Hollywood Actresses Who Were Everywhere in the 2000s

The 2000s represented a distinct era in entertainment, defined by the explosion of teen-oriented media and the peak of the high-concept romantic comedy. Throughout this decade, a specific group of actresses became ubiquitous figures in both film and television, often transitioning seamlessly between the two mediums. These women headlined some of the most successful franchises in history and dominated the awards circuit with career-defining performances. Their constant presence on magazine covers and red carpets made them central figures in the pop culture zeitgeist of the early 21st century.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts entered the 2000s as one of the world’s most bankable stars. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2001 for her portrayal of the titular character in ‘Erin Brockovich’. During this decade, she also starred in successful ensemble films like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and ‘Ocean’s Twelve’. Her work in romantic comedies such as ‘America’s Sweethearts’ further cemented her status in Hollywood. Roberts concluded the decade with critically acclaimed roles in films like ‘Duplicity’ and ‘Closer’.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon became a household name following her role as Elle Woods in the 2001 comedy ‘Legally Blonde’. She continued her box office success with the romantic comedy ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ in 2002. In 2005, she earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line’. Witherspoon also starred in and produced projects, including the 2004 adaptation of ‘Vanity Fair’. Her work throughout the decade established her as a premier leading lady in both comedy and drama.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz began the decade by starring in the action-adventure hit ‘Charlie’s Angels’ in 2000. She provided the voice for Princess Fiona in the massive ‘Shrek’ franchise, which launched in 2001. Diaz explored more dramatic roles during this period, including a performance in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Gangs of New York’. She remained a fixture of the romantic comedy genre with films like ‘The Holiday’ and ‘What Happens in Vegas’. Her versatility helped her maintain a constant presence in major studio productions.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston remained a central figure in pop culture as ‘Friends’ reached its conclusion in 2004. During the 2000s, she successfully transitioned into a major film career with the 2003 hit ‘Bruce Almighty’. She starred in a string of popular romantic comedies, including ‘Along Came Polly’ and ‘The Break-Up’. In 2008, she appeared in the high-grossing family drama ‘Marley & Me’. Her personal life and professional choices made her one of the most photographed women of the decade.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie became a global superstar in the early 2000s through her role as Lara Croft in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’. She received significant media attention for her role in the 2005 action film ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’. Jolie also pursued dramatic excellence, earning an Academy Award nomination for ‘Changeling’ in 2008. She voiced the character Master Tigress in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ series starting in 2008. Her humanitarian work and high-profile film roles kept her in the headlines throughout the entire decade.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman dominated the early 2000s with a series of critically acclaimed performances. She received an Academy Award nomination for the 2001 musical ‘Moulin Rouge!’ and won the award the following year for ‘The Hours’. Kidman starred in the psychological horror film ‘The Others’ and the epic drama ‘Cold Mountain’. She continued to take diverse roles in films like ‘Dogville’ and ‘Australia’. Her red carpet appearances and cinematic range made her a defining actress of the era.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez achieved the rare feat of having a number one movie and a number one album in the same week in 2001. She starred in the successful romantic comedy ‘The Wedding Planner’ followed by ‘Maid in Manhattan’ in 2002. Lopez continued her film career with roles in ‘Monster-in-Law’ and the biographical drama ‘Selena’. She also appeared in the high-profile, though critically panned, film ‘Gigli’ in 2003. Throughout the decade, she remained a dominant force in both the music and film industries.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock began the decade with the box office hit ‘Miss Congeniality’ in 2000. She appeared in the critically acclaimed ensemble drama ‘Crash’, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2005. Bullock experienced a career peak in 2009 with the romantic comedy ‘The Proposal’. That same year, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘The Blind Side’. Her ability to draw audiences to both comedies and dramas ensured her longevity in Hollywood.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore served as both a star and producer for the 2000 blockbuster ‘Charlie’s Angels’. She appeared in the cult classic ‘Donnie Darko’ in 2001 and the romantic comedy ’50 First Dates’ in 2004. Barrymore directed her first feature film, ‘Whip It’, toward the end of the decade in 2009. She also starred in the popular ensemble romantic comedy ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’. Her production company, Flower Films, played a significant role in her career trajectory during this period.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 by becoming the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Monster’s Ball’. She played the character Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise, which spanned much of the decade. Berry also starred as a Bond girl in the 2002 film ‘Die Another Day’. In 2004, she took on the titular role in ‘Catwoman’, a film that became a notable part of her career narrative. She remained one of the most recognizable and celebrated actresses of the 2000s.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger became an international star with the 2001 release of ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’. She received back-to-back Academy Award nominations for that film and the 2002 musical ‘Chicago’. In 2003, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Cold Mountain’. She reprised her most famous role in ‘Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason’ in 2004. Zellweger was a constant presence at major award ceremonies throughout the first half of the decade.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan became the quintessential teen idol of the early 2000s. After the success of ‘Freaky Friday’ in 2003, she starred in the cultural phenomenon ‘Mean Girls’ in 2004. She continued her streak with ‘Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen’ and ‘Herbie: Fully Loaded’. Lohan attempted a transition to more mature roles in films like ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ and ‘Bobby’. Her frequent appearances in tabloids made her one of the most discussed young celebrities of the era.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway rose to fame as the lead in the 2001 Disney film ‘The Princess Diaries’. She successfully transitioned to adult roles with the 2005 film ‘Brokeback Mountain’. In 2006, she starred alongside Meryl Streep in the massive hit ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Hathaway earned her first Academy Award nomination for the 2008 drama ‘Rachel Getting Married’. By the end of the decade, she was established as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson achieved breakout success and an Academy Award nomination for her role as Penny Lane in ‘Almost Famous’ (2000). She became a staple of the romantic comedy genre with the 2003 hit ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’. Hudson also starred in ‘The Skeleton Key’ and ‘You, Me and Dupree’ during the middle of the decade. In 2009, she appeared in the musical ‘Nine’ and the comedy ‘Bride Wars’. Her distinctive style and onscreen charisma made her a major star of the 2000s.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley gained international recognition with the 2002 surprise hit ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. She became a global superstar by playing Elizabeth Swann in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, starting in 2003. Knightley earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in ‘Pride & Prejudice’ (2005). She continued her success in period dramas with ‘Atonement’ and ‘The Duchess’. Throughout the decade, she was frequently cited as one of the most prominent British actresses in Hollywood.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson made a significant impact with her performance in the 2003 film ‘Lost in Translation’. She earned critical acclaim for ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, released the same year. Johansson became a frequent collaborator with director Woody Allen, starring in ‘Match Point’, ‘Scoop’, and ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’. She also appeared in big-budget films like ‘The Island’ and ‘The Prestige’. By the end of the decade, she was cast as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman continued her role as Padmé Amidala in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy throughout the early 2000s. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the 2004 drama ‘Closer’. Portman starred as the lead in the 2005 graphic novel adaptation ‘V for Vendetta’. She also appeared in the historical drama ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ in 2008. Her transition from child actress to serious adult lead was completed during this decade.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst reached new heights of fame playing Mary Jane Watson in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, which began in 2002. She starred in the 2000 cult classic ‘Bring It On’ and the 2004 drama ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’. Dunst played the title role in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ in 2006. She also appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Wimbledon’ and the ensemble film ‘Mona Lisa Smile’. Her diverse filmography made her a constant fixture in 2000s cinema.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff became a massive star for the younger generation through the Disney Channel series ‘Lizzie McGuire’. She transitioned to film with ‘The Lizzie McGuire Movie’ and the 2004 hit ‘A Cinderella Story’. Duff also starred in ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ and its 2005 sequel. In addition to her acting career, she launched a successful music career and multiple fashion lines. She was considered one of the most influential “tween” stars of the decade.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes followed her success on ‘The Amanda Show’ with a series of popular teen films. She starred in ‘Big Fat Liar’ in 2002 and ‘What a Girl Wants’ in 2003. Bynes showcased her comedic talent in the 2006 film ‘She’s the Man’, where she played a girl disguised as a boy. She also appeared in the 2007 musical ‘Hairspray’ and the comedy ‘Sydney White’. Her comedic timing made her a favorite among young audiences throughout the 2000s.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams had a landmark year in 2004 with the releases of ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Notebook’. These roles established her as both a comedic talent and a romantic lead. She continued her success with the 2005 comedy ‘Wedding Crashers’ and the thriller ‘Red Eye’. McAdams took a brief hiatus before returning in 2009 with ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘State of Play’. She was often referred to as Hollywood’s new “it girl” during the mid-2000s.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba rose to prominence as the lead in the television series ‘Dark Angel’ (2000–2002). She made a successful jump to film with the 2003 dance movie ‘Honey’. Alba played Susan Storm in ‘Fantastic Four’ and its 2007 sequel, ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’. She also appeared in the stylized neo-noir ‘Sin City’ in 2005. Her frequent appearances on “most beautiful” lists made her a major celebrity figure of the era.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner became an action star through her role as Sydney Bristow in the series ‘Alias’. She successfully moved into film with the 2004 romantic comedy ’13 Going on 30′. Garner played the Marvel character Elektra in ‘Daredevil’ (2003) and a standalone ‘Elektra’ film in 2005. She also appeared in the 2007 critically acclaimed film ‘Juno’. Her ability to balance television work with major film roles defined her decade.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl gained widespread fame for her role as Izzie Stevens on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She successfully transitioned to film with the 2007 blockbuster comedy ‘Knocked Up’. Heigl became a go-to star for romantic comedies, headlining ’27 Dresses’ and ‘The Ugly Truth’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2007 for her work on television. For several years, she was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox became an overnight sensation with her role in the 2007 blockbuster ‘Transformers’. She reprised the role in the 2009 sequel ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’. Fox starred as the lead in the cult horror comedy ‘Jennifer’s Body’ in 2009. She also appeared in the film ‘How to Lose Friends & Alienate People’. Her image dominated the media and men’s magazines during the latter half of the decade.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton became a fashion icon and teen star through her role as Marissa Cooper on ‘The O.C.’. The show was a cultural phenomenon during its run from 2003 to 2007. Barton appeared in several films during this time, including the 2007 drama ‘Closing the Ring’. She was a frequent fixture at high-profile fashion events and in celebrity news. Her influence on mid-2000s style and television was significant.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker finished the decade-defining run of ‘Sex and the City’ in 2004. She won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards for her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw. In 2005, she starred in the successful ensemble comedy-drama ‘The Family Stone’. Parker returned to her most famous role for the ‘Sex and the City’ feature film in 2008. Her status as a global style icon remained unchallenged throughout the 2000s.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria achieved massive fame as Gabrielle Solis on the hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’. The show premiered in 2004 and became an immediate global success. During the decade, Longoria also appeared in films such as ‘The Sentinel’ and ‘Over Her Dead Body’. She signed numerous high-profile endorsement deals, including a long-term partnership with L’Oréal. Her presence on television and in magazines made her one of the decade’s most visible stars.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes concluded her breakout role on ‘Dawson’s Creek’ in 2003. She appeared in the 2003 independent film ‘Pieces of April’, earning critical praise. In 2005, she played Rachel Dawes in the blockbuster ‘Batman Begins’. Her high-profile marriage to Tom Cruise in 2006 made her a constant subject of tabloid scrutiny. She finished the decade with roles in films like ‘Mad Money’ and the miniseries ‘The Kennedys’.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore transitioned from a pop singing career to acting with the 2002 drama ‘A Walk to Remember’. She played against her “good girl” image in the 2004 cult comedy ‘Saved!’. Moore also starred in the 2007 romantic comedies ‘Because I Said So’ and ‘License to Wed’. She voiced the character Rapunzel for the Disney film ‘Tangled’, which began production late in the decade. Her steady work in film helped her move beyond her teen idol roots.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy was a versatile actress who appeared in many prominent 2000s films. She starred alongside Eminem in the 2002 drama ‘8 Mile’ and in the comedy ‘Uptown Girls’ in 2003. Murphy provided the voice for Luanne Platter on the animated series ‘King of the Hill’ throughout the decade. She also appeared in ‘Just Married’, ‘Sin City’, and the animated hit ‘Happy Feet’. Her sudden passing in 2009 marked the end of a prolific decade of work.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts had her career breakthrough in David Lynch’s 2001 film ‘Mulholland Drive’. She became a major star following her role in the 2002 horror hit ‘The Ring’. Watts earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ’21 Grams’ in 2003. She starred in the 2005 blockbuster ‘King Kong’ directed by Peter Jackson. Throughout the 2000s, she was recognized as one of the most respected dramatic actresses in the industry.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron underwent a physical transformation for the 2003 film ‘Monster’, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. She continued her success with an Academy Award nomination for ‘North Country’ in 2005. Theron starred in the action film ‘Aeon Flux’ and the 2008 blockbuster ‘Hancock’ alongside Will Smith. She also appeared in the critically acclaimed ‘In the Valley of Elah’. Her transition from model to Oscar-winning actress was a major narrative of the decade.

Penélope Cruz

Penelope Cruz moved between Spanish cinema and Hollywood throughout the 2000s. She starred in the 2001 film ‘Vanilla Sky’ and the action-adventure ‘Sahara’ in 2005. Cruz received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Volver’, directed by Pedro Almodóvar, in 2006. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ in 2008. Her work with Almodóvar and her Hollywood blockbusters made her a global icon.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in the 2001 Wes Anderson film ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ as Margot Tenenbaum. She starred in several dramas during the early 2000s, including ‘Sylvia’ and ‘Proof’. In 2008, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Pepper Potts in ‘Iron Man’. Paltrow also launched her lifestyle brand, Goop, toward the end of the decade in 2008. Her public persona and film choices remained a topic of significant interest throughout the era.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett played Galadriel in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, which dominated the early 2000s box office. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in ‘The Aviator’ (2004). Blanchett received dual Academy Award nominations in 2007 for ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ and ‘I’m Not There’. She also appeared in ‘Babel’, ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, and ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’. She was widely considered one of the finest actresses of the decade.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore received two Academy Award nominations in the same year for the 2002 films ‘Far from Heaven’ and ‘The Hours’. She starred in the 2001 thriller ‘Hannibal’ and the 2004 sci-fi film ‘The Forgotten’. Moore also appeared in the critically acclaimed 2006 dystopian thriller ‘Children of Men’. Toward the end of the decade, she starred in ‘A Single Man’ and ‘The Kids Are All Right’. Her consistent presence in high-quality independent and studio films was a hallmark of the 2000s.

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler gained international fame for her role as Arwen in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. She starred in the 2004 romantic comedy ‘Jersey Girl’ and the 2008 horror hit ‘The Strangers’. Tyler also appeared in the Marvel film ‘The Incredible Hulk’ as Betty Ross in 2008. Her ethereal screen presence made her a popular choice for both fantasy and dramatic roles. She remained a major celebrity figure throughout the decade.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu became an action star through her role in the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ films starting in 2000. She played the villainous O-Ren Ishii in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ (2003). Liu also starred in the television series ‘Ally McBeal’ during the early 2000s. She provided the voice for Viper in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise starting in 2008. Her work helped increase the visibility of Asian-American actresses in Hollywood blockbusters.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi became a global star after the success of ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ in 2000. She starred in ‘Rush Hour 2’ alongside Jackie Chan and the visually stunning ‘Hero’ in 2002. Zhang played the lead role in the 2005 film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. She also appeared in the martial arts epic ‘House of Flying Daggers’. She was the most prominent Chinese actress in Western cinema during this period.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal gained critical acclaim for her breakout role in the 2002 film ‘Secretary’. She appeared in the 2003 ensemble film ‘Mona Lisa Smile’ and the 2006 drama ‘Sherrybaby’. In 2008, she played Rachel Dawes in the massive blockbuster ‘The Dark Knight’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Crazy Heart’ in 2009. Her reputation for taking unconventional and challenging roles made her a staple of 2000s indie and studio film.

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci transitioned into more adult roles during the 2000s, starting with ‘Prozac Nation’ in 2001. She starred alongside Charlize Theron in the 2003 film ‘Monster’. Ricci played the lead in the 2006 fantasy film ‘Penelope’ and the 2008 adaptation of ‘Speed Racer’. She also had a recurring role on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ in 2006. Her distinctive career path made her a recognizable face in both cult and mainstream media.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington appeared in the 2001 hit ‘Save the Last Dance’ and ‘Bad Company’ in 2002. She gained significant attention for her role as Della Bea Robinson in the 2004 biopic ‘Ray’. Washington also played Alicia Masters in the ‘Fantastic Four’ films in 2005 and 2007. She starred in the 2006 drama ‘The Last King of Scotland’ alongside Forest Whitaker. These roles laid the groundwork for her massive success in the following decade.

Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth became a star with the 2002 surfing film ‘Blue Crush’. She played Lois Lane in the 2006 blockbuster ‘Superman Returns’. Bosworth also appeared in the 2004 biopic ‘Beyond the Sea’ and the 2008 drama ’21’. Her presence as a fashion icon and film lead was a constant during the mid-2000s. She was frequently featured in high-end fashion campaigns and celebrity media.

Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller became a major celebrity figure in 2004 with roles in ‘Layer Cake’ and ‘Alfie’. She played 1960s icon Edie Sedgwick in the 2006 film ‘Factory Girl’. Miller also starred in the 2007 fantasy film ‘Stardust’ and the 2009 action movie ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’. Her personal style and high-profile relationships made her one of the most photographed women in the UK and Hollywood. She was central to the “boho-chic” fashion trend of the decade.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt starred in the 2001 romantic comedy ‘Heartbreakers’ and the 2002 action film ‘The Tuxedo’. She voiced the character Madellaine in ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame II’. Hewitt returned to television as the lead in the hit series ‘Ghost Whisperer’, which ran from 2005 to 2010. She also appeared in the 2004 live-action ‘Garfield’ movie. Her long-standing presence in both film and television made her a staple of 2000s entertainment.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar finished her iconic run as Buffy Summers on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ in 2003. During the 2000s, she starred in the ‘Scooby-Doo’ films as Daphne Blake. She headlined the successful 2004 horror remake ‘The Grudge’ and its sequel. Gellar also appeared in the 2006 cult film ‘Southland Tales’ and provided voices for ‘TMNT’. She remained one of the most recognizable stars of the young adult genre during the decade.

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson transitioned from a music career to television stardom with the reality show ‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’ in 2003. She made her film debut as Daisy Duke in the 2005 remake of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’. Simpson also starred in the 2006 comedy ‘Employee of the Month’. Her massive celebrity status was supported by her successful clothing and fragrance lines launched during the decade. She was a quintessential figure of mid-2000s celebrity culture.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé expanded her career into acting with a role in ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’ in 2002. She starred in the musical ‘The Fighting Temptations’ in 2003 and the 2006 hit ‘The Pink Panther’. Her most acclaimed role of the decade came as Deena Jones in the 2006 film ‘Dreamgirls’. She also starred in the 2009 thriller ‘Obsessed’. Her transition into a film star mirrored her dominance in the music industry during the 2000s.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams had her breakout role in the 2005 independent film ‘Junebug’, earning an Academy Award nomination. She became a major star with her performance in the 2007 Disney film ‘Enchanted’. Adams received further Academy Award nominations for ‘Doubt’ in 2008 and ‘The Fighter’, which was filmed at the end of the decade. she also appeared in ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’ in 2009. Her rapid rise to fame made her one of the most successful actresses of the late 2000s.

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