Cameron Diaz has been a household name for decades, known for her stunning beauty, infectious personality, and her diverse acting career. From her breakout role in The Mask to her iconic performances in Charlie’s Angels and Shrek, Diaz has made a significant impact on Hollywood. But beyond her roles on the big screen, there are fascinating aspects of her life that many fans may not know. In this article, we uncover 7 surprising secrets about Cameron Diaz’s life, with a particular focus on #4, which is bound to leave you shocked.
1. She Was Discovered While Modeling in the ‘90s
Before Cameron Diaz became one of the biggest movie stars of the late 90s and early 2000s, she was working as a model. At the age of 16, Diaz was discovered by a photographer while she was still in high school. This led to a lucrative career in modeling, and soon she was gracing the pages of major magazines like Seventeen and Elle.
Her modeling career didn’t last too long, though. Diaz eventually transitioned into acting, making her film debut in 1994 in the hit comedy The Mask alongside Jim Carrey. The movie was a smash success and launched Diaz into Hollywood stardom almost overnight. Despite being thrust into the limelight at such a young age, Diaz handled the transition gracefully and became one of the most sought-after actresses of the 90s.
2. She Almost Didn’t Take the Role in Shrek
You might not associate Cameron Diaz with a green, ogre-voiced character, but she brought Princess Fiona to life in the wildly popular Shrek franchise. However, what you might not know is that Diaz almost turned down the role entirely. At the time, the script for Shrek was relatively unknown, and animated films weren’t yet the colossal box office draw they are today.
Diaz had never voiced an animated character before and wasn’t sure if she wanted to take the plunge into the world of voice acting. In fact, she was initially hesitant, thinking it might be a one-off experience that wouldn’t amount to much. But her gut told her to go for it, and the decision paid off—Shrek became an international success, and Diaz’s portrayal of Princess Fiona earned her widespread acclaim.
In fact, Shrek ended up becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, and Diaz reprised her role in all four Shrek sequels. The series would go on to become one of the most beloved animated franchises in film history, and Diaz’s voice became synonymous with Princess Fiona for a generation of fans.
3. She Took a Break from Acting to Focus on Her Health and Business Ventures
Despite her ongoing success in Hollywood, Diaz took a significant break from acting starting in 2014. After years of filming blockbuster movies, Cameron Diaz decided to take a step back from her career to focus on her health, personal life, and new ventures outside of acting.
Diaz had always been passionate about living a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and during her break from acting, she fully embraced a new phase of self-care and wellness. She began writing books about health and wellness, with her 2016 book The Longevity Book receiving significant praise for its approach to aging and living a long, healthy life. She also became heavily involved in business ventures, co-founding the organic wine company, Avaline, in 2020.
Her decision to prioritize her health and build a life outside of acting surprised many of her fans, especially since she had been a Hollywood fixture for so long. But Cameron Diaz’s break gave her the opportunity to redefine her identity and pursue passions that were meaningful to her. Her commitment to health and wellness has been a major part of her post-Hollywood journey.
4. Cameron Diaz Was Married Twice Before Meeting Benji Madden – Here’s Why #4 Is So Surprising!
This one might truly shock you! While Cameron Diaz’s marriage to Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden has been well-documented, what many people don’t realize is that she had been married twice before their union. And here’s the twist: her previous marriages were not as publicized, and the reasons behind those relationships may surprise you.
Diaz’s first marriage was to actor Matt Dillon in the late 1990s. The two had been in a long-term relationship, and their split was largely kept private. The details of their marriage and breakup were never fully revealed to the public, and much of what transpired between them remains a mystery to this day.
Her second marriage was to singer Justin Timberlake in the early 2000s. The two were one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples during their time together, but they broke up in 2007. Diaz and Timberlake’s breakup was incredibly public, and much of the media coverage focused on the reasons behind the split, including rumors about infidelity. Despite the very public nature of their breakup, Diaz and Timberlake have remained on good terms over the years, and their friendship has remained intact.
Then came Benji Madden, and this is where it gets interesting. Diaz’s relationship with Benji was notably more low-key than her previous high-profile marriages. They married in 2015, and the couple kept their relationship incredibly private compared to her earlier ones. Diaz has been open about the fact that she didn’t expect to get married again but found something truly special in Benji Madden, a relationship built on love, trust, and mutual respect.
This surprising revelation shows how much Diaz has evolved in her approach to relationships and how her journey to love took some unexpected turns. It also highlights that no matter how many twists and turns life may take, sometimes the most unexpected outcomes are the most rewarding.
5. She Was Close Friends With Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu – The Charlie’s Angels Bond is Real!
Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu formed one of Hollywood’s most iconic trios in the Charlie’s Angels films. The chemistry between the three actresses was undeniable, and their bond on-screen was mirrored by a strong friendship off-screen.
Diaz and Barrymore, in particular, have been close friends for years. The two often speak fondly of their relationship, and Diaz has even referred to Barrymore as her “best friend.” Their mutual respect and admiration for one another have endured long after the Charlie’s Angels films were completed, and they continue to support each other’s endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Diaz and Liu also formed a strong friendship while working on the Charlie’s Angels films. Liu has shared stories of the close-knit bond the three women shared on set, and the chemistry they built helped make the movies even more enjoyable for fans. Liu and Diaz’s friendship extends beyond the film industry, with both actresses continuing to show up for one another when needed.
This sisterhood between Diaz, Barrymore, and Liu is a true testament to the importance of building genuine, supportive relationships in the competitive world of Hollywood.
6. She’s Passionate About Environmentalism
Cameron Diaz has always been passionate about the environment and sustainability. She’s taken part in numerous eco-friendly initiatives throughout her career and has often spoken about the importance of protecting the planet. One of her most notable efforts was co-authoring the book The Green Beauty Guide, which explores ways to use eco-friendly beauty products to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, Diaz has advocated for the use of green energy in households and works closely with companies focused on environmental preservation. Her environmentalism is evident not only in her personal life but also in her public persona, as she frequently encourages fans to live a more sustainable life.
7. She Embraced Motherhood Later in Life
Cameron Diaz’s decision to become a mother came later in life than many people expected. In 2019, at the age of 47, Diaz and her husband Benji Madden welcomed their first child, a daughter named Raddix. Diaz has been open about her decision to wait until later in life to become a mother, citing her career and personal growth as the driving factors behind the timing of her choice.
Motherhood has brought a new sense of fulfillment to Diaz’s life, and she has expressed how much she loves the experience. The couple’s decision to keep their daughter’s life private has allowed them to enjoy family life without the constant scrutiny of the public eye.
Cameron Diaz has led a fascinating life, filled with unexpected twists, private moments, and public triumphs. Whether it’s her transition from modeling to acting, her surprising marriages, or her unexpected friendships, there’s so much more to her than meets the eye. Through it all, Diaz has continued to stay true to herself and embrace the changes life throws her way. No matter where her journey takes her next, one thing is clear—she’ll continue to surprise and inspire us all.
