After attaining the pinnacle of Hollywood stardom, Cameron Diaz gracefully retreated from the glare of the spotlight in 2014, embarking on a decade-long hiatus. A decade later, with an arsenal of fresh projects simmering, Diaz is shedding light on her profound choice to withdraw and now, resurge.
Reflecting on her final on-screen appearance in 2014's Annie, Diaz, during Monday's Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit, divulged that stepping away from acting was an imperative calling. "It was an imperative to reclaim my life, a pure act of self-preservation. Nothing else mattered – not societal opinions, not others' accomplishments, not lucrative offers. I was steadfast in nurturing myself and crafting the life I yearned for," she elaborated.
The intervening years saw Diaz embrace a new chapter, marrying rockstar Benji Madden of Good Charlotte and welcoming two cherubic additions to their family, daughter Raddix, and son Cardinal. Furthermore, in 2020, she ventured into the wine industry, co-founding the eco-friendly label Avaline alongside Katherine Power.
Now, Diaz is poised to make a triumphant return to the silver screen, leading the charge in Netflix's upcoming Back in Action alongside Jamie Foxx, set to premiere in January 2025. Rumors also abound of her reprisal in Shrek 5 and potential collaboration with Keanu Reeves in a dark comedic venture titled Outcome.
Discussing her comeback, Diaz painted a vivid picture. "Covid had us cocooned in our nest for an extended spell, a blessing in disguise that almost had us permanently entrenched. My family and I could've lingered there indefinitely, blissfully unaware of the world beyond our walls. But something stirred within me, urging me to reclaim my passion. My husband, the epitome of support, sensed it too. He encouraged me, saying, 'You've been the pillar of our family, now it's our turn to elevate you and watch you shine.' With those words, I knew it was time to reclaim my throne," she reminisced.
Moreover, her reunion with Jamie Foxx on Back in Action was simply too enticing to resist. "Jamie's invitation was impossible to decline. He said, 'Join me,' and I, without hesitation, replied, 'Let's make it happen.' This marks our third film together, a testament to the magical chemistry we share," she smiled, her enthusiasm palpable.
