Cameron Diaz is one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, and for good reason. With a dazzling career spanning three decades, the actress has carved her place as one of the industry’s most bankable talents. After a decade-long retirement, Diaz’s return to the screen in Netflix’s action-comedy Back in Action has fans and critics buzzing. Here’s a deep dive into her incredible career, impressive net worth, and what makes her a true Hollywood icon in 2025.
From Long Beach to the Big Screen
Born on August 30, 1972, in Long Beach, California, Cameron Diaz grew up in a diverse neighborhood and was even high school classmates with rapper Snoop Dogg. Her journey to stardom began early when she signed with Elite Model Management at the age of 16. Modeling gigs for Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and magazine covers like Seventeen soon followed, paving the way for her transition to acting.
At 21, Diaz auditioned for her breakout role in The Mask (1994) alongside then-rising star Jim Carrey. The movie became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, raking in over $350 million globally. Almost overnight, Diaz was thrust into the Hollywood spotlight, a position she’s maintained ever since.
A Net Worth That Matches Her Star Power
As of 2025, Cameron Diaz’s net worth stands at a staggering $140 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her acting career—with hits like There’s Something About Mary, the Charlie’s Angels franchise, and the Shrek series—has been the primary source of her wealth. Diaz’s net worth is $100 million more than that of her husband, Benji Madden, the rockstar from Good Charlotte.
But acting isn’t her only source of income. Over the years, Diaz has made smart real estate investments, owning multi-million-dollar properties that contribute significantly to her fortune. Whether it’s her Beverly Hills mansion or her eco-friendly retreats, Diaz knows how to make her money work for her.
A Historic Return with Netflix
Diaz’s return to acting in Back in Action marks a triumphant comeback. After stepping away from Hollywood in 2014 following her role in Annie, Diaz took a break to focus on her personal life. Now 52, she’s back and better than ever. Netflix reportedly signed a two-film deal with the actress, offering her a hefty $45 million for the pair. This means she’s earning an impressive $22.5 million per movie, making Back in Action her highest upfront paycheck to date.
The Smart Businesswoman Behind the Camera
While Diaz’s film paychecks are impressive, her biggest payday came from the 2011 comedy Bad Teacher. She took a significant upfront pay cut—accepting just $1 million—in exchange for a percentage of the box office gross. This gamble paid off handsomely when the film earned $216 million worldwide, netting Diaz a whopping $42 million.
Similarly, her role as Natalie in the Charlie’s Angels franchise was a game-changer. Diaz earned $12 million for the first film and a groundbreaking $20 million for its sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, becoming the third actress in Hollywood history to achieve such a paycheck. In total, she earned $32 million for the two films.
Shrek: The Gift That Keeps Giving
Diaz’s voice work as Princess Fiona in the Shrek series has also been a lucrative venture. For the first Shrek film, she earned $3 million, and her salary tripled to $10 million for Shrek 2. While her pay for the third and fourth films hasn’t been disclosed, it’s estimated she made at least $10 million each. With Shrek 5 slated for a 2026 release, Diaz is set to reprise her role and further grow her fortune. In total, her earnings from the Shrek franchise likely exceed $43 million.
Balancing Career and Family
Diaz’s life isn’t all about work. In 2015, she married Benji Madden, and the couple has since welcomed two children. Diaz has been vocal about prioritizing her family during her retirement, a decision she doesn’t take lightly. Her return to acting, she says, had to be worth the time away from her husband and kids—and Netflix certainly made it worth her while.
What’s Next for Cameron Diaz?
With Back in Action premiering on Netflix and another film in the pipeline, Diaz’s star power shows no signs of dimming. Fans are also eagerly anticipating her return as Princess Fiona in Shrek 5. Beyond acting, Diaz has hinted at continuing her entrepreneurial ventures and possibly expanding her wine brand, Avaline, which she co-founded in 2020.
In a career filled with milestones, Diaz’s return to the screen is yet another chapter in her storied legacy. Her ability to balance blockbuster paychecks with family life and entrepreneurial pursuits makes her one of Hollywood’s most inspiring figures. Here’s to many more years of Cameron Diaz lighting up our screens!
