Cameron Diaz had reached her breaking level. When Annie hit theaters in 2014, it marked her thirty eighth film in 20 years. “It’s so intense to work at that degree and be that public and put your self on the market,” she informed pal Gwyneth Paltrow throughout a 2020 Goop interview. “There’s loads of vitality coming at you always.” She determined to take an enormous step again from Hollywood to concentrate on herself and construct the household she’d at all times wished. In 2015, she married Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden, and the 2 welcomed daughter Raddix in December 2019 and son Cardinal in March. “Cameron was burnt out,” a supply tells Us Weekly within the newest cowl story, “and her priorities shifted.”
After an eventful — and personally fulfilling — decade, Diaz is returning to the highlight. Her new Netflix movie, Back in Action, debuts January 17. In it, she and costar Jamie Foxx play married former CIA brokers who’re pulled again into the world of espionage when their identities are blown. In Might, the 52-year-old actress was noticed filming the upcoming Apple TV+ flick Consequence with Keanu Reeves and Matt Bomer in L.A., and she or he’s set to star in Shrek 5, due out in July 2026. A second supply says Diaz’s resolution to behave once more “developed over time,” including, “It wasn’t sudden.” In October, she informed the viewers at Fortune’s Most Highly effective Ladies Summit that “it was simply the correct time for my household.”
Make no mistake: Her subsequent chapter might be on her phrases. “Cameron [is] very selective about future tasks,” says the primary supply. Her priorities are her kids and Madden, 45, and their low-key life in Montecito, California. “I’m not defining something,” Diaz not too long ago informed Empire about popping out of retirement. “I’m simply open to no matter is sensible for me and my household at any given second.”
A New Perspective

In accordance with the primary supply, Diaz wasn’t positive if she’d ever make another movie. She’d been burning the candle at each ends for twenty years. “[I] regarded round and [saw] there have been so many components of my life that I wasn’t touching,” she mentioned on Hart to Coronary heart in 2021. “It wasn’t about disliking the business; It was about shifting priorities,” the second supply says of Diaz’s resolution to go away showbiz. Provides the primary supply: “Having children was one thing she at all times wished, [but] didn’t really feel like she may whereas working in Hollywood.”
In 2022, Diaz informed “Rule Breakers” podcast host Michelle Visage that, throughout her hiatus, she additionally “went in and did some actually deep, private therapeutic.” It took years for her to be able to get again within the swing of issues. “Cameron appears like she’s settled now and is in an excellent place mentally,” says the supply. “She has a brand new outlook on work and the business as an entire.”
It helped that her first large venture concerned a reunion with Foxx, with whom she starred in 1999’s Any Given Sunday. “Solely you would get me again in motion,” she wrote in a June 2022 Instagram put up directed at her longtime good friend when the film was first introduced. “They had been continuously laughing on set,” says the primary supply, noting that they share an analogous humorousness “and their chemistry is unmatched.” For Diaz, being again within the combine has been enjoyable. “Cameron had some preliminary nerves,” provides the second supply, “however she rediscovered her love for the craft.”
Blissful Marriage

Madden was encouraging all through the method. “[Benji] was identical to, ‘You’ve been supporting us and constructing the household’ … It’s time for us to assist you and let Mommy ascend and do her factor,’” she mentioned in October. Notes the primary supply: “He cheered her on each step of the best way.”
The musician has been her rock ever since they fell in love in 2014 (they had been launched by Diaz’s good friend Nicole Richie, who married Benji’s twin brother, Joel, in 2010). “I noticed him strolling in direction of me, and I used to be like, ‘Huh, he’s scorching,’” she mentioned in 2021. “Once I noticed him — like who he was — that’s what made me actually be like, ‘Oh you, you’re particular, you’re the man.’” In accordance with the second supply, “Cameron mentioned she knew Benji was totally different nearly instantly. He felt the identical. Their connection was prompt and pure.”
Their relationship is constructed on mutual respect and fixed communication. “They’re a workforce,” says the second supply. “They’re at all times lifting one another up and prioritizing one another’s happiness.” Madden stepped as much as the plate when Diaz returned to work, serving to deal with their two younger children: “Benji’s a really hands-on dad and very useful.” Diaz not too long ago revealed the pair rely closely on remedy. “[It’s] a giant factor in our household,” she informed Joel on the December 11 episode of his “Artist Pleasant” podcast. “You may’t be in a wedding and have a household if each individuals are not one hundred pc daily.”
The couple will have a good time their tenth marriage ceremony anniversary on January 5 by doing one thing low-key and significant. “Cameron and Benji wish to maintain milestones intimate and private,” says the second supply. Generally, they’re not large on business occasions or splashy events. “They like cooking, having film nights or taking quiet walks,” provides the supply. In addition they spend a great deal of time with Richie and her husband. “They try to get collectively as one large household typically,” shares the primary supply, including that Diaz leaned on Richie with regards to the youngsters. “She’s helped Cameron with every part she wants.”
Raddix and Cardinal are the middle of their universe. “There’s a number of love and laughter at house,” says the second supply. The couple purchased their six- bed room, $13 million Montecito mansion in 2022. “They’ve privateness there,” says the primary supply, including, “They dwell a really peaceable life. They love the native quaint cafes and the seashore [and] a slower tempo of life for elevating their children.” As for extra kids, each sources say they’re open however content material with two, with the primary noting, “They’re extremely pleased with their household.”
Trying Forward

Cameron Diaz Stefanie Keenan/Getty Photos for ELLE
In addition to motherhood and her upcoming films, Diaz has a lot else to maintain her busy. She launched her natural wine line, Avaline, in 2020, and it stays an enormous focus. “It takes priority over performing,” says the primary supply. She’s written two books about well being and longevity. “Cameron is keen about Avaline and she or he additionally loves wellness, meals and exploring different artistic ventures,” says the second supply, including, “Her aim is to pursue tasks — whether or not performing, enterprise or household life — that really feel significant and genuine.”
For extra on Diaz, watch the unique video above and decide up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.
With reporting by Andrea Simpson & Amanda Williams