Cameron Diaz’s Hollywood story reads almost like a movie script: striking, unexpected, and full of major plot twists. When she made her film debut in 1994’s “The Mask” opposite Jim Carrey, Diaz had zero prior acting experience – she was a model who had only come to the audition on a whim. But her natural charisma lit up the screen, and it wasn’t long before she became one of the most sought-after stars of the late ‘90s and 2000s, thanks to hits like “There’s Something About Mary,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “The Holiday.”
What gets lost in the glow of her career is how tough the ride was in the beginning. Diaz struggled with crushing stage fright for years and even admitted in an interview that auditions used to make her physically ill. To push through that fear and eventually star in films that grossed billions worldwide is no small feat.
But perhaps the biggest surprise came in 2014. After wrapping up the film “Annie,” Diaz quietly stepped away from acting altogether. In an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow for Goop, she described feeling the need to take back control over her life – a decision to slow down, say no, and rediscover who she was outside of her work schedule.
Finding Love Off the Red Carpet
Even as she shifted away from Hollywood’s glare, Cameron Diaz never left the public imagination – especially when it comes to her love life. Her relationships used to be media fodder, but these days, she’s intentionally kept her private life under wraps. After a string of high-profile romances, Diaz found an unexpected, lasting partnership with Benji Madden, guitarist for Good Charlotte.
The two were introduced by Nicole Richie (Benji’s sister-in-law), and after a whirlwind seven-month courtship, they married at home in Beverly Hills in early 2015. What’s striking is just how much Diaz and Madden have protected their relationship from the spotlight. The pair rarely make public appearances together and keep the details of their marriage almost entirely to themselves. When their daughter, Raddix, was born in December 2019, they announced her arrival on Instagram without sharing photos or much else – an unusual move for Hollywood, but one that fits their private style.
Before Benji, Diaz’s dating life sometimes felt like a who’s-who of ‘90s and 2000s stars:
- Justin Timberlake (2003-2006): They met at the Kids’ Choice Awards and dated for nearly four years, even working together again years after their breakup.
- Alex Rodriguez (2010-2011): Their year-long romance caught plenty of attention – especially the Super Bowl popcorn moment.
- Jude Law (2006-2007): The pair were rumored to have dated after filming “The Holiday.”
- Matt Dillon (1995-1998): They became close on the set of “There’s Something About Mary,” splitting up before the movie’s release.
Looking back, Diaz has never been one to rush down the aisle. In a candid interview with InStyle, she admitted, “I think that’s why I never got married until now. I was waiting for my husband Benji.” For her, it was always about finding the right person, not just someone to step into the next phase of her life with. She’s spoken more than once about the importance of timing and genuine connection, saying on “The Dr. Oz Show” that finding someone who’s in the “same place” as you is essential.
Past Relationships
Benji Madden
Elon Musk
Seth MacFarlane
Alex Rodriguez
Adam Levine
Keanu Reeves
Paul Sculfor
Sean 'Diddy' Combs
Gerard Butler
Bradley Cooper
Criss Angel
Djimon Hounsou
Tyrese Gibson
Kelly Slater
Jude Law
Justin Timberlake
Robbie Williams
Jared Leto
Edward Norton
Matt Dillon
Now, with over two decades in the spotlight behind her, Diaz seems at peace. She’s stepped away from the pressure of fame to embrace family, privacy, and self-discovery – a path that feels both bold and refreshingly real. In a world obsessed with the next big hit, the next public appearance, it’s quietly inspiring to see someone walk away from all of it to build a life on her own terms.