Remember These Female Action Heroes? Here’s What They Look Like Today

In Charlie’s Angels (2000), Cameron Diaz played Natalie Cook — a bubbly, brilliant, and fearless private investigator. She brought humor, charm, and unexpected physicality to the role, blending high-kicking martial arts with playful confidence. Her energy helped turn the film into a fresh, female-led reboot of classic action fun.

At the turn of the millennium, Diaz was already a major star thanks to The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and My Best Friend’s Wedding. Charlie’s Angels allowed her to break into full-fledged action territory, proving she could balance comedy and combat while leading a blockbuster alongside Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu.