▪ Diaz's real estate investments and family life continue to shape her legacy outside acting.
Cameron Diaz is a highly successful California-born actress and model, with a net worth of $140 million. She first became a global star in 1994, following her breakout role in The Mask alongside Jim Carrey. Since then, she has remained an A-list celebrity, starring in numerous hit films and accumulating substantial earnings from her acting career. Cameron's combined box office earnings exceed $7 billion, placing her among the highest-grossing actresses in Hollywood. She took a break from acting between 2014 and 2024.
Early Life and Beginnings in the Industry
Born on August 30, 1972, in San Diego, California, Cameron was raised in Long Beach. She attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where she was classmates with the famous rapper Snoop Dogg. Cameron described her upbringing as modest, with her family often collecting soda cans to make extra money, highlighting how every dollar counted.
Cameron's career in the entertainment industry began at 16 when she signed with Elite Model Management. She quickly found success as a model, working in major fashion campaigns and print advertisements. Her modeling career took her to international locations like Japan, Australia, and Paris, where she continued to build her name.
Her time abroad exposed her to different cultures and provided her with valuable life experiences. This international exposure contributed to her confidence and versatility, which would later serve her well in her acting career. Despite her early success, Cameron remained grounded, focusing on her craft and preparing for her transition into acting.
The Breakthrough Role and Hollywood Success
At 21, Diaz returned to Southern California and decided to venture into acting, despite having no prior experience. She auditioned for the role of the female lead in The Mask, starring opposite Jim Carrey. Surprisingly, she was cast, and her acting career took off when the film became a huge box-office success, grossing over $340 million worldwide. This success helped establish Diaz as an international star.
After The Mask, Cameron continued to build her career, taking on roles in films such as My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) and There's Something About Mary (1998). There's Something About Mary was a major commercial hit, earning $369 million globally and earning Diaz her first Golden Globe nomination. In addition to her Golden Globe nod, she received further recognition for her performance in Being John Malkovich, which earned critical acclaim.
From 1998 to 2011, Cameron earned more than $160 million in base film salaries. During this period, she reached new financial milestones in Hollywood. Her salary for starring roles began at $2 million for There's Something About Mary and eventually increased to as high as $20 million for films like Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003). She made history by becoming the third actress in Hollywood to receive a $20 million payday for a single film.
Cameron also earned significant sums for her voice work in the Shrek films, initially receiving $3 million for the first movie and later $10 million for the sequel. However, one of her most significant paydays came from Bad Teacher (2011), where she took a smaller upfront fee of $1 million but negotiated a percentage of the film's backend profits. The film ultimately grossed over $210 million worldwide, and Cameron earned $42 million from the project, marking one of the highest single-film paychecks ever received by an actor.
Retirement and Return to Acting
After a highly successful career, Cameron Diaz announced her retirement from acting in 2014. However, in 2022, she revealed her decision to make a comeback with a starring role in the Netflix action-comedy Back in Action, alongside Jamie Foxx. Her return to the screen came after a significant break, and it marked a new chapter in her career.
In addition to her acting achievements, Diaz was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009, celebrating her impact on the entertainment industry.
Cameron Diaz married Benji Madden, the founder of the band Good Charlotte, in 2015. The couple was introduced by Nicole Richie, who is married to Benji's brother, Joel. In December 2019, Cameron and Benji welcomed their first child, a daughter, born via surrogate.
Real Estate Portfolio and Investments
Cameron Diaz has amassed an impressive real estate portfolio, particularly in California and New York. In 2001, she purchased a home above the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles for $1.34 million. She sold this property in 2022 for $4.9 million to pop star Ariana Grande. Diaz also owns a sprawling Beverly Hills estate, which she bought in 2010 for $9.5 million from actress Candice Bergen.
Additionally, Cameron owns a condo in New York City, having purchased a $9.5 million property in the Chelsea neighborhood in 2013. Her real estate interests also include a luxurious mansion in Montecito, California, which she and Benji Madden bought for $12.67 million in 2022.
In 2020, Cameron and her husband purchased another mansion in Beverly Hills for $14.7 million. This 9,000-square-foot property includes seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms, set on 1.7 acres. In 2024, they listed this home for sale for $17.8 million, further showcasing their investment in high-end real estate.
Cameron Diaz: A Remarkable Career
Cameron Diaz's career trajectory is a true testament to her remarkable talent and resilience. Starting as a model at the age of 16, she transitioned into acting and quickly gained recognition with her breakthrough role in The Mask in 1994. Her natural charisma and comedic timing made her a go-to actress for both comedy and drama, securing her place as one of Hollywood's top stars for decades.
With a portfolio of iconic films such as There's Something About Mary, Charlie's Angels, and Shrek, Diaz has earned hundreds of millions in acting salaries alone. Her financial success and box office accomplishments highlight her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Beyond acting, Cameron has also made savvy investments in real estate and built a fulfilling personal life. Her marriage to Benji Madden and their growing family show her dedication to a balanced life. Cameron Diaz's net worth of $140 million reflects her ability to excel in both her career and personal endeavors, leaving an inspiring legacy.