Renee Zellweger Through The Years: Photos Of The Oscar-Winning Actress Then & Now

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April 25, 2023 10:00AM EDT

Rom-coms, musicals, and dramas? What can’t Renee Zellweger do? See how the actress has transformed through the years here in honor of her birthday on April 25!

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Renee Zellweger: Through The Years

Renee Zellweger: Through The Years
Andrew Cooper/Columbia Tri Star/

Renee Zellweger is a Southern Belle who got her start in Hollywood back in the 90s , so it’s no wonder she’s evolved since the beginning. The Texas-born beauty’s big break came in 1996 with the movie ‘Jerry Maguire’. She also proved her knack for comedy with ‘Bridget Jones Diary’ and then earned an Oscar nomination for her part in the musical ‘Chicago’. She won her first Oscar for ‘Cold Mountain’ in 2003 and would be back to snag another in 2019 for playing Judy Garland in the movie ‘Judy’.

As Renee’s roles got more dramatic, her style began to get more sophisticated. She loves a strapless gown and a long train, taking inspiration from old Hollywood glamour. And as for her beautiful blonde locks, full waves and romance are always key.

Here, Renee appears in 1996’s ‘Jerry Maguire’, where she played Tom Cruise’s love interest.

Want to see Renee Zellweger transform from a young ingenue to a dramatic powerhouse? Click through the gallery for more photos.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger In 1991

Renee Zellweger In 1991
Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger looks bold in this 1991 modeling photo. She wore an inidgo top and wide black pants while posing in New York.

April 25, 2022, 10:06AM
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Renee Zellweger In 2000

Renee Zellweger In 2000
Bei/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger is so chic in a strapless black number as she arrives for the 57th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 23, 2000. Keeping simple, she teamed her dress with tousled curls.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At The 1999 Oscars

Renee Zellweger At The 1999 Oscars
Dave Lewsi/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger at the 1999 Oscars. She wore a purple L’Wren Scott silk gown with lace detailing and tasseled trim to the event, which was her first Academy Awards. She was a presenter.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At The 2001 Golden Globes

Renee Zellweger At The 2001 Golden Globes
Bei/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger rejoices with her Golden Globe after winning at the 2001 event on Jan. 21. She won Best Actress in a Motion Picture,  Musical/Comedy for ‘Nurse Betty’.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At The Premiere Of ‘Chicago’

Renee Zellweger At The Premiere Of ‘Chicago’
Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger is pretty in pink ‘Chicago’ Dec. 18, 2002. Darling.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger Marries Kenny Chesney

Renee Zellweger Marries Kenny Chesney
Sipa/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger looks so in love with her new husband Kenny Chesney just moments after their wedding in the Virgin Islands on May 9, 2005. The romance was short-lived, however. Just 4 months after their marriage, she filed for an annulment. 

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger In 2008

Renee Zellweger In 2008
Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger is flirty in black at the International Women’s Media Foundation Courage in Journalism Awards on Oct. 16, 2008. Other stars in attendance included First Lady Maria Shriver, Eugene Robinson, Amy Adams, Maria Bello, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Kerry Washington. The awards honor women journalists who have shown extraordinary strength of character and integrity while reporting the news under dangerous or difficult circumstances.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At A 2015 Gala

Renee Zellweger At A 2015 Gala
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger looks chic in a brown coat as she arrives for the SeriousFun Charity Gala in London on Nov. 3, 2015. She wore her hair half-up, half-down

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At A 2020 Gala

Renee Zellweger At A 2020 Gala
Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger looks lovelt in lace Guddi at the Women’s Cancer Research Fund’s gala in Beverly Hills on Feb. 27, 2020. The event was called “An Unforgettable Evening”.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At The 2020 Oscars

Renee Zellweger At The 2020 Oscars
Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger graciously accepts her Academy Award for Best Lead Actress on Feb. 9, 2020 for her part in ‘Judy’. Her one-shouldered, white look was Armani Prive.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At The 2021 BAFTAs

Renee Zellweger At The 2021 BAFTAs
Rob Latour/Shutterstock for BAFT

Renee Zellweger at the 2021 British Academy Film Award. She was radiant in silver Armani with a pointy neckline during the event, which took place on Apr. 11, 2021.

February 24, 2022, 4:03PM
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Renee Zellweger At The Premiere of ‘The Thing About Pam’

Renee Zellweger At The Premiere of ‘The Thing About Pam’
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Renee Zellweger is chic in black at the premiere of her series ‘The Thing About Pam’ in New York on Mar. 7, 2022. Her smart suit and point stilettos were a can’t miss look.

April 25, 2022, 10:06AM