Renée Kathleen Zellweger was born on April 25, 1969, in Katy, Texas, to Emil Erich Zellweger, a mechanical and electrical engineer, and Kjellfrid Irene (née Andreassen), a nurse and midwife. Her father is Swiss, and her mother is Norwegian. She graduated from Katy High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin in 1991.
Zellweger began her acting career in Texas, appearing in commercials and small film roles. Her early film credits include “Reality Bites” (1994) and “Empire Records” (1995).
Zellweger gained significant recognition for her role as Dorothy Boyd in “Jerry Maguire” (1996), starring alongside Tom Cruise. This performance earned her critical acclaim and solidified her position as a leading actress.
Zellweger has starred in a wide range of films, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Some of her most notable roles include: