Cameron Diaz’s Team Advised Against Role in ‘There’s Something About Mary’

Cameron Diaz’s journey in Hollywood began with her first movie role in ‘The Mask’ in 1994, where she caught the industry’s eye as a model turned actress alongside Jim Carrey. Her rise to fame was gradual, contrasting with Carrey’s immediate success.

During the mid-1990s, she was primarily recognized as a budding romantic comedy star and sex symbol, featuring in films like ‘She’s the One,’ ‘Feeling Minnesota,’ ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding,’ and ‘A Life Less Ordinary.’ A role in ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ showcased her versatility. By the decade’s end, she had established herself as a prominent Hollywood figure, though she had yet to reach the heights of stars like Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, or Meg Ryan.

The turning point in her career came with a role she was advised to decline. Recently, Far Out Magazine revisited the story of how Diaz was offered the part of Mary Jensen in ‘There’s Something About Mary’ in 1997, with production slated to begin that December. Her agent and manager reportedly cautioned her against taking the role, perceiving the film as a risky venture that could jeopardize her career.

However, Diaz decided to follow her instincts. She recalled that upon reading the script, she laughed so hard she fell off her bed, particularly at a scene where Mary’s brother punches Matt Dillon’s character in the throat. At that time, she was only five years into her acting career.

Even after agreeing to the role, she had reservations. The Farrelly brothers asked her if she was comfortable with the script, and she affirmed. However, on the day they filmed the most infamous scene, she had second thoughts, fearing it could harm her career and tarnish her character.

Bobby Farrelly later clarified that they didn’t want to pressure her. They assured her that if audience reactions were negative, they would cut the scene, allowing her to make the final decision. Ultimately, the scene remained, becoming a defining moment of the film.

The film was a massive success, opening on July 15, 1998, through 20th Century Fox, and grossing over $369 million worldwide on a $23 million budget, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year.

Diaz received numerous accolades following the film’s release, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, a New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress, and an MTV Movie Award. Variety hailed it as her breakout moment, and in 2000, Total Film readers voted it the fourth-greatest comedy of all time. In the film, she portrays an orthopedic surgeon who becomes the object of affection for several men, including characters played by Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon.

Reflecting on the advice she received, it now seems almost humorous. Diaz has since returned to acting in Netflix’s ‘Back in Action’ alongside Jamie Foxx, while asserting her right to decline future roles. After her experience with ‘Mary,’ she has every reason to trust her instincts.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!