Since making her acting debut as a teenager, Reese Witherspoon has excelled in her career, with a handful of movies and TV shows to prove it.
Standing among the most influential people in the world and the top one hundred most powerful women, Reese Witherspoon added a new feat to her list of accomplishments in 2022, becoming the wealthiest woman in Hollywood per Forbes.
While she owes the record-breaking feat majorly to the sale of her successful production company, Hello Sunshine, the proceeds from her iconic movies and TV shows have undoubtedly contributed to her trailblazing net worth.
From breaking into the scenes as a fourteen-year-old in the movie, “The Man In the Moon,” to spotlighting female entertainers on “The Morning Show,” Witherspoon’s acting history certainly backs her record-breaking feats. Here is a list of five movies and TV shows that prove Reese Witherspoon is a multifaceted actress deserving of all her accolades.
1. Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde first hit the screens in 2001, but it has gone down in history as one of the most iconic films of all time. And the woman who brought the lead character to life? Reese Witherspoon.
The story follows a blonde woman, Elle Woods, attending Harvard law school to win back her boyfriend’s heart. Although her blonde hair, fashionable pink outfits, and pet chihuahua gave her the appearance of a dumb blonde at first glance, her determination to prove everyone wrong urged her forward in her law pursuits.
Reese Witherspoon played the role with so much grace and charisma, capturing the hearts of millions with her onscreen charms.
The movie not only disproved the blonde stereotypes surrounding Elle Woods, but it also spurred Witherspoon, a natural blonde’s zeal to succeed.
Channeling her entrepreneurial mindset and the reputation she garnered through her role as Woods, Witherspoon has somehow disproved that stereotype. Little wonder she reprised the role in the second and third installments of the movie, released in 2003 and 2023, respectively.
2. Walk The Line
Reese Witherspoon’s transformation from her signature blonde tresses to the dark-haired singer June Carter can only be described as otherworldly. Her role was the sweet songstress who eventually became the second wife of Johnny Cash.
Throughout their relationship centered around their love for music, the couple overcame many ups and downs. Cash’s battle with addiction especially ate deep into their marriage, but Witherspoon’s character stood by him, keeping him grounded.
The role eventually won the actress several awards, including a Golden Globe, Academy Award, SAG Award and Critics Choice Award in 2006.
3. The Morning Show
Several movies and TV shows starring Reese Witherspoon portray the actress as a representation of her blonde persona. However, she has deflected that ideal in numerous films, embodying female empowerment.
One such project was “The Morning Show.” The movie features Reese Witherspoon as a reporter who holds back nothing when it comes to carrying out her distinguished career. After finding fame as a reporter, she finds herself in line to become part of America’s leading news station.
Her presence in the media company set off a new era in the news station and the industry at large. Witherspoon’s ability to play the unapologetic goal-getter without losing her passionate side completely reflected how well she could switch personalities on screen. Indeed, the quality of a great actress.
4. Little Fires Everywhere
Despite her many flaws, the self-righteous perfectionist Elena Richardson managed to win the sympathy of viewers on the series “Little Fires Everywhere.”
While this was primarily due to the characters’ ability to portray her every move as one made out of love for her friends, family, wealthy neighbors or the good of society, Reese Witherspoon’s role as the character certainly played a part.
After all, who could dislike the sweet blonde whose face shone through in “Legally Blonde,” “Wild,” “Just Like Heaven,” and “Fear,” among others?
Her ability to play both the sweet and the ugly in her movies and TV shows has made Reese Witherspoon one of the most sought-after actresses on the planet.
Yet, even as the insensitive Richardson with her outlandish lifestyle, she left viewers with mixed feelings about where the mom of three stood in the villain spectrum.
The conflicting emotions surrounding the icon’s character, especially in relation to Kerry Washington’s Mia Warren, contributed to making the movie a hit. Only a legend could pull that off!
5. Wild
Wild is an American movie based on the autobiographical novel by Cheryl Strayed. It followed Strayed, a woman who suffered the loss of her mother and the subsequent crumbling of her marriage.
In the last ditch effort to make sense of her life again, the woman decided to embark on an adventurous, life-changing journey alone. Deciding to venture into her 1000-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail by herself became a stepping stone in her healing process.
With her performance, “Wild” easily stood out as one of the best movies and TV shows starring Reese Witherspoon. Little wonder she received an Oscar nod for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Like her movie characters, Reese Witherspoon seems to have a certain charm around her in real life. Perhaps, this aura accounts for her unmatched success both in her career and her romantic life with the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Phillippe, and husband of 11 years, Jim Toth.