10 Cameron Diaz’s Most Iconic Movie Roles That Defines The Actress’s Illustrious Career
Cameron Diaz is a name that needs no introduction in the Entertainment industry. One of the most iconic and talented actresses of her generation, Diaz is very much capable of playing a variety of different roles with ease. From comedy to drama, the Long Beach native has done it all, and her performances have won her critical acclaim from pundits and a legion of loyal audiences. And even more than an actress, Diaz is also an author, a movie producer, and a well-known model.
From her breakout role in The Mask to the charming Natalie Cook in Charlie’s Angel, there is something about the former actress that keeps the fans’ eyes hooked up to the screen every time she appears. Why don’t we take a trip down memory lane, and revisit some of the greatest moments in Cameron Diaz's decorated career, to see what a successful and talented the actress is in her prime.
#1. Natalie Cook – Charlie’s Angel (2000)
Source: Sony Pictures
One of Diaz’s most popular and iconic roles, the actress was the star of the show along with co-stars Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu. The action-packed movie is about three highly skilled female detectives, who got recruited by the mysterious billionaire Charlie Townsend to solve a dangerous case involving stolen technology, without using any kind of weapons in the process.
While being the co-producer of the film, Drew Barrymore generously gave her co-star the flashiest role of the three, and while Diaz was already a quite established name back then, the actress’s popularity skyrocketed thanks to the movie.
#2. Princess Fiona – Shrek (2001)
Source: Dreamworks Animation
It turns out Diaz is quite talented in the voice-acting caliber as well, voicing Princess Fiona in the Dreamworks classic Shrek back in 2001. The animated film tells the story of a grumpy ogre who goes on a quest to rescue a princess from the evil dragon with the help of a talkative donkey, and discovers the true meaning of friendship and acceptance along the way.
The movie was highly appreciated by both fans and critics and becomes one of the studio’s best works so far, and Diaz’s performance as Fiona plays a large role in that success.
#3. Tina Carlyle – The Mask (1994)
Source: Warner Bros Studios
The first big role for the young Cameron Diaz was in 1994, as she played the jazz singer Tina Carlyle, who later falls for the mask-donning protagonist Stanley (Jim Carrey). The movie was a critical success, grossing over $351 million on a humble $18-23 million budget, and Tina was the breakout role that brought the actress from an inexperienced model into an A-list Hollywood star.
#4. Julianna Gianni - Vanilla Sky (2001)
Source: IMDb
Diaz portrayed the love-crazed Julianna in the bizarre science fiction thriller film, who madly falls in love with David Aames (Tom Cruise) and is not shy of any drastic measures to get what she wants. The film was critically acclaimed by pundits, and Diaz’s excellent performance earns her a Golden Globe and a SAG nomination in 2002.
#5. Mary Jensen – There’s Something About Mary (1998)
Source: IMDb
The actress played Mary, the protagonist’s charming high school crush in the 1998 rom-com, but their reunion is complicated by a series of hilarious misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. The movie was a success, and Cameron Diaz’s incredible display earns her multiple prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe nomination.
#6. Kimberly Wallace – My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Source: Sony Pictures
The 1997 romantic comedy is widely considered one of the best rom-com films of all time, and Diaz played a huge role in it. Portrayed the soon bride-to-be Kimmy Wallace to the protagonist Michael O’Neal, the model had to compete against an already-established Julia Roberts, who played the main role of Jules Potter, but the former absolutely nailed the role with a string of stellar performances.
Kimmy wins the heart of the groom in the end, and Diaz also made her name known around the world with the supporting lead.
#7. Jenny Everdeane – Gangs of New York (2002)
Source: Miramax Films
Set in 1863, this Martin Scorsese’s epic drama chronicles the violent clash between rival gangs in the Five Points neighborhood of New York City, as a young Irish immigrant called Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) seeks revenge against the ruthless leader of a nativist gang. Diaz played Jenny, Amsterdam’s love interest, and earned herself a Golden Globe nomination, while the movie also got nominated for 10 Academy Awards.
#8. Malkina – The Counselor (2013)
Source: 20th Century Fox
Counselor tells the story of a lawyer who gets in over his head when he becomes involved in drug trafficking, leading to a dangerous and deadly game of cat and mouse with ruthless criminals. While the thriller wasn’t appreciated by the audience, the actress’s portrayal of the sexy and seductive Malkina is easily one of the best saving graces of the film.
#9. Lotte Schwartz - Being John Malkovich (1999)
Source: IMDb
Played as the unhappy wife of Craig Schwartz (John Cusack), Diaz earned herself another Golden Globe and SAG nomination with her critical performance. The ingenious film is about a clerk who somehow finds a way to enter the mind of actor John Malkovich, leading to bizarre and surreal consequences for all involved, which included his wife, Lotte. The movie received widespread acclaim for its creative writing and was nominated for three Academy Awards.
#10. Maggie Feller – In Her Shoes (2005)
Source: IMDb
Starred with Toni Collette, Diaz played the flashier and more extroverted Maggie of the Feller sisters, while Rose is the complete opposite. While struggling to find common ground after a family tragedy, the two finally manage to put away their differences and reconcile in the end, thanks to the grandmother who steps into the scene (Shirley MacLaine).
What other iconic roles of Cameron Diaz do you want to include in the list? Is Cameron Diaz one of the best actresses ever? Share your thought in the comment.