth Arden, Inc., contributing to the brand's narrative through advertising campaigns and marketing initiatives. She expressed excitement in her role as a creative partner, focusing on content that celebrates women and their experiences.
September 8, 2017: Release of Home Again
"Home Again," a romantic comedy directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, was released on September 8, 2017, with Reese Witherspoon in a starring role.
October 2017: Publicly Addresses Sexual Assault Experience
Following the surge of the #MeToo movement in October 2017, spurred by the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal, Witherspoon bravely revealed her own experience of sexual assault by a director at the age of 16. She also shared that she had endured "multiple experiences of harassment and sexual assault" over the course of her career, contributing to the growing conversation about sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
December 2017: Renewal of Big Little Lies for a Second Season
Due to its popularity and critical success, HBO renewed "Big Little Lies" for a second season in December 2017.
2017: Publication of Little Fires Everywhere
Celeste Ng's novel "Little Fires Everywhere" was published in 2017.
2017: Witherspoon's Venture into Television Production with "Big Little Lies"
In 2017, Reese Witherspoon expanded her career into television production, co-producing and starring in the HBO drama series "Big Little Lies."
2017: Highest-Paid Primetime Emmy Nominee
In 2017, Witherspoon's financial achievements in television were highlighted when Forbes reported her career earnings exceeding $198 million, positioning her as the highest-paid nominee for that year's Primetime Emmy Awards.
2017: Launch of Reese's Book Club
Stemming from her passion for literature shared on her Instagram account, Reese Witherspoon launched Reese's Book Club in 2017. The club centers around her monthly selections of books she enjoys, often featuring female-centric narratives across various genres.
March 2018: Release of A Wrinkle in Time
"A Wrinkle in Time," Disney's film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's renowned novel, premiered in March 2018, featuring Reese Witherspoon as Mrs. Whatsit. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film also starred Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling.
September 2018: Reese's Book Club Selects "Where the Crawdads Sing"
In September 2018, Reese's Book Club chose "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. The book's selection significantly boosted its popularity and led to its adaptation into a 2022 feature film produced by Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine.
September 2018: Publication of "Whiskey in a Teacup" & Time's Up Initiative Involvement
September 2018 marked Witherspoon's debut as an author with the release of her first book, "Whiskey in a Teacup." This lifestyle publication draws inspiration from her Southern upbringing. That same year, she joined forces with numerous prominent figures in the entertainment industry to establish the Time's Up initiative. This initiative aims to address and combat sexual harassment in professional settings.
June 2019: Premiere of Big Little Lies Season Two
The highly anticipated second season of "Big Little Lies," featuring Reese Witherspoon reprising her role, premiered on HBO in June 2019.
November 2019: Premiere of The Morning Show Season One
The first season of the Apple TV+ drama series "The Morning Show," starring Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Steve Carell, premiered in November 2019. Witherspoon's performance earned her nominations for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and Best Television Series.
December 2019: Premiere of Truth Be Told
Reese Witherspoon served as executive producer on the Apple TV+ series "Truth Be Told," starring Octavia Spencer. The series debuted in December 2019.
2019: Witherspoon Continues Television Success with "The Morning Show"
Reese Witherspoon furthered her presence in television with the Apple TV+ drama series "The Morning Show," which premiered in 2019, showcasing her talent as both an actress and producer.
2019: Listed Among Forbes' World's 100 Most Powerful Women
Expanding beyond her influence within Hollywood, Witherspoon was recognized on a global scale in 2019 when Forbes included her in their list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women. This recognition underscores her impact not only as an entertainer but also as a successful entrepreneur and advocate.
2019: Witherspoon Ranked Among Forbes' World's 100 Most Powerful Women
Reese Witherspoon's status as a powerful figure was solidified in 2019 when Forbes included her in their list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
March 2020: Renewal of Truth Be Told for a Second Season
"Truth Be Told" was renewed for a second season in March 2020.
October 19, 2020: Restart of The Morning Show Season Two Production
After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production on the second season of "The Morning Show" resumed on October 19, 2020. The scripts underwent revisions to incorporate the pandemic's impact.
2020: Release of Little Fires Everywhere and Narration of Fierce Queens
Reese Witherspoon had a busy 2020. She both produced and starred in "Little Fires Everywhere," a Hulu miniseries adapted from Celeste Ng's novel, alongside Kerry Washington. In addition, she provided the narration for "Fierce Queens," a Quibi nature documentary series that spotlights female animals in the wild.
2020: Witherspoon Produces and Stars in Hulu's "Little Fires Everywhere"
In 2020, Reese Witherspoon starred in and produced the Hulu miniseries "Little Fires Everywhere," based on Celeste Ng's novel of the same name.
2020: "Draper James Loves Teachers" Initiative
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Witherspoon demonstrated her support for educators through the "Draper James Loves Teachers" initiative. This initiative involved offering complimentary dresses from her clothing line to teachers.
September 2021: Premiere of The Morning Show Season Two
Following production delays due to the pandemic, the second season of "The Morning Show" finally premiered on Apple TV+ in September 2021.
2021: Witherspoon Tops Forbes' Highest-Earning Actress List
Reese Witherspoon's success in the entertainment industry reached new heights in 2021 when Forbes named her the world's highest-earning actress.
2022: Witherspoon Produces Film Adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing"
Reese Witherspoon served as a producer on the film adaptation of Delia Owens' bestselling novel "Where the Crawdads Sing" in 2022.
2022: Film Adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing"
The 2022 film adaptation of "Where the Crawdads Sing," a previous selection of Reese's Book Club, achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming a box office hit. Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine, played a pivotal role in bringing the story to the big screen.
March 2023: Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth Announce Divorce
Just before their 12th anniversary, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth revealed their decision to divorce in March 2023.
2023: Executive Production of My Kind of Country
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon took on the role of executive producer, alongside Kacey Musgraves, for "My Kind of Country," a country music competition show.
2023: Witherspoon Named One of America's Richest Women
In 2023, Reese Witherspoon's financial success was highlighted when she was recognized as one of the richest women in America by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $440 million.
2023: Witherspoon Produces Miniseries "Daisy Jones & the Six"
Reese Witherspoon continued her successful streak in television production in 2023 with the miniseries adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Daisy Jones & the Six."