1. Renée Zellweger's Sami Heritage
Renée Zellweger's mother, Kjellfrid Irene Andreassen, is of Norwegian Sami origin, a distinct ethnic group native to the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Kjellfrid's heritage is a source of pride for Renée, who has spoken publicly about the importance of preserving the Sami culture and language.
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Advertisement2. Sami woman with unique features
Renée Zellweger is a member of a minority group from the Lapland region of the Scandanavian Peninsula, and she has inherited several distinct Sami features, including narrow eyes and strong cheekbones. These features are characteristic of the Sami people, who have lived in the Lapland region for centuries and are known for their unique culture and traditions. Renée's Sami heritage is an important part of her identity, and she is proud to represent her people.
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3. A True Tomboy
As a child, Renée Zellweger was a real tomboy, doting on her older brother Andrew. She was an avid sports fan, playing basketball, football, baseball and soccer while she was in junior high. She was passionate about sports and enjoyed the camaraderie of her teammates. Her love of sports has stayed with her throughout her life, and she still enjoys playing a game of basketball or soccer with friends.
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4. From Strip Club Waitress to Oscar-Winning Actor
Renée Zellweger worked hard to make her dreams of becoming an actor come true, even taking a job as a cocktail waitress in a strip club while she was still trying to get her big break. Despite the long hours and the less-than-glamorous environment, she persevered and eventually achieved her goal, becoming one of the most successful and acclaimed actors of her generation.
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Advertisement5. An Unknown Actress Becomes a Star
Renée Zellweger was an unknown actress when she beat out well-established stars like Cameron Diaz, Parker Posey, and Mira Sorvino to land the career-defining role of Dorothy Boyd in the 1996 hit movie "Jerry McGuire", starring Tom Cruise in the lead role. This was a major breakthrough for Zellweger, launching her into stardom and paving the way for her to become one of the most recognizable and beloved actresses of her generation.
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6. DIY enthusiast
Renée Zellweger has been a DIY enthusiast since she was a child. At the age of nine, she helped her family build their home from the ground up, and her passion for DIY projects has only grown since then. She loves to get her hands dirty with a paintbrush or hammer, and is always ready to take on a new project. Renée's enthusiasm for DIY is a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness, and she continues to be an inspiration to those who share her passion.
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7. Renée Zellweger wins Golden Globe
In 1997, Renée Zellweger was awarded a Golden Globe for her role in the movie "Nurse Betty". She was so sure she wouldn't win that she left the room to go to the restroom while her category was being announced. To her surprise, she was the winner and studio executive Barry Diller had to go and fetch her from the restroom.
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Advertisement8. Renée Zellweger Pushes BF Jim Carrey to the Limit
Renée Zellweger was so dedicated to her role in "Bridget Jones' Diary" that she used Bridget's accent round the clock to perfect her British accent. This drove her then boyfriend, Jim Carrey, up the wall, as he would plead with her to speak normally. Zellweger's commitment to her craft was so strong that she was willing to put in the extra effort to ensure her performance was as authentic as possible.
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9. Renée Zellweger Gains 20 Pounds for 'Bridget Jones' Diary' Role
Renée Zellweger is a dedicated actress who went to great lengths to accurately portray her character in the 2001 film "Bridget Jones' Diary". To ensure her performance was as realistic as possible, she gained 20 pounds for the role, demonstrating her commitment to her craft and her professionalism.
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10. From 'Dazed and Confused' to Hollywood's New It Girl
Renée Zellweger made her big-screen debut in the 1993 cult classic, "Dazed and Confused". Despite having no lines in the movie, her performance was met with critical acclaim. Her portrayal of the small but memorable role was so powerful that it earned her rave reviews from critics and fans alike.
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- Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead winners