With Oscar wins and stacks of hit films under her belt, Reese Witherspoon is one of Hollywood’s golden girls.
The beautiful BAFTA winning actress, 45 shot to fame for her starring role in the hit comedy Legally Blonde (2001), but her breakthrough role came in the 1999 rom-com Cruel Intentions.
However, Friends fans might also know her for a hilarious cameo as Jennifer Aniston’s on-screen sister Julie in the beloved NBC sitcom.
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One of the highest-aid actresses on the globe, the star has been listed in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world as well as one of Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.
To celebrate Reese Witherspoon’s 46th birthday, Daily Star have taken a look into the life of Hollywood’s leading lady.
Hollywood divorces
(Image: ryanphillippe/Instagram)
Radiant Reese met her fellow actor ex husband Ryan Phillippe at her 21st birthday party, back in March 1997.
The smitten couple clearly hit it off, because they became engaged just a year later in December 1998 before tying the knot at the Old Wide Awake Plantation in Hollywood.
They went on to welcome two children together, their daughter Ava and son Deacon.
Sadly though, their marriage wasn’t to be and they announced their separation in 2006, after 7 years together.
The actress filed for divorce in November of that year, citing irreconcilable differences on the court papers and requesting the court deny spousal support to her ex.
She asked for joint legal custody and sole physical custody of the kids, while Ryan filed for joint physical custody, not seeking spousal support.
The pair’s marriage officially ended in 2007, and the pair now share joint custody of their children.
Reese went on to marry Jim Toth, with whom she shares son Tennessee, but the pair announced their split in March 2023 after 11 years of marriage.
In a statement on Instagram, Reese posted: “It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce.
“We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness and mutual respect for everything we have created together. Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter.”
Lookalike daughter
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
It’s fair to say Reese’s 22-year-old daughter Ava is a stunning lookalike of her famous mum.
The pair share Reese’s trademark blonde locks, and have been seen glamming up the room when they pose for photos together.
Proud mum Reese admitted she loves being mistaken for her daughter as it makes her feel young, but it’s probably not easy for Ava.
She said: “Well, I love being mistaken for her because it makes me feel so young.
“I am so proud of her. She really rolls with it. I’m sure it’s not easy looking exactly like your mother.”
Court dramas
(Image: Getty Images)
The actress had to pay court costs a few years ago after being arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
It came when her husband was stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence, and Witherspoon pleaded no-contest to obstruction of an officer.
The star apologised for her behaviour, saying she was “deeply embarrassed” about what she said.
She told US Weekly at the time: “I clearly had one drink too many and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said…
“It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. The words I used that night definitely do not reflect who I am. I have nothing but respect for the police and I’m very sorry for my behaviour.”
Secret singing talent
(Image: Getty Images)
A lady of many talents, Reese revealed she learned to sing for her role as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line (2005).
She won an Oscar for her role in the biographical film, which pays tribute to country music legend Johnny Cash.
It turns out she learned to sing for the movie, telling US chat show host Conan O’Brien: “I’ve never sung before professionally.”
She went on: “We practiced. We did six months of voice lessons, and then we recorded an album over six months. I got to learn how to sing basically. This man, Roger Love, taught me how to sing.”
Witherspoon put her talents to good use on the films Sing and Sing 2, where she featured on the soundtrack and sung Taylor Swift’s hit Shake It Off.
However, she confessed she found singing country music “much easier” and found it difficult to sing Swift’s song.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
