Few stars have reached the same level of fame and success as Cameron Diaz. Throughout her career, Diaz was one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading ladies, starring in everything from breakout hits like The Mask and There’s Something About Mary to massive franchises like Charlie’s Angels and Shrek. With her combination of comedic timing, charm, and talent, it seemed like she was unstoppable.
However, if you’ve been wondering why you haven’t seen Cameron Diaz on the big screen lately, there’s a simple reason: she’s been retired from Hollywood since 2017. And in recent interviews, Diaz has opened up about why she chose to step away—and why she has no regrets about doing so.
Cameron Diaz’s Retirement Announcement
With her movies earning a staggering $3 billion at the U.S. box office, Cameron Diaz became one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood history. She ranks as the fifth highest-grossing actress of all time and received four Golden Globe nominations throughout her career.
In the early 2010s, Diaz’s career was still soaring. In fact, by 2013, she was the highest-paid actress in Hollywood over the age of 40. The following year, she starred in three major films: Annie, Sex Tape, and The Other Woman. Despite her continued success and star power, Diaz quietly stepped away from acting after 2014, surprising fans and industry insiders alike.
Her decision wasn’t because of a lack of offers. Cameron Diaz could have easily continued landing major roles in movies and TV shows. Instead, she chose to retire so she could focus on herself and her family—a move she says was necessary for her personal happiness.
Diaz married musician Benji Madden from the band Good Charlotte, and in 2019, the couple welcomed their daughter, Raddix, into their lives via surrogacy. It was clear that Diaz was entering a new chapter, one where family came first.
In an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow, Diaz explained, “I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life. I had been working and making films for so long—it’s so exhausting. I really didn’t leave any space for my personal life.”
No Regrets About Leaving Hollywood Behind
Over the years, Cameron Diaz has been open about the intense demands that came with being a movie star. She’s shared that the nonstop work schedules left her feeling like she had no control over her own life.
“It’s a grind, and you are owned by the production,” Diaz explained. “You’re there 12 hours a day, for months. You have no time for anything else. And I realized I had given away parts of my life to other people—and I needed to take it back.”
Speaking with Kevin Hart, Diaz reflected on the heavy burden that came with constant performance. “When you’re the person delivering at a high level, there’s a lot behind that. Everything about you that isn’t about your talent gets handed off to someone else.” Stepping away from the spotlight allowed her to reclaim her life and reconnect with what truly mattered.
A Brief Return to the Big Screen
While Diaz enjoyed her retirement and focused on writing—publishing two bestselling health books, The Body Book and The Longevity Book—she recently decided to make a brief return to acting. In 2022, it was announced that she would reunite with Jamie Foxx for a Netflix movie fittingly titled Back in Action. It will be Diaz’s first film since Annie in 2014.
Foxx and Diaz have a long-standing professional relationship, having worked together on Any Given Sunday and Annie, which made the opportunity to collaborate again an exciting one for her.
In an interview with Rachael Ray, Diaz explained her decision to return: “I took the time. I met my husband, we got married, built our family, built our homes—all those things that take a lot of focus. I’m still prioritizing that.” She added that while she was initially unsure if she could balance both, it turned out to be a positive experience for her family at this stage of life.
A One-Time Comeback
However, those hoping for a full-fledged Cameron Diaz comeback may want to temper their expectations. According to insiders, Back in Action will likely be her final film. Sources close to Diaz have said that the long workdays and time away from her daughter have been difficult for her.
“She hates being away from Raddix, and these back-to-back 10-hour workdays have been a lot on her,” an insider told Marca. “Being a mom is the most important thing to Cameron, and she has nothing left to prove to anyone.”
Ultimately, it’s clear that Cameron Diaz has found peace outside of Hollywood. Although fans miss seeing her on the big screen, Diaz has chosen a path centered around family, health, and personal fulfillment—and she has no regrets.
If you’re a Cameron Diaz fan, be sure to share this story and celebrate an actress who walked away on her own terms!
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