Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Best Roles

Catherine Zeta-Jones has captivated audiences for decades with her undeniable talent and screen presence. Hailing from Wales, she began her career on the stage before making a seamless transition to film and television, quickly establishing herself as a versatile and compelling performer in Hollywood. Her ability to command the screen is evident across a wide range of genres, from swashbuckling adventures and dazzling musicals to intense dramas and clever comedies.

Over the years, she has brought to life an impressive array of characters, each one distinct and memorable. Whether she is playing a fiery heroine, a cunning schemer, or a glamorous icon, she consistently delivers performances that are both powerful and nuanced. Her filmography showcases a remarkable career filled with roles that have not only earned critical acclaim but have also become beloved by fans around the world, solidifying her status as a true star.

‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998)

In this action-packed adventure, Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Elena Montero, the headstrong and spirited daughter of the original Zorro. Raised in Spain by her father’s nemesis, she is unaware of her true heritage but possesses the same fiery spirit and courage as her legendary father. Her character is not just a love interest but a formidable presence in her own right, skilled with a sword and fiercely independent.

The role was a major breakthrough that introduced her to a global audience. Elena becomes entangled in the plans of the new Zorro, Alejandro Murrieta, as he seeks revenge and justice. Her journey of discovering her family’s secret and embracing her legacy is a central part of the story, making her an integral and dynamic character in the thrilling narrative.

‘Entrapment’ (1999)

She stars as Virginia “Gin” Baker, a brilliant and ambitious insurance investigator who goes undercover to catch a world-renowned art thief. Gin presents herself as a fellow thief to gain his trust, proposing a partnership for an incredibly daring heist. The character is a master of disguise and planning, constantly keeping both her target and the audience guessing about her true motives.

The plot follows the duo as they travel across the globe, planning and executing intricate heists that test their skills and nerve. Gin’s physical prowess and sharp intellect are on full display, particularly during a memorable sequence involving a laser security grid. Her character’s complex relationship with her mark forms the core of this stylish and suspenseful thriller.

‘Traffic’ (2000)

Here she portrays Helena Ayala, a woman who seemingly has a perfect life until her wealthy husband is arrested on charges of being a major drug trafficker. Initially shocked and in denial, Helena is forced to confront the dark reality of her family’s fortune. Her character undergoes a significant transformation as she steps out of her sheltered existence to navigate a dangerous new world.

To protect her family and secure her husband’s freedom, Helena takes control of his illegal business dealings. She proves to be surprisingly ruthless and resourceful, making difficult decisions and negotiating with dangerous criminals. Her compelling story arc is one of the key intersecting narratives in this powerful ensemble drama about the drug trade.

‘High Fidelity’ (2000)

In this comedic drama, she plays Charlie Nicholson, one of the main character Rob’s most memorable ex-girlfriends. Charlie is portrayed as sophisticated, confident, and ambitious, a stark contrast to Rob’s aimless and self-absorbed personality. Her appearance in the story is part of Rob’s reflection on his “top five” breakups as he tries to understand his romantic failures.

Charlie’s character serves as a catalyst for Rob’s self-examination, representing a relationship where he was clearly the one at fault for its demise. When they reconnect, her success and new relationship highlight how much he has failed to grow. Her role is crucial in forcing the protagonist to confront his own flaws and patterns of behavior.

‘Chicago’ (2002)

She delivers an unforgettable performance as Velma Kelly, a glamorous vaudeville star who is imprisoned for murdering her husband and sister. When the story begins, Velma is the reigning celebrity criminal of Chicago, skillfully manipulating the press with the help of her lawyer. She is confident and cynical, believing she can easily beat the rap and return to the spotlight.

Velma’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of Roxie Hart, a new inmate whose own sensational crime steals her thunder. This kicks off a fierce rivalry for fame and the attention of their shared lawyer. Her portrayal of the sharp-witted and phenomenally talented Velma earned her an Academy Award, highlighted by her show-stopping musical numbers.

‘Intolerable Cruelty’ (2003)

Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as Marylin Rexroth, a stunning and cunning woman who specializes in marrying wealthy men and then divorcing them for their fortunes. She is a master manipulator who uses her charm and intelligence to achieve her financial goals. Her latest target becomes the subject of a case involving a top divorce attorney, Miles Massey.

The film revolves around the battle of wits between Marylin and Miles, who becomes infatuated with her even as he tries to outsmart her. She consistently stays one step ahead, creating elaborate schemes to secure her financial independence. Their dynamic is a mix of romantic attraction and professional rivalry, fueling this clever black comedy.

‘The Terminal’ (2004)

She plays Amelia Warren, a flight attendant who becomes a friend and source of fascination for Viktor Navorski, a man trapped in JFK Airport. Amelia is kind yet guarded, caught in an unhappy affair with a married man and feeling adrift in her own life. She regularly passes through the terminal, where she and Viktor form an unlikely bond.

Amelia represents a connection to the outside world for Viktor, and their conversations provide moments of warmth and humanity in his surreal situation. She is a complex character searching for stability, and her interactions with Viktor help both of them to gain a new perspective on their lives. Her role adds an important emotional layer to the heartwarming story.

‘Ocean’s Twelve’ (2004)

In this star-studded sequel, she takes on the role of Isabel Lahiri, a highly skilled Europol detective. Isabel also happens to be the former girlfriend of Rusty Ryan, a key member of Danny Ocean’s crew. Her personal history with Rusty gives her unique insight into how his team operates, making her their most formidable adversary.

Isabel is relentless in her pursuit of the crew as they attempt a series of heists across Europe. She uses her intelligence and deep knowledge of their methods to predict their moves and close in on them. Her character adds a new layer of conflict and personal stakes to the intricate plot, creating a compelling cat-and-mouse game.

‘The Legend of Zorro’ (2005)

She reprises her role as Elena, who is now married to Alejandro de la Vega and the mother of a young son. Elena finds herself increasingly frustrated with her husband’s continued duties as Zorro, wishing he would retire to focus on their family. This conflict creates a strain on their marriage and sets the stage for new adventures.

Feeling neglected, Elena becomes involved in a separate plot, working with an old friend to uncover a conspiracy threatening California. This allows her to once again demonstrate her own impressive skills in espionage and combat. Her independent storyline eventually converges with her husband’s, forcing them to work together to save the day.

‘No Reservations’ (2007)

She portrays Kate Armstrong, an intense and perfectionistic head chef at a popular New York City restaurant. Kate’s life is entirely dedicated to her kitchen, leaving little room for anything else until a family tragedy makes her the guardian of her young niece, Zoe. This sudden responsibility throws her meticulously controlled world into disarray.

Adding to the chaos is the arrival of Nick Palmer, a charismatic and unconventional new sous-chef who challenges her rigid methods. Kate must learn to navigate the challenges of parenthood while also dealing with the new dynamic in her kitchen. The story follows her journey as she slowly opens her heart to the new people in her life.

‘Side Effects’ (2013)

She plays Dr. Victoria Siebert, a psychiatrist connected to the film’s central character, Emily Taylor. When Emily’s new doctor prescribes her an experimental antidepressant, he consults with Dr. Siebert, who treated Emily in the past. Her character is initially presented as a professional and concerned medical expert.

As the psychological thriller unfolds, Dr. Siebert’s role in the story becomes much more significant and complex. The plot reveals that her past relationship with Emily is not what it seems, and she becomes a key player in the film’s shocking twists. Her character is central to unraveling the mystery behind the drug’s dangerous consequences.

‘Red 2’ (2013)

She joins the action as Katja Petrokovich, a captivating and formidable Russian agent who shares a complicated romantic past with retired C.I.A. agent Frank Moses. She is brought in by the Kremlin to hunt down Frank and his team, who are on a mission to find a missing nuclear weapon. Her character is both an ally and an antagonist.

Katja’s allegiances are constantly shifting throughout the story, as her personal feelings for Frank clash with her professional duties. She is a highly capable spy, skilled in combat and deception, which makes her a dangerous and unpredictable element in the global chase. Her presence adds a fun and flirtatious dynamic to the action-comedy sequel.

‘Feud: Bette and Joan’ (2017)

In this television series, she portrays Hollywood legend Olivia de Havilland. Acting as a primary source for interviews that frame the narrative, de Havilland provides firsthand accounts and insightful commentary on the infamous rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Her character offers the perspective of a contemporary who witnessed the events unfold.

Through her role, the series explores the broader context of the Golden Age of Hollywood, including the intense pressures placed on actresses and the manipulative studio system. Her portrayal of de Havilland adds a layer of elegance and historical authority to the story, serving as a guide through the tumultuous careers of the two iconic stars.

‘Queen America’ (2018–2019)

She takes the lead as Vicki Ellis, a renowned and feared beauty pageant coach in Oklahoma. Vicki is famous for her ability to transform any aspiring contestant into a winner, but her methods are demanding and often cruel. She is a complex character driven by a desire for perfection and haunted by her own past.

The series follows Vicki as she agrees to coach the unpolished but good-hearted Samantha Cole. This new challenge forces Vicki to confront her own vulnerabilities and the harsh realities of the pageant world she has helped create. The role allows for an in-depth exploration of ambition, identity, and the price of success.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–)

She steps into the iconic role of Morticia Addams, the elegant and enigmatic mother of Wednesday Addams. In this adaptation, Morticia is a former student of Nevermore Academy, the same school her daughter now attends. Her past at the school is shrouded in mystery and directly connected to the dangers Wednesday faces in the present.

Morticia’s character is not just a supportive parent but a key figure in the overarching plot. Flashbacks reveal her time as a student and her involvement in a tragic event that continues to affect the school and her family. Her loving but mysterious nature adds depth to the Addams family dynamic and the central storyline.

Let us know which Catherine Zeta-Jones role is your absolute favorite in the comments below.