Almost 10 years since she stepped away from the spotlight, Cameron Diaz made a rare appearance at a recent event, “stunning” fans who asked, “what happened to her?”
When Diaz was only 21, she landed the leading female role in 1994’s The Mask, opposite funny man Jim Carrey. It’s hard to believe she had no acting experience at the time.
“I was ready to have a nervous breakdown,” the model turned actor told Entertainment Weekly in an interview the same year the film was released. “I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep. I got an ulcer. I thought I was going to throw up my first day. I kept thinking, ‘I’m going to disappoint them and they’re going to fire me.”’
Her performance in the film launched her career into the stratosphere and through 1990s and early 2000s, Diaz was one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading ladies.
The star of There’s Something About Mary appeared in over 40 movies averaging around three movies a year during the 90s. She was seen in everything from romantic comedies such as My Best Friend’s Wedding to critically acclaimed movies such as Being John Malkovich and Oliver Stone’s sports drama Any Given Sunday.
The star of Charlie’s Angels also loaned her voice to the iconic Princess Fiona in the Shrek franchise. But at the height of her career, the then 40-year-old top-earning actress made a decision that would change the course of her life.
She retired after her 2014 film Annie, where she starred alongside Jamie Foxx. “For me, it was just something I had to do,” Diaz said onstage at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit. “It felt like something I had to do to reclaim my own life. And I just really didn’t care about anything else.”
“Nobody’s opinion, nobody’s success, no one’s offer, no one’s anything could change my mind about my decision of taking care of myself and building the life that I really wanted to have. It really comes to: What are you passionate about? For me, it was to build my family.”
Diaz, 52, shares two children – daughter Raddix, 6, and son Cardinal (born March 2024) – with her husband Benji Madden. Diaz and Madden got married in 2015, right around when Diaz quit acting to focus on her family and later her organic wine business, Avaline.
But she couldn’t resist the invitation from her Annie co-star.
Diaz announced on an Instagram Story (through Variety) that she was making a comeback: “Jamie Foxx, only you could get me back in action!!! I can’t frickin wait it’s gonna be a blast!”
‘It’s a shame’
Recently, the star of The Holiday appeared at Elle magazine’s Women in Hollywood, an event that brought together influential women from various industries to honor their achievements and contributions to the entertainment world.
The actor stunned in a sleek all-black Ralph Lauren ensemble, radiating timeless sophistication. Her look included a shimmering sequined long-sleeve top, perfectly paired with a flowing high-waisted skirt, elegantly cinched at the waist with a delicate belt.
She finished the ensemble with sheer black stockings and pointed-toe heels, bringing a touch of classic charm to the look. Diaz’s signature blonde hair was styled in effortless loose waves, while her makeup showcased a soft palette with a pink lipstick and subtly defined eyes, flawlessly enhancing her elegant outfit.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions to Diaz’s attendance, many critiquing her appearance.
One netizen decides her outfit is all wrong: “She’s forever beautiful but those colors are not flattering. Wearing the wrong colors can age us.” While a second attacks her iconic smile: Low-key Jack [Nicholson] joker smile.”
Some users suggest she’s had too many cosmetic tweaks: “Wouldn’t have recognized her!!! So beautiful and still felt the need to plasticise herself!!” writes one, while another pens, “It’s a shame she’s gone down the filler route, I wouldn’t have guessed it was her!”
“Why these beautiful women keep ruining their faces,” adds a third netizen.
Another, commenting on a photo of Diaz and Demi Moore who was also at the event, shares, “Isn’t Cameron [10] years younger than Demi…what happened to her?”
Many fans jumped to defend the star, praising her elegance and timeless beauty.
One shares, “This is what a 52-year-old woman who takes care of herself and accepts the aging process should look. Stunning.”
Others praised the star’s brilliant smile: “She’s always had a big, beautiful smile,” shares one while another adds, “Looking so great. Her smile is her best accessory.”
We think Cameron Diaz is still stunning and it’s nice to see her making public appearances again! Please let us know what you think about this amazing leading lady!