Happy Birthday Catherine Zeta-Jones: Exploring Her Top 10 Movie Roles As Actress Turns 55

Celebrate Catherine Zeta-Jones' 55th birthday by exploring her top 10 iconic movie roles, from her Oscar-winning performance in Chicago to action-packed hits like The Mask of Zorro and Ocean's Twelve.

Updated on Sep 28, 2024  |  09:06 AM IST |  109.9K
From Chicago to Zorro: Catherine Zeta-Jones 10 Best Roles as She Turns 55
Catherine Zeta-Jones (PC: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers/ Sony Pictures Entertainment)

As Catherine Zeta-Jones turns 55, we celebrate a career filled with unforgettable performances that have cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s finest actors. Known for her stunning beauty, magnetic screen presence, and undeniable versatility, Zeta-Jones has delivered a wide range of iconic roles across various genres, from musicals to thrillers and romantic comedies. 

Whether she’s dazzling audiences with her singing and dancing in Chicago or showcasing her fierce determination in action-packed films like The Mask of Zorro, her talent knows no bounds. Over the years, Zeta-Jones has taken on complex characters that highlight her acting depth and ability to seamlessly blend glamour with emotional depth. 


As she continues to captivate viewers worldwide, her legacy as a powerful force in the film industry remains unmatched. In this blog, we explore her top 10 most iconic roles, celebrating the exceptional work that has defined her remarkable career.

1. Chicago: The role that redefined her career

When Catherine Zeta-Jones took on the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago, she transformed herself into a Hollywood powerhouse. Playing the fiery and ambitious vaudevillian, she not only impressed audiences with her stellar acting but also with her dancing and singing chops. Her performance in the musical earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, with her rendition of All That Jazz becoming iconic. Chicago was a huge commercial and critical success, and Zeta-Jones proved to be one of the brightest highlights, solidifying her position as one of Hollywood's most dynamic talents.

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2. Traffic: A riveting supporting role

In Traffic, Zeta-Jones portrayed Helena Ayala, a sheltered housewife whose life takes a dark turn when she discovers her husband is a drug lord. As Helena descends into the gritty underworld of narcotics, Zeta-Jones delivers a gripping performance that showcases her ability to handle intense, complex roles. The film, which featured multiple storylines and a star-studded cast, was critically acclaimed, and her portrayal of a woman forced to adapt to her harsh new reality was one of the reasons Traffic stood out as one of the best films of its time.


3. The Mask of Zorro: A stunning breakout

In The Mask of Zorro, Catherine Zeta-Jones was nothing short of radiant as Elena, the fiery daughter of the original Zorro. With sizzling chemistry alongside Antonio Banderas, she brought grace, strength, and beauty to her action-packed scenes, especially the unforgettable sword fights. Her portrayal in this swashbuckling adventure helped turn the film into a box-office hit and catapulted her into stardom. From her poise to her dynamic action sequences, Zeta-Jones proved she was more than capable of holding her own in a major Hollywood action blockbuster.

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4. Ocean’s Twelve: A clever and charismatic role

In Ocean’s Twelve, Zeta-Jones took on the role of Isabel Lahiri, a determined Interpol agent with a personal connection to the heist crew she’s chasing. Her sharp wit, intelligence, and effortless charm elevated the film, making her character a standout among the star-studded ensemble. The dynamic between her and Brad Pitt’s character, Rusty, added an extra layer of intrigue, and Zeta-Jones showed once again that she could bring both depth and glamour to any role, seamlessly blending into the high-stakes world of thieves and con artists.


5. No Reservations: A heartfelt culinary journey

In the romantic drama No Reservations, Zeta-Jones played Kate Armstrong, a perfectionist chef who must learn to balance her career and newfound family responsibilities. Her portrayal of a woman navigating the pressures of work while caring for her niece and developing a romance with Aaron Eckhart’s character struck an emotional chord with viewers. Zeta-Jones brought warmth, vulnerability, and strength to the role, making it one of her more grounded, relatable performances. This heartwarming film showcased her ability to shine in more intimate, character-driven stories.

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6. The Terminal: A sweet love story amidst chaos

In Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal, Zeta-Jones portrayed Amelia Warren, a flight attendant who strikes up a complicated relationship with Tom Hanks’ Viktor Navorski, a man stuck in an airport terminal. Though her screen time was limited, Zeta-Jones brought depth to her character, balancing Amelia’s personal struggles with her blossoming feelings for Viktor. Her charm added a layer of softness to the film, creating an understated yet memorable love story in a unique setting. It’s a role that highlighted her ability to bring a natural, effortless warmth to any film.


7. Entrapment: A thrilling heist adventure

 


In Entrapment, Zeta-Jones played Virginia Baker, an insurance investigator working alongside Sean Connery’s veteran thief in a high-stakes heist. Known for the iconic laser-dodging scene, this film allowed Zeta-Jones to showcase her action-hero side, blending suspense, charm, and intelligence into her performance. The chemistry between Zeta-Jones and Connery made the movie a thrilling watch, as they navigated a web of deception and trust. Her role in Entrapment remains one of her most memorable in the action genre, proving she could handle intense scenes with grace and skill.


8. Intolerable Cruelty: A battle of wits

In Intolerable Cruelty, a dark romantic comedy directed by the Coen Brothers, Zeta-Jones played the cunning and glamorous Marylin Rexroth, a gold digger locked in a battle of wits with George Clooney’s character. Her sharp comedic timing and sizzling chemistry with Clooney made this film a fun and engaging watch. Zeta-Jones’ portrayal of a scheming yet captivating woman brought sophistication to the film’s quirky humor, proving her versatility in the comedy genre. Her ability to be both charming and ruthless left audiences enthralled.

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9. Side Effects: A dark and twisted turn

In the psychological thriller Side Effects, Zeta-Jones took on the role of Dr. Victoria Siebert, a psychiatrist with sinister motives. Her chilling performance added layers of suspense and mystery to the film, keeping viewers on edge as her character’s true intentions slowly unraveled. Zeta-Jones’ ability to shift from warmth to cold calculation in the blink of an eye was masterful, making her one of the standout performers in this twisted, dark tale. It’s a role that allowed her to dive into the complexities of human nature with unsettling precision.


10. The Legend of Zorro: A fiery return

 


Reprising her role as Elena in The Legend of Zorro, Zeta-Jones brought back the fiery passion and fierce independence that made her a standout in the first film. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century California, her character balanced being a devoted mother with her adventurous side as she partnered with Antonio Banderas’ Zorro once again. Zeta-Jones shone in the action sequences, and her chemistry with Banderas was electric, bringing energy and heart to the film. Her portrayal of Elena added depth to this action-packed sequel, reaffirming her status as a leading lady.

As Catherine Zeta-Jones turns 55, her diverse and remarkable career continues to shine, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood.

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Sejal Patel is a journalist who treats every headline like a blockbuster script. Her love for films and

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