Renée Zellweger's Impressive $90 Million Net Worth
Renée Zellweger's Impressive $90 Million Net Worth.
What Is Renée Zellweger's Net Worth?
Renée Zellweger is a distinguished American actress and producer, boasting a net worth of $90 million. She embarked on her professional career in the early 1990s, initially appearing in independent films and television series. However, her ascent to fame began with a pivotal role in "Jerry Maguire" (1996), where she starred as the romantic lead alongside Tom Cruise. Her iconic line, "You had me at hello," quickly became a memorable quote in cinematic history.
Zellweger further demonstrated her versatility by venturing into British romantic comedies, notably taking on the titular character in "Bridget Jones's Diary" (2001). Her embodiment of Bridget Jones, which included adopting a British accent and gaining weight to authentically portray the character, earned her an Academy Award nomination. She reprised this beloved role in two subsequent films, solidifying Bridget Jones as a cultural phenomenon of the 2000s.
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Her commitment to her roles was again highlighted when she transformed into Roxie Hart for the musical "Chicago" (2002). This performance showcased not only her acting skills but also her talents in singing and dancing, receiving acclaim from both critics and audiences. This phase of her career was particularly significant, culminating in her winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Cold Mountain" (2003).
Following a brief period away from the spotlight in the 2010s, Zellweger made a remarkable comeback with "Judy" (2019), a biographical film in which she portrayed the iconic Judy Garland. Her performance, which captured both the fragility and resilience of Garland, earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Early Life
Renée Zellweger, originally named Renée Kathleen Zellweger, was born on April 25, 1969, in Katy, Texas. Her father, Emil Erich, hails from the Swiss town of Au in St. Gallen and worked as a mechanical engineer, while her mother, Kjellfrid, was a nurse and midwife who emigrated from Norway to the United States to serve as a governess for a Norwegian family residing in Texas.
During her tenure at Katy High School, Zellweger was an enthusiastic athlete, engaging in cheerleading, soccer, football, and various other sports and extracurricular activities. Additionally, she participated in drama and speech programs. Following her high school graduation, she attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she took on the role of a cocktail waitress after her father lost his job and could no longer provide financial support. She earned her degree in English in 1991.
With a burgeoning passion for acting, she began to secure minor roles, her debut being a commercial for Coors Light.
Early Career
Renée Zellweger began her acting journey by auditioning for various films in the Austin and Houston areas, securing multiple minor roles in independent and low-budget productions. In 1994, she made her debut in Ben Stiller's "Reality Bites," albeit in a non-speaking capacity. Her first significant role came later that year in the horror film "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation," where she portrayed a teenager alongside Matthew McConaughey.
Following this, she appeared in the crime comedy "Love and a .45," which received favorable reviews from local Austin critics and earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance. Shortly after this recognition, Renée moved to Los Angeles and was quickly cast in the 1995 cult classic "Empire Records."
Big Break
Zellweger's breakthrough role occurred when she was selected to star opposite Tom Cruise in the 1996 film "Jerry Maguire." The movie was met with widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, grossing over $273 million globally. Tom Cruise personally chose her for the role of his love interest, praising her ability to "reveal the core humanity of the movie." Their on-screen chemistry was remarkable, and Renée delivered a sensitive and captivating performance as a single, widowed mother.
This role earned her a nomination for her first Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Supporting Role. However, the subsequent years proved challenging for Zellweger, as she faced a series of underperforming films following her success in "Jerry Maguire." Her fortunes changed in 2000 when she starred alongside Jim Carrey in the Farrelly brothers' comedy "Me, Myself & Irene," which grossed $149 million worldwide, breaking her streak of low-grossing films. Additionally, Renée received her first Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role in "Nurse Betty," a black comedy directed by Neil LaBute.
Critical Acclaim
In 2001, Renée Zellweger was awarded the prominent role of Bridget Jones, starring alongside Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in "Bridget Jones's Diary," adapted from the 1996 novel of the same name. Her selection sparked controversy due to her being a) non-British and b) a nonsmoker who did not fit the character's description of being overweight, both of which were considered essential traits.
In response, Zellweger promptly embarked on a journey to gain 20 pounds, master an English accent, and acclimate to smoking herbal cigarettes. Her portrayal received widespread critical acclaim, resulting in a second Golden Globe nomination, as well as her first nominations for an Oscar and a BAFTA in the Best Leading Actress category. The film achieved significant commercial success, grossing $281 million globally.
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Following this, Zellweger starred in the 2002 musical "Chicago," which garnered international praise and won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year. Her performance earned her a second set of nominations for the Academy Award and BAFTA, along with a second Golden Globe award. Subsequently, she featured in "Cold Mountain," sharing the screen with Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. This film also received critical acclaim, leading Zellweger to win the Oscar, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and British Academy Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress.
After experiencing a slight downturn in her career during the mid-2000s, Zellweger opted for a hiatus following the direct-to-DVD release of "My Own Love Song" in 2010. After a six-year absence from the screen, she made a notable return in 2016 with the third installment of the Bridget Jones series, "Bridget Jones's Baby," which received favorable reviews and grossed $211 million worldwide.
In 2019, Zellweger achieved an even more significant comeback with her portrayal of Judy Garland in the critically lauded biopic "Judy." She performed her own singing, including scenes filmed in a single take before a live audience. Critics have hailed this performance as the pinnacle of her career. For her work, she received numerous accolades, including the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Oscar for Best Actress.
Over the years, Renée Zellweger has graced the covers of numerous esteemed magazines, such as "Vogue" and "Harper's Bazaar." She frequently receives accolades for her fashion choices at award ceremonies and red-carpet occasions, establishing herself as a style icon throughout her career. In 2007, she was ranked #20 on "Forbes" magazine's list of the "20 Richest Women in Entertainment."
Salary Highlights
For her role in the original "Bridget Jones's Diary" in 2001, Renée received $3.75 million. Three years later, she earned $11 million for her return in "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason." In 2002, she garnered $10 million for her performance in "Chicago." The following year, she earned $15 million, along with an Academy Award, for her role in "Cold Mountain." In 2005, she received $5 million for "Cinderella Man."
Currently, for a major studio film, Renée's earnings may range from $10 to $15 million. Her numerous blockbuster achievements and significant award recognitions allow her to accept independent film roles for modest compensation while still retaining her status as one of the highest-paid actresses globally.
Personal Life
Zellweger was engaged to Jim Carrey from 1999 to 2000. She married singer Kenny Chesney in May 2005, but the marriage was annulled just four months later. Renée was in a relationship with Bradley Cooper from 2009 to 2011 and dated Texas-born musician Doyle Bramhall II from 2012 to 2019.
Zellweger is actively involved with the GREAT Initiative, a foundation dedicated to gender equality, and she traveled to Liberia with the organization in 2011. In the same year, she partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to design a handbag aimed at raising funds for the Breast Health Institute.
Real Estate
In 2004, Renée acquired a 40-acre farm in Connecticut for $1.32 million. Despite several attempts to sell this property, she remains its owner as of the current date.
Previously, she owned a complex of apartment units in New York City, which she sold in 2011 for $7.4 million.
In 2003, she transferred ownership of a residence in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles to actress Debra Messing for $7 million.
Also in 2003, Renée purchased a home in East Hampton, New York, for $2.15 million. She listed this property for sale in 2014 at $4.45 million and ultimately sold it in December 2014 for $4.65 million.
In April 2015, Zellweger invested $3.35 million in a residence located in Topanga, California. She listed this property for sale in October 2021 for just under $6 million and eventually accepted an offer of $6.4 million.
In 2020, Renée acquired a lakefront property on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, for approximately $3 million.
Renée Zellweger's illustrious career is a testament to her exceptional talent, dedication, and resilience. From her breakout role in Jerry Maguire to her award-winning performance in Judy, Zellweger has consistently demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences and critics alike. Her willingness to embrace challenging roles and reinvent herself has solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most respected actresses.
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Beyond her on-screen success, Zellweger's philanthropic efforts and commitment to meaningful causes further highlight her inspiring character. With a legacy of iconic performances and a reputation for grace and professionalism, Renée Zellweger continues to shine as a true cinematic treasure.
