Charlie’s Angels Turns 20: Where Are Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and the Iconic Cast Now?
Two decades ago, on November 3, 2000, a cinematic phenomenon burst onto the screens, redefining action-comedy and female empowerment for a new generation. We’re talking about none other than Charlie’s Angels, the live-action film adaptation of the beloved 1970s TV series. This blockbuster brought together a dazzling trio of Hollywood’s most vibrant stars: Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu. Their chemistry, combined with high-octane action and witty humor, propelled the film to global success, grossing over $260 million worldwide and cementing its place as a pop culture touchstone. The movie’s enduring appeal even led to a sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, released in 2003.
Beyond the dazzling leading ladies, the film was further elevated by a stellar supporting cast, including comedic legend Bill Murray as the eccentric Bosley, the charismatic Matt LeBlanc, and the ever-versatile Sam Rockwell. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic film, it’s incredible to look back at how much the cast has evolved and achieved in the two decades since they first graced the big screen as Charlie’s formidable Angels and their allies. From Oscar wins to new careers and growing families, these stars have continued to shine brightly. Let’s take a look at their remarkable journeys.
Cameron Diaz: From Hollywood Sweetheart to Wellness Entrepreneur
Cameron Diaz, now 48, was an undeniable staple of Hollywood for decades, captivating audiences with her infectious smile and dynamic performances. Her role as Natalie Cook in Charlie’s Angels marked a significant moment in her career, allowing her to blend the comedic timing she was known for with impressive action sequences, showcasing a more athletic and alluring side. The film firmly established her as a leading lady capable of carrying major blockbusters, and she reprised her role in the equally successful 2003 sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.
Before becoming an Angel, Cameron shot to fame starring opposite Jim Carrey in 1994’s The Mask, quickly securing a slew of memorable roles in romantic comedies throughout the late 90s, including My Best Friend’s Wedding and There’s Something About Mary. Her career continued to flourish throughout the 2000s and early 2010s with diverse roles in films like Shrek (as the voice of Princess Fiona), Gangs of New York, and The Holiday. However, after her final movie role in the 2014 adaptation of Annie, she began to step back from the limelight, seeking a different pace of life.
In 2017, Cameron confirmed her retirement from acting, a decision she has frequently discussed with peace and clarity. She explained that she found true fulfillment in focusing on her personal life and well-being. This new chapter saw her embrace her role as a wife to husband Benji Madden, whom she married in 2015. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Raddix, at the end of 2019, a milestone that solidified her commitment to family life. Further expanding her post-Hollywood ventures, Cameron recently launched Avaline, a successful organic wine brand, embodying her passion for health and conscious living. She has truly embraced a new, more private, and equally fulfilling life.
Drew Barrymore: From Child Star to Talk Show Host and Producer
A true Hollywood veteran since childhood, Drew Barrymore, now 45, seems to possess a timeless charm, appearing as radiant as she did two decades ago in Charlie’s Angels. Her journey in the entertainment industry began at the tender age of six, charming the world in Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1982 film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. From there, she navigated a unique path through child stardom, teenage rebellion, and eventually emerged as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and resilient figures.
Charlie’s Angels was a particularly significant project for Drew, as she not only starred as Dylan Sanders but also served as a producer through her company, Flower Films. This role allowed her to shape the project creatively, demonstrating her ambition and vision beyond just acting. The film’s success, and that of its sequel, solidified her standing in Hollywood as a powerhouse both in front of and behind the camera. Post-Angels, she continued to light up the screen in popular romantic comedies such as Fever Pitch and 50 First Dates, reuniting with her frequent and beloved co-star, Adam Sandler, with whom she shares an undeniable on-screen chemistry.
As the 2010s arrived, Drew embraced an even more profound role in her life: motherhood. She became a devoted mother to two daughters, Olive Barrymore Kopelman, 7, and Frankie Barrymore Kopelman, 6, whom she shares with her former husband, Will Kopelman. While balancing family life, Drew continued to act, earning critical acclaim for her role in the Netflix comedy Santa Clarita Diet, which showcased her comedic prowess and versatility. Most recently, 2020 saw Drew embark on a new and exciting venture, launching her very own daytime talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show. The show has quickly garnered a loyal following, allowing Drew to connect with audiences on a more personal level and solidify her status as a genuine A-lister, now a staple in daytime television.
Lucy Liu: From Angel to Acclaimed Actress and Artist
Charlie’s Angels was a pivotal moment that truly catapulted Lucy Liu, now 51, to global superstardom, and she has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down since. Her portrayal of the highly intelligent and fiercely capable Alex Munday solidified her image as a strong, independent woman on screen. The film showcased her incredible martial arts skills and comedic timing, making her an indispensable part of the Angelic trio. Following the immense success of the first film and its sequel, Lucy continued to diversify her portfolio with an impressive array of roles.
Her post-Angels career saw her star in critically acclaimed films such as the musical Chicago (2002), where she showcased her singing and dancing talents, and Quentin Tarantino’s martial arts epic Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003), where her role as the formidable O-Ren Ishii became instantly iconic. Beyond live-action, Lucy also lent her distinctive voice to the beloved character of Master Viper in the highly successful Kung Fu Panda franchise, a role she inhabited from 2008 to 2016, further demonstrating her myriad of talents and versatility as an actress.
On the small screen, Lucy has been equally prominent. Shortly after her star turn in Charlie’s Angels, she hosted Saturday Night Live, proving her comedic chops in a live setting. She also made memorable guest appearances on popular shows like Sex and the City (as herself), Futurama, and The Simpsons. Her most notable television role, however, came with the critically acclaimed CBS series Elementary, where she portrayed Dr. Joan Watson alongside Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock Holmes from 2012 to 2019. Her groundbreaking interpretation of Watson, traditionally a male character, earned her widespread praise. In her personal life, Lucy is a loving mom to her adorable son, Rockwell, who celebrated his fifth birthday in 2020, embracing single motherhood with grace and joy.
Matt LeBlanc: From Friends’ Joey to Golden Globe Winner
By the time Matt LeBlanc, now 53, appeared as Jason Gibbons, the boyfriend of Alex Munday, in Charlie’s Angels, he was already a bonafide Hollywood heartthrob. His fame stemmed, of course, from his iconic portrayal of the lovable, dim-witted actor Joey Tribbiani in the generation-defining sitcom Friends, which had been a global phenomenon for years prior to the film’s release. His role in Charlie’s Angels was a fun, high-profile turn outside of his long-running television commitment.
Following the conclusion of Friends in 2004, Matt reprised his beloved Joey Tribbiani role in the spin-off series Joey. While the show enjoyed initial popularity, it ultimately struggled to capture the magic of its predecessor and was canceled after just two seasons. This period led Matt to take a well-deserved break from acting, which he initially announced as a year-long hiatus but eventually extended to five years, during which he focused on his personal life and raising his daughter. This break allowed him to recharge and consider his next career moves outside the shadow of his most famous character.
Matt made a triumphant return to the small screen in 2011, starring in the critically acclaimed Showtime/BBC Two series Episodes. In a brilliant meta-performance, he played a fictionalized, exaggerated version of himself trying to navigate the pitfalls of Hollywood. His portrayal in Episodes earned him widespread critical praise, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy, proving his acting range extended far beyond Joey. The series ran until 2017. Following this success, Matt also co-hosted the globally popular automotive series Top Gear from 2016 to 2019 and starred in the CBS family sitcom Man with a Plan, which aired from 2016 to 2020. Off-screen, Matt is a dedicated father to his 16-year-old daughter, Marina LeBlanc, and continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood.
Bill Murray: The Unconventional Icon’s Enduring Legacy
An undisputed A-lister and comedic legend, Bill Murray, now 70, already had a flourishing, decades-long career long before he took on the role of Bosley in Charlie’s Angels. His unique brand of dry wit and deadpan delivery has made him one of the most recognizable and beloved actors of his generation. He first rose to national fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live in the late 1970s and went on to star in dozens of classic films throughout the 80s and 90s, including comedies like Caddyshack, Tootsie, the supernatural hit Ghostbusters, and the existential masterpiece Groundhog Day. His appearance in Charlie’s Angels as the Angels’ eccentric handler further cemented his status as a versatile performer capable of fitting into any genre.
Remarkably, Bill Murray’s career only deepened and became more critically acclaimed in the years following Charlie’s Angels. In 2003, he delivered a poignant and unforgettable performance in Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, a Golden Globe Award, and a British Academy Film Award, showcasing his dramatic depth. He continued to collaborate with renowned directors like Wes Anderson in films such as The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Darjeeling Limited, and Moonrise Kingdom, cementing his status as an indie film darling.
More recently, Bill continued his prolific output, starring in the acclaimed HBO miniseries Olive Kitteridge in 2014, for which he was awarded his second Emmy Award. His recent work also includes the 2020 film On The Rocks, another collaboration with Sofia Coppola, which garnered significant Oscar buzz for his performance. Off-screen, Murray maintains a famously elusive yet charming public persona, known for his impromptu appearances and interactions with fans. He has been married twice and is a father to six children, continuing to live a life as uniquely compelling as his on-screen characters.
Sam Rockwell: The Scene-Stealer Who Became an Oscar Winner
While he played a supporting yet crucial role as the villain Eric Knox in Charlie’s Angels, Sam Rockwell, now 51, has since ascended to the very top ranks of Hollywood, starring in Oscar-winning movies and even hosting Saturday Night Live, among his many impressive credits. Even in Charlie’s Angels, Rockwell’s distinct energy and unpredictable charm were evident, hinting at the remarkable career that lay ahead. Known for his intense character work and ability to disappear into a role, Rockwell has steadily built a reputation as one of the most compelling actors working today.
Following his turn in the spy movie, Sam Rockwell’s filmography exploded with diverse and memorable performances across a multitude of genres. He appeared in blockbusters like Iron Man 2, showcasing his comedic villainy, and independent gems such as The Way, Way Back, where he delivered a critically acclaimed performance. However, it was his unforgettable portrayal of a bigoted, morally complex police officer in the 2017 film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri that truly brought him widespread recognition and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This powerful performance cemented his status as a dramatic force.
The following year, Rockwell was nominated for another Oscar for his uncanny portrayal of former President George W. Bush in Adam McKay’s 2018 political satire Vice, further demonstrating his range. On television, he earned an Emmy nomination for his performance as the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse in the FX series Fosse/Verdon, showcasing his talent for embodying real-life figures. In his personal life, Sam has been in a long-term relationship with actress Leslie Bibb since 2007, a partnership that has seen them appear together on screen multiple times. While he has never married, Rockwell has openly discussed his views on family. In an interview with The Guardian, he shared, “I definitely don’t want to become a parent. It’s not my bag,” a candid revelation about his personal choices. Sam Rockwell continues to choose compelling, challenging roles, cementing his legacy as a brilliant and distinctive actor.