Photo:Glenn Watson/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
Glenn Watson/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
When it comes to the ultimate ‘90s throwback flick, nothing quite compares toThere’s Something About Mary. The 1998 film, starringCameron Diazas the title character and object of everyone’s desire, was a box-office hit and became an instant classic because of its provocative humor and stellar comedic performances from the ensemble cast.
The film became a favorite among critics and in 2000, the prestigious American Film Institute ranked it as No. 27 on its list of the 100 greatest American comedies.
See what the cast of this comedy classic has been up to sinceThere’s Something About Marywas released 25 years ago.
Cameron Diaz as Mary Jensen
The star, now 50,shared a video tributeto the film (and its notablehair gel scene) in May 2022, where she scrolls through photos, reminisces on the project, and makes her character’s iconic gelled updo.
The actress decided to step back from the spotlight, declaring her intention toretire from acting, following her role in the 2014 remake ofAnnie, where she played selfish orphanage ownerMiss Hannigan. But in June 2022, sheannounced her return to the screenwith the upcoming Netflix flickBack in Action, which is set to be released in 2024 and features her formerAnniecostar,Jamie Foxx.
During her time off-screen, Diaz has focused mainly on wellness and food ventures. In 2016, she publishedThe Longevity Book(a follow-up to 2013’sThe Body Book), a New York Times best seller. Diaz invested in health and biotech startups like Modern Acupuncture and Seed Health, and in 2022, she co-launched anorganic wine brand: Avaline.
Diaz married musicianBenji Maddenin January 2015 after less than a year of dating, and the couple sharedaughter Raddix, 3.
Ben Stiller as Ted Stroehmann
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BeforeBen Stillerplayed unlucky goofball Ted who was still pining for Mary after missing his chance with her as a teen, he already had some impressive credits under his belt.
He rose to fame as the star and creator of the television seriesThe Ben Stiller Showin 1990, which earned him an Emmy Award for writing. He had also starred inHeavyweights(1995),Flirting with Disaster(1996) andThe Cable Guy(1996), butThere’s Something About Marywas the first film performance of his that garnered critical acclaim.
Stiller, 57, went on to lead several smash-hit films likeMeet the Parents(2000),Zoolander(2001),The Royal Tenenbaums(2001),Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story(2004), theMadagascarseries (2005-2012) and theNight at the Museumseries (2006-2014). Stiller also has many credits behind the screen as a director, writer and producer of several of his projects; he most recently directed six episodes of the hit sci-fi showSeverance.
Stiller married longtime co-star and collaboratorChristine Taylorin 2000, and they welcomed two children,Ella Olivia and Quinlin Dempsey, in 2002 and 2005. The coupleannounced their separationin May 2017 butshared the rekindling of their marriagein February 2022.
Matt Dillon as Pat Healy
After starting out in Hollywood as a teen heartthrob in the ‘80s,Matt Dillontook on the hilarious role of obsessed private investigator Pat Healy who quits his job to pursue Mary full-time.
Dillon’s breakout role inThe Outsidersshot him into celebrity in 1983, and he went on to star in more successful films beforeThere’s Something About MarylikeDrugstore Cowboy,Singles, andBeautiful Girls. He also had a long string of successful movies in the ‘90s including hits likeIn & OutandWild Things.
The film that landed him the most critical acclaim wasCrashin 2004, for which he won an Independent Spirit Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and Oscar.
Other films in which Dillon has starred includeYou, Me and Dupree(2006),Nothing but the Truth(2008),Takers(2010),Girl Most Likely(2012),Bad Country(2014) andAsteroid City(2023).
In 2018, he led the cast ofThe House That Jack Builtalongside hisBeautiful Girlscostar,Uma Thurman, and the gruesome flick made headlines when itprompted over 100 walkouts at Cannes.
Dillon is in a relationship with longtime girlfriend and Italian actress Roberta Mastromichele.
Chris Elliott as Dom “Woogie” Woganowski
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ComedianChris Elliotttook on the role of Ted’s best friend who convinces him to try to win Mary back. In one of the film’s many comedic twists (25-year-old spoiler ahead!) Dom is revealed to be one of Mary’s ex-boyfriends, against whom she has a restraining order against because of his deep obsession.
Elliott made his name in comedy with his writing and appearances in comedic sketches on theLate Night withDavid Letterman(1982–1988), for which he wonfour consecutive Emmy Awardsfor his writing.
From his successful run onLetterman, he went on to create and star in the comedy seriesGet a Life(1990–1992), and wrote and starred in the filmCabin Boy(1994). He’s known for his role in the 1993 classic comedy filmGroundhog Dayas well.
Elliot, 63, is most known in recent years for his television work, including on sitcomsEverybody Loves Raymond(2003–2005),How I Met Your Mother(2009–2014) and most recently onSchitt’s Creek(2015-2020).
Lee Evans as Tucker/Norm Phipps
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Lee Evans is a British actor, musician, writer and stand-up comedian. He took on the role of Norm Phipps, a pizza delivery driver who meets Mary while delivering her a pizza and develops an obsession with her. Out of sheer desperation to win Mary’s heart, he adopts the persona of “Tucker,” a British architect who befriends Mary.
Evans rose to fame in England for his stand-up career in the ’90s and became a prolific and highly regarded comic and made his film debut in the 1995 filmFunny Bones.
He went on to act inThe Fifth Element(1997),Mouse Hunt(1997),The Ladies Man(2000),The Medallion(2003), andFreeze Frame(2004), as well as in notable stage productions in London likeThe ProducerswithMouse Huntco-starNathan Lanein 2004, a performance for which he received a nomination for the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award.
Evans, 59, is married to his longtime partner Heather Nudds. The couple has one daughter, Mollie, and in 2014, he announced hisretirement from entertainmentso he could spend more time with his family.
Lin Shaye as Magda
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Well-known for her roles in horror films as a scream queen, Lin Shaye played Magda, Mary’s eccentric roommate with a love of suntanning. She is best known for this comedic role.
Shaye had previously worked with the directing duo of the Farrelly brothers onKingpin(1996), in which she played a landlord.
Since her time as Magda, Shaye has carved a niche out in the horror film world, starring in theOuijafilms, theInsidiousseries, and dozens of other horror flicks.
The actress, 79, has also played roles in fan-favorite films likeStuck on You(2003) andA Cinderella Story(2004).
Shaye has one son, Lee Landey, who she shares with ex-husband and fellow actor Clayton Landey. The couple divorced in 2003 after 15 years of marriage.
source: people.com
