Cameron Diaz has amassed an impressive net worth of $140 million.
This wealth stems from her highly successful career in Hollywood.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she was a major box office draw, starring in films that collectively grossed over $3 billion in the US alone.
Cameron’s roles ranged from comedic gems like There’s Something About Mary and Charlie’s Angels to dramatic turns in films like Vanilla Sky and Gangs of New York.
This versatility not only showcased her talent but also broadened her appeal, making her a bankable star.
At the peak of her career, Cameron commanded high salaries, reportedly earning over $160 million from base film salaries alone.
She was even one of the first actresses to break the $20 million barrier for a single film role.
Perhaps the most notable example is her work in Bad Teacher, where backend points ultimately translated into a massive $42 million payday.
While Cameron stepped back from acting in 2014, her net worth continues to be a reflection of her enduring impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Salaries
Cameron has commanded a hefty paycheck throughout her acting career.
For instance, she earned $2 million for her breakout role in There’s Something About Mary.
As she became a bonafide A-lister, her fees skyrocketed.
The Charlie’s Angels franchise proved particularly lucrative, with Cameron reportedly pocketing $12 million for the first film and a cool $20 million for the sequel.
This placed her among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.
But Cameron wasn’t afraid to take a gamble. In a savvy move for Bad Teacher, she opted for a lower upfront salary of $1 million in exchange for a significant percentage of the film’s profits.
This gamble paid off in a big way. The movie’s unexpected box office success of over $210 million translated to a staggering $42 million payday for Cameron, proving that profit-sharing deals can be incredibly rewarding.
Even after stepping away from acting for a while, estimates suggest her minimum salary for a starring role today would still be a very respectable $10 million, with the potential to reach up to $20 million depending on the project.
This speaks to her enduring popularity and influence in Hollywood.
Career
While she started out in modeling, Cameron transitioned into acting in the early 1990s.
Her breakout role came in the 1994 comedy, The Mask, alongside Jim Carrey.
This launched her into the spotlight and she followed it up with roles in several comedies, including My Best Friend’s Wedding.
Cameron truly solidified her A-list status with the smash hit There’s Something About Mary in 1998, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, she continued to reign supreme in the comedy genre, starring in movies like Charlie’s Angels, In Her Shoes and The Holiday.
Her comedic timing and charm made her a box office favorite, and her films collectively grossed over $3 billion in the US alone.
Beyond comedies, Cameron also demonstrated her range with dramatic roles.
She lent her voice to Princess Fiona in the popular Shrek franchise and took on more serious parts in films like Vanilla Sky and The Counselor.
By 2013, she was recognized as the highest-paid actress over 40.
Cameron capped off her successful career with a string of comedies in 2014, including The Other Woman and Annie.
However, she then decided to step away from acting to focus on her personal life.
In 2022, news broke that Cameron would be returning to acting, much to the delight of her fans.
Awards and recognitions
Cameron has been recognized for her acting talents throughout her career, though she hasn’t taken home an Academy Award.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hands out the Golden Globes, has shown her the most love.
She’s received four Golden Globe nominations: one for a leading role in the wacky comedy There’s Something About Mary, and three for supporting roles in films like the mind-bending Being John Malkovich and the historical drama, Gangs of New York.
Her talent for portraying strong supporting characters has also been acknowledged by the Screen Actors Guild, which represents actors in the film and television industry.
Cameron’s been nominated for three Screen Actors Guild Awards, including two for supporting actress and one for outstanding performance by the entire cast in a movie, again for Being John Malkovich.
While awards are prestigious, commercial success is another indicator of achievement in Hollywood.
Cameron’s films have been box office gold, grossing over $3 billion in the US alone.
This commercial success, along with her comedic timing and charisma, solidified her status as a major box office draw and a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
In recognition of her contributions to the film industry, Cameron received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.
Retirement
Cameron initially stepped away from acting in 2018, citing a desire to focus on other aspects of her life.
This came after a successful career filled with iconic roles in movies like There’s Something About Mary, Charlie’s Angels and The Mask.
However, in 2022, Cameron surprised fans by announcing her return to acting.
She teamed up with Jamie Foxx, a former co-star, for the Netflix action-comedy, Back in Action.
This reunion project seemed to signal a potential full-fledged comeback.
But then, in 2023, reports swirled that Diaz might be retiring again.
Apparently, the long filming hours for Back in Action proved difficult to balance with her family life, particularly her role as a mom to her young daughter.
There were also rumors of on-set drama surrounding Foxx, which may have further contributed to her decision.
While there haven’t been any official pronouncements from Cameron herself, it seems she might be taking another break from acting after filming Back in Action wraps.
Only time will tell if this is another hiatus or a more permanent farewell to the big screen.
Personal life
Cameron is married to musician Benji Madden, guitarist for the band Good Charlotte.
They tied the knot in 2015 and have since built a family together.
In 2019, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Raddix.
The couple kept the pregnancy private, and details surrounding it remain unknown.
They prioritize their children’s privacy and haven’t shared photos of Raddix on social media.
However, Cameron has spoken openly about the joys of motherhood, calling Raddix “the best thing that ever happened” to her and Benji.
Just this year, in March 2024, their family grew even bigger. Cameron and Benji announced the arrival of their second child, a son they named Cardinal.
Again, they opted for privacy and haven’t shared pictures of their son, but they expressed their excitement and happiness about his arrival.
It seems Cameron and Madden are cherishing their life as parents and are a team dedicated to raising their children out of the spotlight.
Real estate
Cameron along with her husband musician Benji Madden, has built an impressive real estate portfolio over the years.
Their holdings span across both coasts of the United States.
One of their most recent acquisitions is a sprawling mansion in Montecito, California.
This property reportedly cost them a cool $18.1 million and boasts a luxurious lifestyle.
The house itself is designed in a modern farmhouse style and offers ample space with seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms.
The expansive grounds feature mature trees, patios, a firepit, an outdoor kitchen and even a plunge pool with a spa and waterfall.
In 2020, they purchased a modern farmhouse in Beverly Hills for $14.7 million.
This luxurious property features a sleek design with open-plan living spaces, neutral tones and high-end finishes.
With seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms, it caters to comfortable living and entertaining.
There’s a media room, a home office, and a lavish master suite complete with a sitting area, fireplace, private balcony and his-and-hers bathrooms.
The outdoors boast privacy and relaxation with mature trees, patios and a firepit, along with an impressive pool and spa setup.
Beyond their California estates, Cameron reportedly owns a chic three-bedroom condo in Chelsea, New York City.
This residence likely provides a pied-à-terre when they’re on the East Coast.
Interestingly, Cameron has also held onto a longtime property located above the famed Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.
This suggests a sentimental attachment to this residence, perhaps from her earlier years in Hollywood.