Valentine’s Day just got even more exciting with the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, and at the heart of all the buzz is the iconic Renée Zellweger.
The return of this beloved rom-com franchise isn’t just a delight for long-time Bridget Jones fans—it’s also a significant moment for the film industry. At 55, Renée is once again bringing to life the cherished London-based, diary-writing heroine, reaffirming her status as a Hollywood powerhouse. But her journey extends far beyond this latest film. From being one of the highest-paid actresses in the world to stepping away from the spotlight for years, her career has been a fascinating ride. Let’s take a closer look at her professional milestones, personal life, and impressive net worth in 2025.
From Texas Roots to Hollywood Royalty
Renée Kathleen Zellweger was born on April 25, 1969, in Katy, Texas. While she may have mastered the British accent for her Bridget Jones films, she’s truly all-American. Growing up in a small town, she discovered her passion for acting during college, eventually breaking into the industry in the early 1990s. Her first on-screen role came in A Taste for Killing (1992), but it was Jerry Maguire (1996), where she starred alongside Tom Cruise, that catapulted her to stardom—giving us the iconic line, “You had me at hello.”
Following that breakthrough, she embarked on a remarkable career streak, delivering critically acclaimed performances in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), Chicago (2002), and Cold Mountain (2003), the last of which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Stepping Away and a Triumphant Return
By the late 2000s, Renée was among Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, commanding around $15 million per film. However, after a series of underwhelming projects, she chose to step away from acting in 2010. She later revealed that she needed a break from portraying the same emotions on screen. During her hiatus, she explored personal interests—studying international law, working on music, and even designing and building a home.
Her comeback in Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016) was met with widespread enthusiasm, but it was her transformative performance as Judy Garland in Judy (2019) that truly solidified her return. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe for Best Actress—marking one of the most remarkable comebacks in Hollywood history
Family and Personal Life
Renée Zellweger has always kept her personal life largely out of the spotlight, but in recent years, she has found happiness with Wheeler Dealers star Ant Anstead. The couple has been together since 2021, and while marriage rumors frequently circulate, they appear content simply enjoying their time together. Though she doesn’t have children, Renée is a dedicated godmother and cherishes time spent with her close-knit circle of family and friends.
She divides her time between her breathtaking 40-acre farm in Connecticut and her serene lakefront home in Austin, Texas, which she purchased for $3 million in 2020.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – A Highly Anticipated 2025 Comeback
Now in 2025, Renée is once again lighting up the big screen as Bridget Jones. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the much-anticipated fourth film in the beloved franchise, is adapted from Helen Fielding’s novel.
This marks her first major film role since Judy, and while her exact salary for the project remains undisclosed, estimates suggest she earned upwards of $15 million—matching her peak earnings from the early 2000s.
The film’s release has reignited excitement for romantic comedies, proving that feel-good, laugh-out-loud love stories still have a place in Hollywood. And if anyone can lead this resurgence, it’s Renée.
Renée Zellweger’s Net Worth in 2025
With a career spanning decades of box office hits and critically acclaimed performances, it’s no surprise that Renée has amassed an impressive fortune. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she is currently valued at approximately $90 million (£71.4 million). While the majority of her wealth comes from her acting career, her savvy real estate investments have also contributed significantly.
Given the success of her latest film, that figure is only expected to grow in the coming years.
What’s Next for Renée?
With Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy rekindling audiences’ love for rom-coms, Renée may have a busy road ahead. Though she has yet to announce her next project, one thing is certain—she remains one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents. Whether she chooses another awards-worthy dramatic role or a charming comedy, her return to the spotlight is undeniable.
For fans who have followed her journey—from her Texas roots to Hollywood stardom, from Jerry Maguire to Judy—this latest chapter is yet another reason to celebrate the remarkable career of this two-time Academy Award winner.
