Childhood and youth
Renee Zellweger was born in Texas, in the small town of Katy, which is located near Houston. Her father Emil Erich Zellwegger was an emigrant from Switzerland and held the position of electrical engineer. And Chelfrid’s mother, Irene Andreasen, of Norwegian origin, was a nurse.
The family also raised their eldest son, Drew, who later became a marketer. The children Americanized their father's surname and changed it to Zellweger, while the parents remained under the Swiss surname.
Little Renee always dreamed of being an actress. During her school years, she studied in the drama studio and also attended the gymnastics section. After receiving her certificate, the girl took an acting course at the University of Texas and set off to conquer Hollywood.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Fotosvideomany (@fotossmany) on Apr 25, 2020 at 1:27am PDT
Renee Zellweger in her youth
Renee Zellweger's first attempt to conquer the Olympus of cinema was a failure, and she returned home. However, the girl was not going to give up her dream. In her youth, she went to all the castings and competitions in Houston, and at the same time worked as a waitress in a roadside cafe.
She got small episodes in various projects, but she was far from real work. At some screen tests, Renee met the then aspiring actor Matthew McConaughey, who became the impetus that convinced Zellweger to try to go to Los Angeles for the second time.
Renee Zellweger: filmography of the star
The actress has been acting in films since 1992; for the first time, viewers were able to see the future celebrity in the film “A Taste for Murder.” The first films were the most unsuccessful for Renee Zellweger; her filmography was not replenished with worthy projects until 1996. Everything changed when the girl was offered to star in the movie Jerry Maguire.
The plot centers on the misadventures of a sports agent who is kicked out of his job for disrespecting his superiors. Jerry, finding himself in difficult circumstances, tries to open his own business. However, his plans are not popular with his former colleagues, who are trying to put the upstart in his place.
In this film, Renee Kathleen Zellweger, whose filmography actually began with him, embodies the image of a young girl Dorothy on the screen. Her heroine is in love with Maguire and believes in his victory. Critics especially noted their organic tandem with Tom Cruise.
Movies
Renee Zellweger's first experience in filming was the drama “Love and the .45” and the comedy “Reality Bites.” After successfully playing the role in the melodrama “The Whole Wide World,” the actress was invited to take part in the film about the sports agent “Jerry Maguire.” It must be said that Renee was able to get ahead of such contenders for participation in the film as Cameron Diaz and Winona Ryder, and her partner was the legendary Tom Cruise.
In 2001, a film was released that became a breakthrough in the actress’s creative biography and brought Renee worldwide fame. The comedy melodrama “Bridget Jones's Diary” brought the artist huge success and her first Oscar nomination. It is interesting that in order to participate in the film, she had to gain more than 12 kilograms of weight, since according to the plot the heroine should be plump.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @tv.zvezd on Dec 1, 2020 at 12:47pm PST
Renee Zellweger after plastic surgery
Three years later, the directors filmed a sequel to the film - a sequel to “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.” By the way, in 2016 the third part of this franchise was released. In the new film, Renée Zellweger's character is no longer a loser writing a diary about her own romantic relationships. Bridget's personal life and career have just improved. The heroine's plans are disrupted by a sudden pregnancy.
After the buzz generated by Bridget Jones's Diary, Renée Zellweger stars opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in the drama White Oleander, the comedy Fuck Love! and his second star film - the musical "Chicago". This film became a box office hit of the year and won 6 Oscar awards. Renee was also nominated, but again did not receive the coveted statuette.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Renée Zellweger Updates (@reneezellwegerupdates) on Aug 28, 2020 at 5:54am PDT
Ironically, the most significant cinematic award went to the actress after starring in the war drama Cold Mountain, which did not receive much recognition.
Then she took part in the creation of the biographical film about American boxer James Braddock “Knockdown”, played the famous children’s writer in the drama “Miss Potter”, and attracted attention in the thriller “Case No. 39”.
After a long break that lasted almost 6 years, Renee Zellweger returned to the film studio and starred with Keanu Reeves in the thriller “The Only Truth.”
Renee Zellweger in "Bridget Jones's Diaries"
Renée Zellweger dreamed of getting a role in the film adaptation of Helen Fielding’s novel “Bridget Jones’s Diary” in a way that, perhaps, she had never wanted anything before. She immediately realized that the film promised to be not just a romantic comedy, but a subtle psychological film. An overweight, insecure, ridiculous heroine and truly Grant's playboy - the girl understood the heroine and her conflict with all her heart, and also realized that it was precisely such films that ordinary women so lacked. The purposeful actress beat out all her competitors, of which there were many, from Kate Winslet to Kristin Scott Thomas.
Best Role Renee Zellweger – Bridget Jones
In order to play Bridget Jones, Renee Zellweger had to gain as much as 9 kilograms. With her thin physique (in “normal life” the actress weighed only 46 kilos), this was very difficult. She had to consume more than 4 thousand calories every day, and only then did she begin to resemble what the directors wanted to see. In addition, the actress had to get rid of the American accent and acquire a pure English accent. Before filming began, she was even given a test and sent to an English publishing house, where she had to work as a secretary for a month. The exam was passed - no one even suspected her of being a girl from Texas.
Renee Zellweger gained weight for Bridget Jones
The story of an eccentric woman in her early 30s, who loves to eat and drink, torn by conflicts with her mother, who is trying to woo him with a neighbor in a stupid sweater (Colin Firth), secretly in love with her boss (Hugh Grant), who only laughs at her ability to get into ridiculous situations , could not help but touch the audience. The film was a success.
In 2004, a sequel (“Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”) was released. This time the actress had to gain as much as 15 kilograms. The second part was received just as warmly, because before the audience there was still the same crazy, unpredictable and “lifelike” Bridget Jones. But after the premiere, to the frustration of fans of the series, Bridget Jones disappeared from the radar for 12 long years.
"Bridget Jones's Diary." Excerpt And in the same year, a film was released that brought Renée Zellweger an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category. Her heroine, the beggar Ruby, helps the pastor's daughter, Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman), teaches her true female friendship and helps her rebuild her life on an abandoned estate.
Renee Zellweger won an Oscar for her role as Ruby in Cold Mountain.
Each subsequent heroine of Renee Zellweger was endowed with charm, expressiveness, and temperament. It is precisely these descriptions that fit a feminist named Barbara Novak in the retro comedy “Fuck Love!”, who fell in love with Ewan McGregor’s character, sexy May Braddock from the film “Knockdown,” where the actress appeared in tandem with Russell Crowe. The latter, by the way, even took boxing lessons from Kostya Ju for authenticity. In 2006, Renee met with Ewan McGregor again on the set of the Victorian biographical drama Miss Potter.
Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger ("Fuck Love")
After a short lull, Renee again shone in the melodramatic comedy called “Frozen from Miami.” Her heroine is a spoiled rich girl, forced to adapt to a rather harsh climate and completely unfriendly residents of Minnesota.
In 2009, the actress received another dose of adoration when she portrayed a singer confined to a wheelchair in the drama “My Love Song.”
In the film “My Love Song,” Renee Zellweger played a disabled singer. In 2020, after a 12-year break, “Bridget Jones” made a triumphant return to the screens. In the third part of the popular film, the heroine Renee Zellweger becomes pregnant, but does not know who the father is - Colin Firth or Patrick Depmsey. Trailer "Bridget Jones's Diary 3" with Renee Zellweger Due to the hype surrounding the release of "Bridget Jones 3", the film "Only the Truth" starring Keanu Reeves, in which Renee played the main female role, remained little noticed.
Personal life
Of course, such a bright woman as Renee Zellweger had many famous fans. Of the most serious romances, it is worth noting her engagement to Jim Carrey in 1999, which, however, was terminated a year later. She also had a relationship with musician Jack White, leader of The White Stripes.
In 2005, the world's print media spread the news of Rene's wedding to country singer Kenny Chesney. But after 4 months, the actress initiated a divorce due to fraud on the part of her husband. Later, another heartthrob, Bradley Cooper, fell into the arms of the beauty. Renee dated him for 2 years.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ❗️Celebrity Blog❗️ (@factsandgossip) on Oct 2, 2019 at 11:59am PDT
Then the actress began a relationship with blues guitarist Doyle Bramhall II. The lovers are not planning a wedding or children, although they confirm in interviews that they are happy together.
Fans are sure that Renee Zellweger had plastic surgery, and more than once, according to fans, the actress has changed dramatically beyond recognition. The celebrity herself claims that she has not had plastic surgery. Renee associates changes in her own appearance with a happy personal life and a free work schedule, which allowed her to relax.
In addition, the actress lost a lot of weight, which also affected her facial features. Today, with a height of 163 cm, Renee Zellweger weighs 47 kg. The press claims that she lost 15 kg in 2 months. Fans can admire photos with Renee in numerous magazine photo shoots; the actress does not maintain an Instagram account.
Love is over: 50-year-old Renee Zellweger broke up with her boyfriend
Renee Zellweger had affairs with the most attractive bachelors in Hollywood: the actress was engaged to Bradley Cooper (he is now dating Russian model Irina Shayk) and Jim Carrey. She spent her last years in a relationship with musician Doyle Bramhall. But now their love has come to an end: 50-year-old Renee broke up with her boyfriend, reports Radaronline.com.
— Doyle went on tour with Eric Clapton, and Rene is filming in Los Angeles. They no longer live together,” a source told the publication.
Renee spent her last years in a relationship with musician Doyle Bramhall. Photo: GLOBAL LOOK PRESS
In recent years, the actress was very complex about her appearance and practically did not appear in public. “She had plastic surgery and lost her individuality,” “Renee has aged ten years,” “The operations have changed Zellweger beyond recognition”—the tabloids were not very kind to the actress. Despite the pressure from the press, the artist “kept her face” (as much as possible in such a situation) and flatly refused to admit that she had done anything to her appearance. Although plastic surgery was obvious - or rather, on the face. There is no trace left of Bridget Jones, and the star’s facial features as a whole have changed a lot. The actress had to make excuses for her new look. Renee insisted that she looked different because she became calmer and happier.
Renee Zellweger had affairs with the most attractive bachelors in Hollywood. Photo: GLOBAL LOOK PRESS
“I’m glad that people think I look different!” – Renee then stunned the journalists, “I live a different, happier and more fulfilling life, and I like that these changes are so noticeable... My friends say that I look peaceful.” I lived on a very rigid schedule that did not allow me to take care of myself. Instead of stopping and resting, I continued to run until I was exhausted and chose the wrong means to hide my fatigue. But I realized that I was living in a state of chaos, and made a choice in favor of other things.
Renee flatly refused to admit that she did anything to her appearance. Although there were plastic surgeries. Photo: GLOBAL LOOK PRESS
Fans always wished Rene happiness and - of course - children. But several years ago, the actress admitted that it is not at all necessary to have heirs.
“It is a common opinion among others that a woman will certainly be happy if she gives birth to a child. But that's not true. I never specifically planned to become a mother, I go with the flow. In general, any woman should have the right to choose. Your own will is the main priority. And the presence of a husband and children has long been no indicator of a woman’s wealth as an individual, says Rene.
Renee Zellweger now
Now, according to film critics, Rene is experiencing his own “renaissance.” There is no trace left of previous changes in appearance; Zellweger looks as natural and recognizable as possible. High-profile projects continue to appear in her filmography, which add to the actress’s popularity.
In 2020, the musical drama “The Best Day of My Life” was released with the participation of the performer. The film is about a jazz singer who is faced with a disappointing diagnosis and has only 24 hours left to reconsider her life. Renee reincarnated as the main character's friend.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Spletnik (@spletnik_ru) on Jan 5, 2020 at 9:34pm PST
Renee Zellweger now
In 2020, the thriller “What/If” started showing. Renee's heroine is a wealthy woman who provokes a young couple to take risky actions. Events develop unpredictably not only for the main characters, but also for their family and friends.
The main project of the year was the biographical film “Judy” about the life of actress Judy Garland, in which Zellweger played the main role. The triumphant premiere took place at the Toronto Film Festival. The audience's prolonged applause brought tears to Rene's eyes. And in February 2020, this picture brought the artist the coveted Oscar statuette as best actress.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by NataliJournal (@natalijournal.ru) on Feb 9, 2020 at 8:16pm PST
Renee Zellweger at the Oscars
Renee Zellweger and excess weight
For the sake of the role of Bridget Jones, the actress gained excess weight several times, and not just a couple of kilograms, but more than a dozen! However, this did not cause any visible problems for the actress - after filming ended, Renee Zellweger quickly lost weight and returned to her previous excellent shape, which was confirmed by photos from premieres and other social events.
The recipe for urgent weight gain was simple and traditional the first time - pizza, soda and other fast food. Then I needed the help of a specialist who created a special diet.
But everyone is more concerned about how the actress lost weight. Zellweger, like her acting sisters Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sandra Bullock, used the Zone Diet. Also in her arsenal is the principle of macrobiotic nutrition. But she always reminds that without training, no diet will allow you to return (or gain) a beautiful, toned figure. Zellweger resorts to various types of physical activity - running, cycling, yoga, and strength training. This is what the actress considers her therapy. Thanks to her ideal proportions, she appears tall, although the actress is only 163 centimeters tall.
Filmography
- 1994 – “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 4: The Next Generation”
- 1996 – “Jerry Maguire”
- 2000 – “Me, Myself and Irene”
- 2001 – “Bridget Jones's Diary”
- 2002 – “Chicago”
- 2003 – “Cold Mountain”
- 2004 – “Bridget Jones's Diary: The Edge of Reason”
- 2005 – “Knockdown”
- 2006 – “Miss Potter”
- 2009 – “Frozen from Miami”
- 2015 – “Only the Truth”
- 2016 – “Bridget Jones 3”
- 2016 – “Not the same as me”
- 2018 – “The best day of my life”
- 2019 – “What/If”
- 2019 – “Judy”
"Golden Globe" for the role of the waitress
In 2001, the first film in the series, Bridget Jones's Diary, began its triumphant march across the screens. But her colleagues were impressed by Zellweger’s other role. In the film “Sister Betty,” Renee, the actress played an amnesiac waitress who loves TV series. And this role brought her the first serious award in her life - the Golden Globe.
Her role in the film “Bridget Jones's Diary” could not go unnoticed. The actress was even nominated for an Oscar - this was the first, but not the last nomination of the actress for the most prestigious film award in existence.
A year later, in 2003, Zellweger again competed for an Oscar, this time for her role in the brilliant musical Chicago. The same role brought her a second Golden Globe; the actress has four in total.
Star Trek actress
At first, Renee Zellweger participated in productions of semi-professional troupes and starred in commercials. She has to endure the directors' dissatisfaction; the producers advise her to change the non-model appearance that she inherited from her mother. However, the former athlete is not used to giving up and does not miss a single casting.
And already in 1994, the aspiring actress appeared in Hollywood. The role of Dorothy Boyd in the comedy Jerry Maguire turned Rene into a real star. Director Cameron Crowe chose a little-known actress, although stars such as Winona Ryder, Cameron Diaz, and Bridget Fonda were in contention for the role. Tom Cruise became Renee's partner, and her film career took off.
In 2003, Renee Zellweger received an Oscar for her supporting role in Cold Mountain.
And now “Bridget Jones's Diary” is released, a film about a girl who is unlucky with her personal life. In order to star in the comedy, the actress had to give up her diet and gain extra pounds. Renee becomes a real world-class star, fans bombard her with letters, and directors bombard her with job offers. After the tremendous success of the first part of “The Diary,” the producers decided to make a sequel. For him, the actress had to gain 15 kilograms. But in addition to the fee, she received $3.5 million as a consolation prize for her damaged figure.
In 2005, Renee was honored to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After such recognition of her talent, Renee continued her career in films such as “Case No. 39” (2009), “Frozen from Miami” (2009), “My One and Only” (2009). The third part of the Bridget Jones story, tentatively titled Bridget Jones's Baby, is in production.
Thrillers with Renee Zellweger
The actress is good not only in dramas and comedies. Thrillers and horror are also not among the genres that Renee Zellweger avoids. The star’s filmography can offer fans of action-packed stories “Case No. 39.” In this film she played the role of a social worker. A woman, deprived of her own family happiness, begins to take care of a child who is offended by his mother and father.
Finally, you can relax and laugh with the help of the tape “Me, Me Again and Irene.” In this film, Jim Carrey became the actress's partner, at which time the couple began a romance, which was stormy, but did not last very long. But the result of their union was an excellent comedy story.
Viewers can only hope for new exciting film projects in which Renee Zellweger will take part.
Dramas with Renee Zellweger
In the film “Cold Mountain,” which viewers saw in 2003, the actress only got a supporting role. However, this role gave the star an Oscar award, received in the corresponding category. The action takes place during the Civil War, which affects the lands of the United States. The role of the tramp Ruby is one of the best played by Renee Zellweger, whose filmography has acquired an excellent war drama.
“Knockdown” is another good picture with an American actress. The action takes place in America during the Great Depression. The brilliant boxer can no longer earn money by performing in the ring, which forces him to look for ways to earn money to feed his family. Renee plays the role of a boxer's wife, ready to support him to the end. This time her on-screen husband was Russell Crowe.
"White Oleander" is a drama intended for viewers who are ready to suffer. Zellweger in this film got to embody the most tragic character. Its heroine was the actress Claire, whose husband left her.
Personal life of Renee Zellweger
Renee Zellweger is known for her high-profile romances. Among her fans are such celebrities as Bruce Willis, George Clooney, Jim Carrey. A surprise to the press was her 2005 wedding to country singer Kenny Chesney. But the marriage lasted only 4 months.
Rene has a new boyfriend - actor Bradley Cooper, with whom they even prepared for the wedding. But in March 2011 the couple broke up. In the same year, information appeared that actor John Stamos became the actress’s boyfriend.
Renee is currently single.
Photo by Renee Zellweger: Rex Features/Fotobank.ru
