Think you’ve got Renée Zellweger all figured out? You know her as the lovable Bridget Jones, but there’s so much more to this incredible actress. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars that might just surprise you.
Stick around, because we’re about to uncover some amazing tidbits about Renée’s life, career, and everything in between!
Her Moviegoing Days Were Limited Growing Up
Believe it or not, Renée didn’t grow up surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. In fact, her tiny hometown of Katy, Texas, didn’t even have a movie theater. Her parents, a Swiss engineer and a Norwegian nurse, only took her to see one film when she was a kid: Close Encounters of the Third Kind. “I never imagined I’d find myself in Hollywood,” Renée says, reflecting on her journey from a small Texas town to the big screen. It just goes to show that sometimes, dreams can take you places you least expect.
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She Got Inspired by '90s Thrillers for What/If
When it came time to prepare for her role as a sexually manipulative venture capitalist in Netflix’s What/If, Renée didn’t mess around. She binged on iconic '90s thrillers like Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction to get into character. “She was a treat,” Renée says of her femme fatale role. “Every day, she says that thing that you wish you could say, but you wouldn’t dare.” Talk about living life on the edge—Renée’s fearless approach to acting proves she’s not afraid to take on any challenge.
She's a Lifelong Judy Garland Fan
For Renée, Judy Garland wasn’t just a Hollywood legend—she was a lifelong icon. “Growing up, she was always an iconic figure in my house, so it was a no-brainer for me to want to tell her story,” Renée explains, referring to her role in the biopic Judy, which hit theaters in September 2019. While Liza Minnelli, Judy’s daughter, hasn’t formally endorsed the project, Renée has met her. After seeing Liza perform live in Las Vegas, Renée says, “We chatted backstage afterwards, and it was one of those moments when you start watching yourself melt into a puddle shamelessly.” Talk about a dream come true!
She Celebrated Turning 50 in Style
When Renée turned 50 in April, she didn’t just sit back and relax—she threw herself a dance party in Los Angeles. And who did she bring along for the celebration? One of her father’s old World War II buddies! “I imported friends and family and shared time together in a house full of people I love,” Renée says. It’s clear that Renée values connection and joy, no matter the occasion.
She's Happier Than Ever
As Renée reflects on her life and career, she’s more content than ever. “You only really come into your own a bit further along in your life,” she says. “I think women are exquisite after a particular age.” It’s a powerful message about embracing who you are, no matter where you are in life. And if anyone knows how to shine, it’s Renée Zellweger.
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