Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Career: From ‘1001 Nights’ to ‘Wednesday’

Catherine Zeta-Jones first captured the world’s attention with her striking beauty and undeniable talent. Hailing from Wales, she brought a classic Hollywood elegance to the screen, combined with a modern strength and versatility. From her earliest days, it was clear she was a triple threat, capable of acting, singing, and dancing at the highest level, which would later define some of her most iconic roles.

Her career began on the British stage and television before she made a spectacular transition to Hollywood in the late 1990s. She quickly became a leading lady, starring in major blockbusters across different genres, including action-adventures, romantic comedies, and tense thrillers. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, proving she is much more than just a movie star; she is a profoundly gifted performer who continues to captivate audiences in film and on television.

‘1001 Nights’ (1990)

Catherine Zeta-Jones’s first feature film was this French-Italian production directed by Philippe de Broca. She played the legendary role of Scheherazade, the beautiful storyteller who must enchant a king with her tales for 1,001 nights to save her own life.

The film is a whimsical and fantastical adaptation of the classic Middle Eastern folk tales, ‘One Thousand and One Nights’. For Zeta-Jones, it was an early leading role that showcased her screen presence, even though she was just at the beginning of her career in cinema.

‘The Darling Buds of May’ (1991–1993)

This beloved British comedy-drama series was the project that made Catherine Zeta-Jones a star in the United Kingdom. She played Mariette Larkin, the beautiful eldest daughter of the fun-loving and eccentric Larkin family living in rural 1950s Kent.

The show was a massive success and became one of the most popular programs on British television. Zeta-Jones’s portrayal of the charming and radiant Mariette made her a media sensation and set the stage for her future career in Hollywood.

‘Christopher Columbus: The Discovery’ (1992)

In this historical adventure film, Zeta-Jones played Beatriz Enríquez de Arana, the mistress of Christopher Columbus. The movie was released to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage to the Americas.

The film featured a large ensemble cast that included Marlon Brando and Tom Selleck. Although the movie itself was not a critical or commercial success, it was one of Zeta-Jones’s first roles in a major international production.

‘The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles’ (1992)

This television series served as a prequel to the popular ‘Indiana Jones’ films, following the adventures of a young Indy. Catherine Zeta-Jones appeared in one episode, “Palestine, October 1917,” where she played a belly dancer and spy named Maya.

Her role was a small but memorable one in the ambitious series created by George Lucas. It gave her an early taste of working within a large, established franchise, showcasing her captivating presence in an action-adventure setting.

‘Splitting Heirs’ (1993)

In this British comedy, Zeta-Jones played Kitty Farrant. The film stars Eric Idle as a man who discovers he is the rightful heir to a dukedom, a title that has been mistakenly given to an American played by Rick Moranis.

Zeta-Jones’s character is the gold-digging girlfriend who gets caught between the two men vying for the title and the fortune. The film is a classic farce, and her role allowed her to display her comedic timing.

‘The Return of the Native’ (1994)

This television movie is an adaptation of the famous Thomas Hardy novel. Catherine Zeta-Jones starred as Eustacia Vye, a passionate and rebellious young woman who feels trapped by her life in the desolate English moors and longs for a more exciting existence.

Her portrayal of the complex and tragic heroine was a significant dramatic role for her. She captured the character’s fiery spirit and desperate ambition, earning positive notice for her performance in this classic literary adaptation.

‘The Cinder Path’ (1994)

‘The Cinder Path’ was a British television miniseries based on a novel by Catherine Cookson. Zeta-Jones played Victoria Chapman, a beautiful but manipulative woman who is part of a dark family drama set in rural Northumberland before and during World War I.

The story is filled with romance, betrayal, and tragedy. Her role as the scheming and cruel Victoria showcased her ability to play characters with a darker, more villainous edge, adding another dimension to her growing body of work.

‘Blue Juice’ (1995)

In this British film about a group of surfers in Cornwall, Zeta-Jones played Chloe. Her character is the devoted girlfriend of the main character, a local surf legend who is struggling with his fear of growing older and leaving his carefree life behind.

The film is a lighthearted drama that captures a specific moment in British youth culture. As Chloe, Zeta-Jones represented the pull of stability and commitment, urging her boyfriend to move on from his endless summer.

‘Catherine the Great’ (1995)

In this television movie, Catherine Zeta-Jones took on the title role of the famous Russian empress. The film chronicles her rise to power, from a young German princess arriving in Russia to her eventual overthrow of her own husband to become the ruler.

Starring as one of history’s most powerful women was a major leading role for Zeta-Jones. Her performance was praised for capturing the intelligence, ambition, and charisma of the iconic monarch.

‘The Phantom’ (1996)

This action-adventure film was based on the classic comic strip hero. Zeta-Jones played Sala, a feisty and seductive pilot who is the leader of an all-female team of air pirates. She becomes an antagonist to the film’s hero, played by Billy Zane.

The role was one of her first in a big-budget American production. Playing the charismatic villain allowed her to make a strong impression on Hollywood audiences with her beauty and commanding screen presence.

‘Titanic’ (1996)

Before the famous James Cameron film, Catherine Zeta-Jones starred in this two-part television miniseries about the sinking of the famous ship. She played Isabella Paradine, a wealthy woman who is traveling on the Titanic to reunite with her daughter after the death of her aunt.

During the voyage, she rekindles a romance with a former lover. Zeta-Jones’s storyline was one of several that depicted the lives of different passengers aboard the ill-fated liner, adding a layer of human drama to the historical tragedy.

‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998)

This was the film that launched Catherine Zeta-Jones to international stardom. She starred as Elena Montero, the fiery and independent long-lost daughter of the original Zorro, played by Anthony Hopkins. She becomes the love interest of the new Zorro, played by Antonio Banderas.

Her performance was a sensation, praised for its perfect blend of elegance, strength, and charm. Her sword-fighting scene with Banderas is one of the most memorable moments in the film, and the role established her as a major Hollywood leading lady.

‘Entrapment’ (1999)

In this stylish heist thriller, Zeta-Jones starred opposite Sean Connery. She played Virginia “Gin” Baker, an insurance investigator who goes undercover to trap a master art thief. However, the lines between her professional duty and personal feelings become blurred.

The film was a major box office success. Zeta-Jones proved she could hold her own alongside a screen legend, and her agility in the famous laser-beam sequence became an iconic image from the film.

‘The Haunting’ (1999)

Zeta-Jones was part of an ensemble cast in this horror film, which was a remake of the 1963 classic. She played Theodora, a glamorous and bisexual artist who is one of the subjects in a sleep disorder study taking place in a terrifying haunted mansion.

The film relied on special effects and jump scares to create a frightening atmosphere. Her character added a layer of modern style and attitude to the group of strangers trapped in the haunted house.

‘High Fidelity’ (2000)

In this comedy-drama starring John Cusack as a self-obsessed record store owner, Zeta-Jones has a memorable supporting role. She plays Charlie Nicholson, one of the main character’s ex-girlfriends, who he revisits in an attempt to understand his failed relationships.

Charlie is portrayed as beautiful, ambitious, and somewhat shallow, and she has since moved on to a more successful new partner. Her brief but funny appearance is a key part of the main character’s journey of self-reflection.

‘Traffic’ (2000)

In this powerful, Oscar-winning drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, Zeta-Jones played Helena Ayala. She is the pregnant wife of a wealthy drug lord who discovers the true source of her family’s fortune only after her husband is arrested. To protect her lifestyle, she takes over his illegal business.

Her performance was critically acclaimed as a major turning point in her career, proving her incredible depth as a dramatic actress. She convincingly portrayed Helena’s transformation from a naive socialite into a ruthless and calculating drug trafficker.

‘America’s Sweethearts’ (2001)

This romantic comedy featured an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, John Cusack, and Billy Crystal. Zeta-Jones played Gwen Harrison, a spoiled and demanding movie star who is part of a famous Hollywood couple. The couple has had a messy public breakup and must pretend to be reconciled to promote their final film together.

Zeta-Jones clearly had fun playing the self-absorbed and difficult diva. The role allowed her to showcase her comedic talents as she hilariously portrayed the worst aspects of celebrity behavior.

‘Chicago’ (2002)

For her role as the vaudeville star and murderess Velma Kelly in this hit musical, Catherine Zeta-Jones won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Velma is the reigning queen of the Cook County Jail until a new rival, Roxie Hart, steals her spotlight and her lawyer.

Zeta-Jones, who began her career in musical theater, was able to fully showcase her singing and dancing talents. Her powerful performance of “All That Jazz” is one of the film’s most iconic numbers, and her Oscar win cemented her status as a top-tier Hollywood star.

‘Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas’ (2003)

In this animated adventure from DreamWorks, Catherine Zeta-Jones voiced the character of Marina. She is the fiancée of Sinbad’s best friend and a noblewoman who stows away on Sinbad’s ship to ensure he completes his quest to retrieve a stolen magical book.

Marina is a strong and capable character who constantly challenges Sinbad, and the two develop a romantic chemistry throughout their journey. Zeta-Jones’s voice work brought sophistication and spirit to the animated heroine.

‘Intolerable Cruelty’ (2003)

Zeta-Jones starred opposite George Clooney in this screwball comedy directed by the Coen brothers. She played Marilyn Rexroth, a beautiful and cunning gold digger who marries wealthy men only to divorce them and take their fortunes. Clooney plays the hotshot divorce lawyer she goes up against.

The film is a modern take on classic romantic comedies from the 1940s. Zeta-Jones perfectly embodied the role of the glamorous and intelligent femme fatale, engaging in a witty battle of the sexes with her co-star.

‘The Terminal’ (2004)

In this dramedy directed by Steven Spielberg, Zeta-Jones played Amelia Warren, a flight attendant who is involved in a complicated affair. She befriends the film’s protagonist, played by Tom Hanks, a man from a fictional Eastern European nation who is forced to live in a New York City airport terminal.

Her character is kind but also sad, representing a life of constant transit without a real destination. Zeta-Jones brought warmth and vulnerability to the role, creating a memorable connection with Hanks’s character.

‘Ocean’s Twelve’ (2004)

Zeta-Jones joined the star-studded cast for the sequel to ‘Ocean’s Eleven’. She played Isabel Lahiri, a sharp and determined Europol detective who also happens to be the former lover of Brad Pitt’s character, Rusty Ryan. Her mission is to track down and capture Danny Ocean’s crew.

She fit seamlessly into the cool and stylish world of the franchise. As the brilliant detective hunting the thieves, she served as a formidable and intelligent antagonist for the team.

‘The Legend of Zorro’ (2005)

She reprised her role as Elena in this sequel, which takes place ten years after the first film. Elena is now married to Alejandro de la Vega, the new Zorro, and they have a son. However, their marriage is strained by his double life, leading to their separation and a new adventure.

In this film, Elena is once again an active participant in the action, showing off her own fighting skills while uncovering a secret plot. Zeta-Jones effortlessly stepped back into the role that made her a global star.

‘Saturday Night Live’

Catherine Zeta-Jones showcased her comedic skills when she hosted an episode of the famous American sketch comedy show. As the host, she participated in various sketches with the show’s cast members.

Her appearance included a memorable monologue where she poked fun at her public image and performed a song and dance number. Hosting the show allowed her to demonstrate her versatility and willingness to engage in broad comedy.

‘No Reservations’ (2007)

In this romantic comedy-drama, Zeta-Jones starred as Kate Armstrong, a brilliant and highly disciplined head chef at a fancy Manhattan restaurant. Her perfectly controlled life is thrown into chaos when she becomes the guardian of her young niece and a charismatic new sous-chef joins her kitchen staff.

The film was a departure into a more grounded, character-driven story. Zeta-Jones convincingly portrayed a woman who is a perfectionist in her professional life but must learn to be more flexible and open in her personal life.

‘Death Defying Acts’ (2007)

This romantic thriller is a fictionalized account of an episode in the life of the famous magician Harry Houdini. Zeta-Jones played Mary McGarvie, a poor and mysterious Scottish psychic who, along with her young daughter, attempts to con Houdini by pretending to communicate with his dead mother.

Set in the 1920s, the film has a rich, atmospheric quality. Zeta-Jones’s character is a complex woman torn between her desire for money and her growing feelings for the man she is trying to deceive.

‘The Rebound’ (2009)

Zeta-Jones starred in this romantic comedy as Sandy, a 40-year-old single mother who has just discovered her husband was cheating on her. After moving to New York City with her two kids, she begins an unexpected relationship with the much younger man she hires as a nanny.

The film explores the challenges and judgments that come with an age-gap romance. Zeta-Jones gives a charming and relatable performance as a woman rediscovering herself and finding love in an unconventional way.

‘Lay the Favorite’ (2012)

In this comedy, Zeta-Jones played Tulip Heimowitz, the glamorous and jealous wife of a professional sports gambler played by Bruce Willis. The story is based on the real-life memoirs of a woman who gets involved in the world of high-stakes sports betting in Las Vegas.

With a flashy wardrobe and a fiery temper, Tulip is a larger-than-life character. Zeta-Jones’s supporting role provided much of the film’s comedic conflict as her character becomes increasingly suspicious of her husband’s new protégé.

‘Rock of Ages’ (2012)

Zeta-Jones returned to the musical genre in this film adaptation of the hit Broadway show. She played Patricia Whitmore, the conservative and villainous mayor’s wife who leads a crusade to shut down the rock music clubs on the Sunset Strip.

She performed several songs in the film, including a memorable mashup of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “We Built This City.” Her role as the uptight antagonist was a fun and theatrical performance that allowed her to once again use her musical talents.

‘Playing for Keeps’ (2012)

In this romantic comedy, Zeta-Jones was part of an ensemble cast. The story centers on a former soccer star, played by Gerard Butler, who tries to reconnect with his ex-wife and son by coaching the local youth soccer team. Zeta-Jones plays Denise, one of the flirtatious soccer moms who pursues him.

Her character is a former sportscaster who tries to help the main character with his career. The role was a small but glamorous part in a lighthearted film.

‘Broken City’ (2013)

This political thriller stars Mark Wahlberg as a private investigator hired by the mayor of New York City, played by Russell Crowe, to follow his wife. Zeta-Jones played Cathleen Hostetler, the mayor’s elegant and unfaithful wife, who is at the center of a much larger conspiracy.

As the seemingly wronged wife, her character is a key piece of the film’s puzzle. Zeta-Jones brought a sense of grace and mystery to the role, keeping the audience guessing about her true motives.

‘Side Effects’ (2013)

Reuniting with director Steven Soderbergh, Zeta-Jones played Dr. Victoria Siebert in this psychological thriller. The film is about a young woman whose life unravels after her psychiatrist prescribes a new antidepressant with dangerous side effects. Zeta-Jones’s character is the woman’s previous therapist.

Her role is crucial to the film’s many twists and turns. She delivered a cool and controlled performance as a medical professional who may know more than she is letting on.

‘Red 2’ (2013)

Zeta-Jones joined the cast for the sequel to the action-comedy ‘Red’. She played Katja Petrokovich, a seductive and dangerous Russian secret agent who is also a former flame of Bruce Willis’s character, Frank Moses.

Her character is a “kryptonite” for Frank, and she serves as both an ally and a rival to the team of retired spies. Zeta-Jones clearly enjoyed playing the femme fatale, adding a fun and glamorous dynamic to the action-packed film.

‘Dad’s Army’ (2016)

Based on the classic British sitcom, this film is set in 1944 near the end of World War II. Zeta-Jones played Rose Winters, a glamorous and sophisticated journalist who arrives in a small English town to write a report on the local Home Guard platoon.

Her character’s arrival shakes up the quiet town, and she is soon suspected of being a German spy. Zeta-Jones added a touch of Hollywood glamour to this very British comedy.

‘FEUD’ (2017)

In this acclaimed television series about the legendary rivalry between actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, Zeta-Jones played the movie star Olivia de Havilland. In the series, de Havilland serves as a narrator and commentator, reflecting on the famous feud from a later point in her life.

Her performance was praised for its elegance and grace, perfectly capturing the classic Hollywood poise of the two-time Oscar winner. She provided an essential perspective on the story of her famous contemporaries.

‘Cocaine Godmother’ (2018)

In this television movie, Zeta-Jones underwent a significant physical transformation to play the notorious Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco. The film tells the story of Blanco’s life, from her impoverished childhood to her rise as one of the most powerful and feared drug traffickers in the world.

The role was a dramatic departure for Zeta-Jones, who took on a gritty and ruthless character. Her performance chronicled Blanco’s entire adult life, portraying her brutal journey and eventual downfall.

‘Queen America’ (2018–2019)

Catherine Zeta-Jones starred in this dark comedy series which was originally released on Facebook Watch. She played Vicki Ellis, a ruthless and highly sought-after pageant coach in Oklahoma who is famous for her ability to turn any girl into a winner.

The series satirized the competitive world of beauty pageants. Zeta-Jones’s performance as the sharp-tongued and demanding coach was the central focus of the show, allowing her to deliver biting one-liners and explore the vulnerabilities hidden beneath her character’s tough exterior.

‘Prodigal Son’ (2021)

Zeta-Jones joined the cast of this crime drama series for its second season. She played Dr. Vivian Capshaw, the resident doctor at the psychiatric hospital where a brilliant but psychopathic serial killer is imprisoned. She develops a complicated and dangerous relationship with her infamous patient.

Her character was a mysterious and intelligent addition to the show. Her role created a new layer of psychological tension as she engaged in a battle of wits with the series’ main villain.

‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ (2022–2023)

In this television series spin-off of the ‘National Treasure’ films, Catherine Zeta-Jones played the main antagonist. Her character, Billie Pearce, is a ruthless black-market antiquities dealer and treasure hunter who is in a race against the young heroes to find a lost Pan-American treasure.

As the villain of the series, she was a formidable and stylish foe. Zeta-Jones played the role with a cool and calculating demeanor, making Billie a compelling and dangerous opponent for the new generation of treasure hunters.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–present)

In this hugely popular Netflix series, a spin-off of ‘The Addams Family’, Zeta-Jones takes on the iconic role of Morticia Addams. She is the elegant and gothic matriarch of the Addams clan and the mother of the titular character, Wednesday.

Although she appears in a guest role, her portrayal of Morticia was highly anticipated and well-received. She brought her own brand of classic glamour and macabre charm to the beloved character, perfectly capturing her deep love for her family and her spooky sensibilities.

Which Catherine Zeta-Jones role do you find the most memorable? Let us know in the comments.