Reese Witherspoon's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Reese Witherspoon.

Reese Witherspoon is a highly acclaimed American actress and producer, recognized with an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. She has been repeatedly named as one of the most influential people globally by Time magazine and one of the world's most powerful women by Forbes. Notably, she was the world's highest-earning actress in 2021 and is among the richest women in America with a net worth estimated at $440 million.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: Breakthrough Role in 'Cruel Intentions' and 'Election'

In 1999, Reese Witherspoon had her breakthrough with a supporting role in "Cruel Intentions" and her portrayal of Tracy Flick in the black comedy "Election."

2001: Gained Recognition in 'Legally Blonde'

In 2001, Reese Witherspoon gained wider recognition for playing Elle Woods in the comedy "Legally Blonde".

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2001: Starred in 'Legally Blonde'

In 2001, Reese Witherspoon starred as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde", which marked a turning point in her career.

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2005: Starred in Walk the Line

In 2005, Reese Witherspoon starred as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line". She performed her own vocals and won several awards for her acclaimed portrayal. She did not get a chance to meet June Carter Cash as she was filming Vanity Fair when the singer died.

2005: 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".

2006: Listed Among the Time 100

In 2006, Reese Witherspoon was listed among the Time 100, with her featured article written by Luke Wilson. Also selected as one of the "100 Sexiest Women In The World" by FHM readers.

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.

2007: Forbes Magazine

In 2007, Forbes Magazine included Reese Witherspoon on the annual Celebrity 100 list.

2007: Best-Dressed Female Star and Highest-Paid Actress

In 2007, Reese Witherspoon was selected as one of the year's best-dressed female stars by People and Access Hollywood. She also became the highest-paid actress in the American film industry, earning $15 to $20 million per film.

2010: Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2010, Reese Witherspoon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.

April 2011: People's Most Beautiful Issue

In April 2011, Reese Witherspoon ranked No. 3 on the 22nd annual People's Most Beautiful issue.

2014: Produced and Starred in 'Wild'

In 2014, Reese Witherspoon made a comeback by producing and starring as Cheryl Strayed in the drama "Wild", which earned her a second Academy Award nomination.

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 recognized Reese Witherspoon as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, marking her second appearance on the list.

2017: Highest-Paid Primetime Emmy Nominee

In 2017, Forbes reported Reese Witherspoon's career earnings were in excess of $198 million, making her the highest-paid primetime Emmy nominee.

November 2019: Premiere of "The Morning Show" Season 1

In November 2019, the first season of "The Morning Show", starring Reese Witherspoon alongside Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell, premiered on Apple TV+.