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19-11-2008 15:40
She's the highest paid actress in the world and can lay claim to being "America's Sweetheart."
Debuting in "Man on the Moon" at the age of fifteen, Reese Witherspoon worked her way through a series of small roles until her critically acclaimed performance in the indie flick "Election" and breakout role as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde" turned her into a megastar.
From there, it seemed everything this Southern belle touched turned to gold, from her biggest commercial hit to date, "Sweet Home Alabama," to her Golden Globe and Oscar-winning portrayal as June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line."
You knew then she was on her way to something else. Even while we were shooting our little TV movie, she was having lunch with Steven Spielberg and going off to these meetings.Andy Tennant
Still, all has not been perfect for this hyper-driven Hollywood original. After seven years and two children, Reece's storybook marriage to former costar Ryan Phillippe fell apart.
Now two years later, Reese has moved past the heartache and seems to have found romantic bliss again with actor Jake Gyllenhaal - and with the upcoming release of her holiday comedy, "Four Christmases," this versatile actress keeps casting her spell on Hollywood.
In a one-hour special, E! takes a fresh look at the fascinating career of Reese Witherspoon, featuring all-new interviews from actors including "Four Christmases" co-stars Mary Steenburgen and Kristin Chenoweth and "Sweet Home Alabama" costar Mary Kay Place.
In addition, "Sweet Home Alabama" director Andy Tennant, "Pleasantville" director Gary Ross and the director of Reese's early film "Twilight," Robert Benton, offer an insider's look into Reese's unique appeal as an actress.
Combined with commentary from celebrity journalists and classic footage from many of Reese's films, " E! ES Reese Witherspoon" charts the amazing journey of the leading lady, producer and devoted mother who, despite personal turmoil along the way, continues to display the power and glory of a true Hollywood movie star.
Kristin Chenoweth, costar, "Four Christmases," on Reese - You have this Academy Award winner, amazingly gifted performer, who in between takes, makes sure her kids stay away from the candy at Craft Services, and she's writing thank you notes. That kinda says it all about her.
Reese Witherspoon - You know, sometimes I feel so overwhelmed in so many scenarios. I'm just a little girl from Tennessee, and I don't know how I got here.
Andy Tennant, Director, Sweet Home Alabama" and "Desperate Choices," on working with Reese as a young girl - You knew then she was on her way to something else. Even while we were shooting our little TV movie, she was having lunch with Steven Spielberg and going off to these meetings..
Andy Tennant, on Reese - We all know what's gone on in her personal life. We know that she's been through it a little bit. We know that she's taken some knocks and that she's still standing.
Andy Tennant, on meeting with Reese after filming "Legally Blonde" - I was like, 'What are you doing?' And, 'We should find something to do together.' And she's like, 'Yeah, I don't really know what I'm gonna' do. I've got this movie coming out. I'm not sure it's gonna' be any good.' And I said, 'Oh yeah what, what is it?' And she says, 'Oh it's this thing called Legally Blonde.'
Gary Ross, Director, "Pleasantville," on Reese - She blew me away at in the audition. She has this incredible life force in her, packed into a very tiny body. You know, I mean, I call her 'Mighty Mite,' which is sort of what she is. I cast her immediately.
Steve Dontanville, Reese's former agent, William Morris Agency, on Reese and Ryan when they first started dating - Reese and Ryan were like teenagers, totally in love, all over each other umm, making goo goo eyes at each other."
Marc Platt Producer, "Legally Blonde" - I remember getting a phone call about 4am Saturday morning from the studio. They predicted over 20 million dollar opening, which is huge especially for an actress for Reese who is carrying a movie on her own. I got her on her cell phone and I said, 'Reese, your whole life is going to change.'
Kristen Chenoweth, on Reese winning her first Golden Globe for her portrayal of June Carter in "Walk the Line" - She went up to get her award and secretly I wanted her to win so bad. I thought, oh, one for the little blondes, this type A, smart little blonde. Oh, yea. And then she gets up there and looks like a little princess, but speaks like a college professor. I love that.
Reese Witherspoon Sunday 14th December at 8pm E! Entertainment
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