Cameron Diaz: From Hollywood Success to Retirement and Return

Cameron Diaz’s Hollywood journey has been marked by remarkable success, from breakout roles in “The Mask” and “There’s Something About Mary” to iconic franchises like “Shrek” and “Charlie’s Angels.” However, her absence from the silver screen in recent years has left fans wondering about her whereabouts. The reason? Diaz retired from acting in 2017, a decision she made to prioritize her personal life and family.

Despite her hiatus from Hollywood, Diaz’s legacy as one of the most successful actresses in the industry remains intact. Her films have collectively grossed over $3 billion at the US box office, earning her the distinction of being the fifth-highest-grossing actress of all time. Additionally, she garnered four Golden Globe nominations.

In the early 2010s, Diaz’s career was still flourishing. She was the highest-paid Hollywood actress over 40 in 2013 and appeared in three films in 2014: “The Other Woman,” “Sex Tape,” and “Annie.” However, after this productive period, Diaz chose to step back from the limelight to focus on her personal life.

Diaz married Good Charlotte musician Benji Madden, and the couple welcomed their daughter Raddix in 2019 through surrogacy. Diaz explained her decision to retire in an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow, highlighting her desire for a different life that included more space for her personal life.

She acknowledged the toll that the demanding schedule of a movie star takes, saying, “When you’re making a movie, it’s the perfect excuse. They own you. You’re there 12 hours a day for months on end. You have no time for anything else.” Diaz also expressed her realization that she had delegated parts of her life to others and needed to take responsibility for herself.

During her time away from acting, Diaz authored two bestselling health books, “The Body Book” and “The Longevity Book.” Although she enjoyed her retirement and had no regrets about leaving Hollywood, she recently decided to make a return to the screen.

In the upcoming film “Back in Action,” set to be released on Netflix, Diaz will star alongside Jamie Foxx. The decision to return to acting was motivated by the chance to work with Foxx again, as they had previously collaborated on projects like “Any Given Sunday” and “Annie.” Diaz emphasized that her family remains her priority and that her return to acting is a temporary endeavor.

Reports suggest that after completing filming for “Back in Action,” Diaz plans to retire once again. Sources state that the demanding work schedule and time away from her family have taken a toll on her, and Diaz is eager to focus on her role as a mother.

Diaz’s decision to retire from acting highlights the importance of balancing personal and professional priorities. Her success in Hollywood and her subsequent choice to step back from the industry demonstrate her commitment to embracing new chapters in life.