Cameron Diaz is a retired American actress, model, and author known for her comedic timing, charm, and versatility. Her rise to stardom in the 1990s and 2000s solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most prominent actresses.
Early Life
- Full Name: Cameron Michelle Diaz
- Date of Birth: August 30, 1972
- Place of Birth: San Diego, California, USA
- Family:
- Father: Emilio Diaz, a foreman for an oil company.
- Mother: Billie Early, an import/export agent.
- Siblings: Chimene Diaz (sister).
- Heritage: Cameron is of Cuban descent on her father’s side and has English, German, and Native American ancestry from her mother.
- Education: She attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where she was classmates with rapper Snoop Dogg.
Modeling Career
- At the age of 16, Cameron began her career as a model, signing with Elite Model Management.
- She worked internationally and appeared in commercials for major brands like Coca-Cola, Levi’s, and Calvin Klein.
Acting Career
Breakthrough (1994):
- Cameron made her acting debut in The Mask (1994) alongside Jim Carrey. Her performance as Tina Carlyle catapulted her to fame.
Rise to Stardom (1995–2000):
- After The Mask, Cameron starred in a mix of comedies, dramas, and indie films, including:
- My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) alongside Julia Roberts.
- There’s Something About Mary (1998), which became a cultural phenomenon and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
- Being John Malkovich (1999), where she received critical acclaim for her transformative role.
- Charlie’s Angels (2000), which showcased her action and comedic abilities.
Established Star (2001–2014):
- Cameron voiced Princess Fiona in DreamWorks’ Shrek franchise (2001–2010), one of the most successful animated series of all time.
- Other notable films include:
- Vanilla Sky (2001) with Tom Cruise.
- Gangs of New York (2002) directed by Martin Scorsese.
- The Holiday (2006), a beloved romantic comedy.
- Bad Teacher (2011), showcasing her comedic edge.
Retirement (2014):
- Cameron’s final film role before retiring was in the musical adaptation of Annie (2014). She stepped away from acting to focus on her personal life and other pursuits.
Other Ventures
- Author: Cameron has written two health and wellness books:
- The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body (2013).
- The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time (2016).
- Business: In 2020, she co-founded Avaline, a wine brand focusing on clean, organic ingredients.
Personal Life
- Husband: Cameron married musician Benji Madden, guitarist of Good Charlotte, in 2015.
- Children: The couple welcomed a daughter, Raddix Madden, in December 2019.
- Lifestyle: Cameron is known for her health-conscious lifestyle and focus on family and wellness since stepping away from Hollywood.
Legacy
Cameron Diaz remains an iconic figure in Hollywood despite her retirement. Her roles in groundbreaking films, combined with her relatable personality and comedic talent, have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
