Cameron Diaz Reveals Why She Quit Acting a Decade Ago

Cameron Diaz, beloved for her roles in The Holiday and other iconic films, recently opened up about her decision to quit acting in 2014. After starring in hit comedies like The Other Woman and Sex Tape, as well as a remake of Annie, Diaz chose to step away from the Hollywood spotlight. However, fans were thrilled when news broke of her comeback in 2022. She’s set to star in the Netflix action-comedy Back in Action, slated for release in 2025, and will also return as the voice of Princess Fiona in Shrek 5, alongside Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy.

Speaking at the 2024 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, Diaz revealed that her decision to leave acting was driven by a desire to focus on building her family. Watch the video clip from the event below:

Diaz emphasized the importance of following one’s true passion, noting that just because you’re good at something, it doesn’t mean it’s your calling. She shared more about why she made this life-changing decision:

“For me, it was something I had to do. It felt right to reclaim my life. No one’s opinions or offers could sway my decision to prioritize myself and the life I wanted to create. It’s all about finding your passion. For me, that meant starting my family. For others, it could mean stepping away from a long-term career to pursue something that truly brings them joy and peace.”

What This Means for Cameron Diaz

She Made the Right Choice

Diaz’s candid and inspiring reflection shows that stepping back in 2014 was the best decision for her. After dedicating the past decade to her family, she’s ready to return to acting with Back in Action and Shrek 5. Her comeback film Back in Action boasts an impressive cast, including Jamie Foxx, Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler, and Andrew Scott, and is already generating buzz.

Her role as Princess Fiona in Shrek 5 will bring nostalgic joy to fans of the beloved franchise, reuniting Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona for the first time in years. Additionally, Diaz will star in the dark comedy Outcome, directed by Jonah Hill, alongside Keanu Reeves, Matt Bomer, and Laverne Cox. These projects mark a rejuvenated chapter in her acting career, and it seems like Diaz is here to stay.

Our Take on Cameron Diaz’s Return

A Welcome Comeback

Diaz’s return to acting is both exciting and refreshing. Her decision to step away was clearly right for her at the time, but her comeback promises to remind fans of her incredible talent. From her hilarious turn in There’s Something About Mary to her iconic role as Fiona in Shrek, Diaz has always been a versatile performer. With Back in Action, Shrek 5, and Outcome on the horizon, it’s clear that she’s ready to reclaim her spot in Hollywood.