What Made Catherine Zeta-Jones Famous?
Catherine Zeta-Jones is one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, with a career spanning more than three decades in film, television, and theatre. She has graced the big and small screens with memorable performances and comedic turns, earning her a considerable fan following and considerable accolades. But what made Catherine Zeta-Jones famous in the first place, and how did she become one of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry? Let’s take a look at the many factors that made her stand out amidst a talented pack of peers.
Early Career
Catherine Zeta-Jones began her career as a singer and dancer, performing with a range of groups and theatres. After taking starring roles in stage productions of the musicals “42nd Street” and “Annie”, she made the transition to film and television with a number of small parts, including a 1989 miniseries about the life of Catherine of Aragon. She gained further recognition after appearing in 1991 film “The Willows in Winter”.
Breakthrough Success with “The Mask of Zorro”
Her breakout performance, however, came in 1998’s swashbuckling adventure “The Mask of Zorro”. Her role as the smart and brave Elena Montero opposite Antonio Banderas’ titular hero established her as a leading lady and earned her numerous awards nominations and wins. The film was a huge critical and commercial success and its success was widely credited to her presence.
Starring in Major Franchises
After establishing a strong presence in Hollywood, Catherine Zeta-Jones starred in a number of memorable films. This included notable performances in Steven Spielberg’s “The Terminal”, “Ocean’s Twelve”, and 2004’s surprise horror hit “The Village”. She also was one of the few original cast members to return for both sequels to “The Mask of Zorro”.
But perhaps her biggest success was due to her starring role in the action fantasy “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. Her performance as a wicked White Witch enthralled audiences, spawning two further films with her in the lead.
Her Oscar Win
Along with her box office brawn, Catherine Zeta-Jones is also respected as a skilled actress for her sensitive and nuanced performances. Perhaps her crowning achievement to date is her Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress in the musical “Chicago”. A role that showcased both her singing and dancing talents, the performance won her great acclaim and further cemented her presence in Hollywood.
Further Notable Credits
Catherine Zeta-Jones displayed her talent for comedy in the hit films “Intolerable Cruelty” and “No Reservations”. She was also critically praised for her work in films such as “Death Defying Acts” and “Side Effects”. She also made an appearance in the highly successful Marvel movie “Iron Man 2”.
Her Television Work
Catherine Zeta-Jones also took a number of memorable roles in television series. In 2018, she was cast as Olivia de Havilland in FX’s series “Feud: Bette and Joan”, portraying the two-time Oscar-winning actress. She also worked on the drama series “Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story”, winning herself a Golden Globe nomination for her role.
In 2019, she appeared in the successful show “Prodigal Son” as the observant and calculating Dr. Vivian Capshaw. While the series was cancelled after two seasons, her performance drew praise from critics and viewers alike.
Return to Stage
Following her work on the big and small screen, Catherine Zeta-Jones returned to the stage in 2018. She starred alongside Antonio Banderas in the Broadway revival of the Kander and Ebb classic “Kiss Me, Kate”. Her performance was widely judged as a triumphant return, earning her a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award win.
Her Impact on the Industry
Catherine Zeta-Jones has made an indelible impact on the entertainment industry. She has continuously distinguished herself with captivating performances and compelling characters. She is respected for her range and skill as a performer, having won prestigious awards and garnering a huge fan following.
Having achieved much success over the course of her career, one cannot doubt that her hard work and sheer star quality have been essential to her enduring fame. It’s clear that what made Catherine Zeta-Jones famous was her tenacity, talent, and presence.
