Cameron Diaz, born on August 30, 1972, in San Diego, California, is a multifaceted American actress and model who has made a significant impact in both comedy and drama. Raised in Long Beach, she began her career in the entertainment industry while still in high school, signing a modeling contract with Elite Model Management. Diaz made her film debut at the age of 21 in the iconic comedy The Mask (1994), which set the stage for her illustrious career.
Her breakout role came in 1998 with the Farrelly brothers' comedy There's Something About Mary, earning her widespread recognition and her first Golden Globe nomination. Following this success, Diaz showcased her versatility in various genres, starring in the sports drama Any Given Sunday and the fantasy film Being John Malkovich, both released in 1999. Her ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.
Throughout the early 2000s, Diaz continued to captivate audiences with her performances in films such as Charlie's Angels (2000) and its sequel, as well as voicing Princess Fiona in the beloved Shrek franchise. Her impressive filmography includes notable titles like Vanilla Sky, Gangs of New York, and Bad Teacher. After a series of successful comedies in 2014, including The Other Woman and Sex Tape, Diaz took a step back from acting to focus on her family, but she made a triumphant return in 2025 with the action comedy Back in Action.
In addition to her acting career, Diaz is also a published author, having written two health books: The Body Book (2013) and The Longevity Book (2016), both of which have garnered acclaim. Her personal life, particularly her marriage to Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden in 2015 and their two children via surrogate, has attracted significant media attention, further highlighting her status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.