Valentine’s Day just got a whole lot sweeter with the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. And who’s at the center of all the excitement? None other than the legendary Renée Zellweger.
The return of this beloved rom-com franchise isn’t just a treat for long-time Bridget Jones fans—it’s also a major moment for cinema. Renée, now 55, is stepping back into the shoes of everyone’s favorite London-based diary-keeping heroine, proving once again why she’s a Hollywood powerhouse. But beyond this latest film, her journey in the industry has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From being one of the highest-paid actresses in the world to taking a lengthy hiatus, let’s take a deep dive into her career, personal life, and impressive net worth in 2025.
The Early Years: From Texas to Hollywood Royalty
Renée Kathleen Zellweger was born on April 25, 1969, in Katy, Texas. While she has perfected the British accent for her Bridget Jones films, in real life, she’s all-American. Raised in a small town, she found herself drawn to acting in college, eventually breaking into the industry in the early ‘90s. Her first role was in A Taste for Killing (1992), but her breakout moment came in Jerry Maguire (1996) opposite Tom Cruise. That film solidified her place in Hollywood and gave us the unforgettable line: “You had me at hello.”
From there, she hit a winning streak, with critically acclaimed performances in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), Chicago (2002), and Cold Mountain (2003), the latter of which earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
A Hiatus and a Comeback for the Ages
By the late 2000s, Renée was one of the highest-paid actresses, earning around $15 million per film. However, after a series of less successful projects, she decided to take a step back from acting in 2010. In her own words, she was tired of hearing herself repeat the same emotions on screen. Instead of starring in films, she focused on personal projects—she studied international law, worked on music, and even built a house.
Her return in Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016) was a massive success. Then, in 2019, she stunned audiences with her portrayal of Judy Garland in Judy, winning an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for Best Actress. It was one of the greatest comebacks in Hollywood history.
Family and Personal Life
Renée has always been private about her personal life, but in recent years, she’s found love with Wheeler Dealers star Ant Anstead. The couple has been going strong since 2021, and while marriage rumors constantly swirl, they seem happy enjoying their life together. She doesn’t have children but is a devoted godmother and spends a lot of time with family and friends.
She currently splits her time between her stunning 40-acre Connecticut farm and her beautiful lakefront property in Austin, Texas, which she bought in 2020 for $3 million.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – The Big 2025 Return
Fast forward to 2025, and Renée is once again gracing the big screen as Bridget Jones. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the highly anticipated fourth installment in the franchise, based on Helen Fielding’s novel.
This marks her first major film since Judy, and while her salary for this project hasn’t been confirmed, it’s estimated she was paid over $15 million—matching her peak earnings from the 2000s.
The film’s release has sparked renewed interest in romantic comedies, and let’s be honest—it’s about time Hollywood brought back some feel-good, laugh-out-loud love stories. If there’s anyone who can lead this revival, it’s Renée.
How Much is Renée Zellweger Worth in 2025?
With decades of hit films under her belt, it’s no surprise that Renée has built an impressive fortune. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she’s currently worth around $90 million (approximately £71.4 million). Most of her wealth comes from her acting career, but she has also made smart real estate investments over the years.
Given her latest film’s success, that number is likely to climb even higher in the coming years.
What’s Next for Renée?
With Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy rekindling audiences’ love for rom-coms, Renée could have another busy few years ahead. While she hasn’t confirmed her next project yet, it’s safe to say that she’s back in demand. Whether it’s another awards-worthy dramatic role or a lighthearted comedy, one thing is certain: Renée Zellweger isn’t going anywhere.
For fans who have followed her journey—from Texas to Hollywood, from Jerry Maguire to Judy—this latest chapter is just another reason to celebrate the incredible career of a two-time Academy Award winner.
And if history is anything to go by, she’s far from done yet. Welcome back, Renée—we missed you!
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