Cameron Diaz is “Back in Action” After 11 Year Break From Acting
Cameron Diaz rose to fame in the 1990s with standout roles in films like “The Mask” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading ladies. She continued to shine in a variety of roles, from her comedic turn in “There’s Something About Mary” to her action-packed performance in “Charlie’s Angels” and its sequel. After taking a break from acting in 2014 to focus on business and family, Diaz made her long-awaited return to the big screen in 2025 with “Back in Action”, starring alongside Jamie Foxx. The film marks a thrilling comeback for Diaz, blending her sharp comedic timing with action in a story about former CIA agents pulled back into espionage.
1. “The Mask”
In “The Mask”, Cameron Diaz made her breakthrough as the charming and charismatic Tina Carlyle, a sultry lounge singer who becomes the love interest of the quirky protagonist, Stanley Ipkiss (played by Jim Carrey). Diaz’s character is caught up in a whirlwind of chaos when Ipkiss, after finding a magical mask, transforms into a wild, unpredictable version of himself. Tina is both captivated and intrigued by the Mask’s larger-than-life persona, making the role a perfect mix of glamour, humor, and romance. Diaz’s performance helped cement her status as a rising star, showcasing her natural comedic timing and undeniable screen presence.
2. “My Best Friend’s Wedding”
In “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, Cameron Diaz played Kimberly Wallace, the sweet, lovable fiancée of the film’s protagonist, Michael (Dermot Mulroney). Kimberly is a sunny, charming woman who, though initially oblivious to the romantic tension between Michael and his best friend, Julianne (Julia Roberts), becomes the object of Julianne’s desperate attempts to stop the wedding. Diaz’s portrayal of Kimberly was endearing, capturing her innocence and warmth, and providing a perfect foil to Julia Roberts’ more cynical and scheming character. Her performance added a touch of sweetness to the film, making Kimberly a memorable part of this classic romantic comedy.
3. “There’s Something About Mary”
In “There’s Something About Mary”, Cameron Diaz played Mary Jensen, the charming and effortlessly beautiful woman at the center of a comedic love triangle. Her character is the object of affection for both Ben Stiller’s character, Ted, and a series of other quirky suitors, all of whom have been in love with her since high school. Diaz’s performance as the sweet, yet hilariously clueless Mary brought warmth and heart to the film, making her both the romantic lead and the source of much of the movie’s outrageous humor. Her role in this hit comedy showcased her comedic timing and solidified her as a leading lady in Hollywood.
4. “Being John Malkovich”
In “Being John Malkovich”, Cameron Diaz played Lotte Schwartz, a quirky and conflicted character who discovers a portal into actor John Malkovich’s mind. Lotte, married to a puppeteer named Craig (John Cusack), becomes increasingly obsessed with the portal, which allows her to experience life through Malkovich’s eyes. Diaz’s portrayal of Lotte was eccentric and layered, balancing the character’s surreal fascination with self-discovery and her complex emotional journey. Her performance added a unique, offbeat energy to the film, contributing to its surreal exploration of identity, desire, and control.
5. “Charlie’s Angels”
In “Charlie’s Angels”, Cameron Diaz played Natalie Cook, one of the three skilled and fearless Angels working for the mysterious Charlie. A fun-loving and energetic character, Natalie is a former police officer with expert combat and driving skills. Diaz’s portrayal combined action, humor, and charm, making her a standout as the bubbly but tough Angel. Her performance in the film, which blended martial arts and high-octane stunts, helped establish Charlie’s Angels as a successful, action-packed franchise while showcasing Diaz’s ability to handle both physical and comedic roles.
6. “Shrek”
In the “Shrek” franchise, Cameron Diaz voiced Princess Fiona, the independent and spirited princess who falls in love with the grumpy ogre, Shrek. Initially cursed to transform into an ogre by night, Fiona’s character evolves over the films, embracing her true self and her love for Shrek. Diaz’s voice performance brought warmth, humor, and depth to Fiona, making her a beloved character in the series.
Diaz returned for all the Shrek sequels, including “Shrek 2”, “Shrek the Third”, and “Shrek Forever After”, further cementing Fiona as an iconic animated character. She is also set to reprise her role in the upcoming “Shrek 5”, currently slated for release before Christmas 2026, much to the excitement of fans who have followed the franchise for years.
7. “Vanilla Sky”
In “Vanilla Sky”, Cameron Diaz played Julie Gianni, a passionate and emotionally unstable woman who is deeply in love with Tom Cruise’s character, David Aames. Julie’s obsessive feelings for David lead to a tumultuous relationship that becomes central to the film’s exploration of love, betrayal, and reality. Diaz’s performance added intensity to the psychological drama, portraying Julie’s descent into jealousy and desperation as she navigates the complexities of her relationship with David. Her role was pivotal in driving the emotional and narrative twists of the film, showcasing her ability to play complex and intense characters.
8. “Gangs of New York”
In “Gangs of New York”, Cameron Diaz played Jenny Everdeane, a street-smart pickpocket with a mysterious past, caught between the warring factions of 19th-century New York City. Jenny is romantically involved with Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Amsterdam Vallon, while also navigating her complex loyalty to Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), the film’s brutal antagonist. Diaz’s portrayal of Jenny blended toughness and vulnerability, capturing her character’s struggle for survival in a violent, tumultuous world. Her performance added emotional depth to the film’s gritty historical narrative, further enhancing its dramatic tension.
9. “The Holiday”
In “The Holiday”, Cameron Diaz played Amanda Woods, a successful, workaholic businesswoman who swaps homes for the holidays with Iris (Kate Winslet), a more reserved and romantic woman from England. Amanda escapes to the English countryside to heal from a recent breakup, where she finds unexpected romance with Iris’s brother, Graham (Jude Law). Diaz’s portrayal of Amanda brought a blend of charm, wit, and vulnerability to the character, making her a relatable figure in a holiday romance. Over the years, “The Holiday” has become a beloved Christmas classic, praised for its heartwarming story, festive setting, and the chemistry between its leads, making it a go-to feel-good film during the holiday season.
10. “What Happens in Vegas”
In “What Happens in Vegas”, Cameron Diaz played Joy McNally, a successful but unlucky-in-love woman who, after a wild night in Las Vegas, wakes up to find herself married to a stranger, played by Ashton Kutcher. The pair, both seeking to resolve their chaotic lives, decide to stay married in order to claim a large jackpot they won together at a casino. Diaz’s performance as the high-strung, yet endearing Joy brought a mix of comedy and charm to the film, as her character learns to navigate the unexpected complications of marriage and personal growth. The film’s light-hearted humor and Diaz’s chemistry with Kutcher made it a fun romantic comedy.
11. “Bad Teacher”
In “Bad Teacher”, Cameron Diaz played Elizabeth Halsey, a cynical and abrasive middle school teacher who is more interested in finding a rich husband than actually teaching her students. Known for her lazy attitude and sharp tongue, Elizabeth’s self-centered, morally questionable behavior drives much of the film’s humor. Diaz’s performance brought a wickedly funny edge to the character, embracing the film’s dark comedy as Elizabeth navigates a love triangle and attempts to get ahead in the school system. Her role as the unconventional, flawed teacher became one of the standout comedic performances of her career.
12. “Annie” (Cameron’s Last Role For 11 Years)
In “Annie”, Cameron Diaz played the role of Miss Hannigan, the cruel and flamboyant orphanage director who mistreats the children in her care, particularly the optimistic Annie. Diaz brought a comedic, over-the-top energy to the role, adding a modern twist to the classic villain. This film marked Diaz’s final acting role before her break from Hollywood, as she retired from acting in 2014. After a long hiatus, she is set to return in “Back in Action“, her first film in over a decade, alongside Jamie Foxx.
Cameron Diaz’s acting career has spanned decades, with memorable roles in everything from romantic comedies to action-packed blockbusters, showcasing her versatility and charm. Her performances in films like “The Mask”, “There’s Something About Mary”, “Shrek”, and “Charlie’s Angels” have made her a beloved figure in Hollywood, and her ability to bring both humor and heart to her roles has left a lasting impact on audiences.
After a well-deserved break from acting since 2014, we are thrilled to see Diaz return to the big screen in “Back in Action”, alongside Jamie Foxx. Fans are eager to witness her comeback, bringing her signature wit and charisma to a new action-comedy adventure. It’s exciting to know that Diaz’s much-anticipated return promises to be just as captivating and entertaining as her previous iconic roles.
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