History of Renée Zellweger in Timeline

Renée Zellweger is a highly acclaimed American actress, known for her versatile roles and remarkable achievements in the film industry. Having received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards, she has solidified her status as one of the most talented and respected actresses of her time. Her exceptional work and widespread recognition led her to become one of the world's highest-paid actresses by 2007, further demonstrating her remarkable influence and impact in the entertainment world.

April 25, 1969: Birth of Renée Zellweger

Renée Kathleen Zellweger was born on April 25, 1969.

1969: Judy Garland's Final Years

The film "Judy", in which Renée Zellweger starred, focuses on the final years of Judy Garland's life leading up to her death in 1969.

1972: Cabaret Release

The musical film "Cabaret" was released in 1972, serving as a point of comparison for later screen musicals, such as 2002's "Chicago" starring Renée Zellweger.

1986: Award-Winning Essay

In 1986, Zellweger's essay, "The Karankawas and Their Roots", won third place in the Houston Post High School Natural Science Essay Contest.

1992: Early Role in "A Taste for Killing"

While in Texas, Zellweger appeared in the independent film "A Taste for Killing" in 1992.

1992: Graduation from University of Texas

Zellweger graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 1992.

1993: Early Roles and Dazed and Confused

In 1993, Renée Zellweger appeared in minor roles, including an appearance in the film "Dazed and Confused".

1993: Murder in the Heartland and Dazed and Confused

Zellweger appeared in the ABC miniseries "Murder in the Heartland" and had an uncredited role in "Dazed and Confused" in 1993.

1994: Reality Bites and 8 Seconds

In 1994, Zellweger appeared in "Reality Bites" and the biographical film "8 Seconds".

1994: Reality Bites

Renée Zellweger appeared in the film "Reality Bites" in 1994.

1994: Love and a .45 and Independent Spirit Award

Zellweger starred in "Love and a .45" in 1994, which earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance.

1995: Empire Records

In 1995, Zellweger appeared in the film "Empire Records".

1995: First Starring Role in Texas Chainsaw Massacre Sequel

In 1995, Zellweger landed her first starring role in "The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre".

1995: The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Zellweger had her first main film role in "The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre" in 1995.

1996: Release of Bridget Jones's Diary Novel

The novel "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding, on which the film adaptation starring Renée Zellweger is based, was published in 1996.

1996: Widespread Recognition with Jerry Maguire

Zellweger gained wider recognition for her role in "Jerry Maguire" in 1996.

1996: Breakthrough with Jerry Maguire

Zellweger rose to prominence with her role in the romantic comedy "Jerry Maguire" in 1996.

April 1997: Zellweger Named One of "Hollywood's Next Wave of Stars"

Renée Zellweger was recognized as one of "Hollywood's Next Wave of Stars" by Vanity Fair in April 1997.

September 1997: Zellweger on Vanity Fair Cover

Renée Zellweger appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair in September 1997.

1998: One True Thing

In 1998, Zellweger starred in the drama "One True Thing".

1998: A Price Above Rubies and One True Thing

Zellweger starred in "A Price Above Rubies" and "One True Thing" in 1998.

1999: The Bachelor

In 1999, Zellweger starred in the romantic comedy "The Bachelor".

1999: Zellweger and Jim Carrey's Engagement Begins

Renée Zellweger and Jim Carrey's engagement began in 1999.

2000: Zellweger and Jim Carrey's Engagement Ends

Renée Zellweger and Jim Carrey's engagement ended in 2000.

2000: Golden Globe Win for Nurse Betty

Renée Zellweger won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in "Nurse Betty" in 2000.

2000: Me, Myself & Irene

Zellweger appeared in "Me, Myself & Irene" in 2000.

2001: Bridget Jones's Diary

In 2001, Renée Zellweger starred in the romantic comedy "Bridget Jones's Diary." Her casting was controversial due to her not being British, plump, or a smoker. Zellweger underwent a transformation for the role, gaining weight, learning an English accent, and using herbal cigarettes.

2001: Zellweger Named One of E!'s "Top 20 Entertainers"

In 2001, Renée Zellweger was listed among E!'s "Top 20 Entertainers."

2001: Ariel Horowitz Releases Song "Renee"

Inspired by Renée Zellweger's performance in "Jerry Maguire," Israeli singer-songwriter Ariel Horowitz wrote and released a song titled "Renee" in 2001.

2001: Bridget Jones's Diary and Academy Award Nomination

Zellweger received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Bridget Jones in 2001.

2002: Chicago and Second Academy Award Nomination

In 2002, Zellweger starred in "Chicago" and received another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

2002: White Oleander and Chicago

Renée Zellweger starred in "White Oleander" and "Chicago" in 2002. In "Chicago," she portrayed Roxie Hart, receiving critical acclaim and awards recognition for her performance. The film itself won Best Picture at the 75th Academy Awards.

2003: Down with Love and Cold Mountain

In 2003, Renée Zellweger starred in "Down with Love" and "Cold Mountain." Her performance in "Cold Mountain" earned her several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

2003: Zellweger Named One of People's "50 Most Beautiful People"

People magazine included Renée Zellweger in their list of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" in 2003.

2003: Zellweger's Relationship with Jack White

Renée Zellweger had a brief relationship with musician Jack White in 2003.

2003: Academy Award Win for Cold Mountain

Renée Zellweger won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Cold Mountain" in 2003.

2004: Shark Tale and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

In 2004, Renée Zellweger voiced a character in "Shark Tale" and reprised her role in "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason."

2004: Bridget Jones Sequel

Zellweger reprised her role as Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" in 2004.

May 2005: Zellweger Marries Kenny Chesney

Renée Zellweger married singer Kenny Chesney in May 2005. The marriage was annulled four months later.

May 24, 2005: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

On May 24, 2005, Renée Zellweger received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the film industry.

2005: Zellweger Participates in HIV Prevention Campaign

Renée Zellweger participated in a Swiss HIV prevention campaign in 2005.

2006: Zellweger Meets Bradley Cooper

Renée Zellweger and Bradley Cooper met on the set of "Case 39" in 2006.

2006: Filming of Case 39

Renée Zellweger filmed "Case 39" in 2006. The film had a lengthy post-production period.

2006: Zellweger Ranked on Forbes' "Top 100 Celebrities" List

Renée Zellweger was ranked #72 on Forbes' "Top 100 Celebrities" list in 2006.

2007: Renée Zellweger Among Highest-Paid Actresses

By 2007, Renée Zellweger became one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.

2007: Miss Potter, Bee Movie, and Women in Film Crystal Award

In 2007, Renée Zellweger starred in and executive produced "Miss Potter," voiced a character in "Bee Movie," and received the Women in Film Crystal award.

October 2008: Leatherheads, Appaloosa, and Living Proof

In October 2008, Renée Zellweger appeared in "Leatherheads" and "Appaloosa," and produced the television movie "Living Proof."

2009: New in Town, Monsters vs. Aliens, and My One and Only

In 2009, Renée Zellweger starred in "New in Town" and "My One and Only," and voiced a character in "Monsters vs. Aliens."

2009: Zellweger and Bradley Cooper Begin Dating

Renée Zellweger and Bradley Cooper began dating in 2009.

2010: Release of Case 39 and My Own Love Song

"Case 39" and "My Own Love Song," starring Renée Zellweger, were released in 2010. "Case 39" had a delayed release and performed poorly at the box office.

April 2011: Renée Zellweger designs handbag for breast cancer awareness

In April 2011, Renée Zellweger partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to create a handbag, aiming to generate funds and raise public awareness for the Breast Health Institute. Zellweger's personal connection to the cause, through friends and family who battled breast cancer, motivated her involvement.

2011: Zellweger and Bradley Cooper Separate

Renée Zellweger and Bradley Cooper's relationship ended in 2011.

2011: Murder of Betsy Faria

The NBC miniseries "The Thing About Pam," starring Renée Zellweger, focuses on the events surrounding the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria.

2013: Cinnamon Girl and August: Osage County Consideration

In 2013, Renée Zellweger co-created and executive produced the pilot for "Cinnamon Girl," which was not picked up by Lifetime. She was also considered for a role in "August: Osage County."

July 2014: Filming Begins for "The Whole Truth"

In July 2014, Renée Zellweger began filming "The Whole Truth," a courtroom drama directed by Courtney Hunt and co-starring Keanu Reeves. Zellweger played Loretta Lassiter, a complex character dealing with abuse.

October 2014: Zellweger Addresses Speculation About Appearance

Following the 21st annual Elle Women in Hollywood Awards in October 2014, Renée Zellweger responded to media speculation about her appearance, stating that she was happy and acknowledging that people change as they age.

July 2016: Renée Zellweger Discusses Hiatus

In July 2016, Renée Zellweger discussed her four-year hiatus from acting, citing fatigue and a need for personal growth.

2016: "The Whole Truth" Releases

In 2016, "The Whole Truth," starring Renée Zellweger, was released in the US after a period of post-production.

2016: Return to Bridget Jones

In 2016, Zellweger returned to the role of Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones's Baby".

2016: "Bridget Jones's Baby" Released

Renée Zellweger reprised her role as Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones's Baby" in 2016. The film, co-starring Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey, follows Bridget as she navigates pregnancy and the uncertainty of the father's identity.

2017: "Same Kind of Different as Me" Released

In 2017, Renée Zellweger starred in "Same Kind of Different as Me," alongside Djimon Hounsou, Olivia Holt, and Jon Voight. She portrayed the wife of an art dealer whose life is transformed by a homeless man.

2018: "Here and Now" Released

Renée Zellweger appeared in the independent drama "Here and Now" in 2018, playing the friend of a New York City singer facing a life-altering medical diagnosis. The film also starred Sarah Jessica Parker.

September 2019: "Judy" Premieres at Telluride Film Festival

"Judy," the biographical drama starring Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2019. The film also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival that same month.

2019: Zellweger Stars in Netflix's "What/If"

In 2019, Renée Zellweger took on her first major television role in the Netflix thriller miniseries "What/If," playing the enigmatic venture capitalist Anne Montgomery.

2019: Judy Garland Portrayal and Second Academy Award Win

Zellweger starred as Judy Garland in the biopic "Judy" in 2019, winning her second Academy Award for Best Actress.

June 2021: Zellweger Starts Dating Ant Anstead

Renée Zellweger began dating English television presenter Ant Anstead in June 2021 after meeting on the set of "Celebrity IOU: Joyride."

2022: The Thing About Pam

Renée Zellweger starred as Pam Hupp in the NBC crime miniseries "The Thing About Pam" in 2022.

2022: Zellweger Stars in "The Thing About Pam"

Renée Zellweger starred as Pam Hupp in the NBC true crime miniseries "The Thing About Pam" in 2022. The series revolved around the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria.