When The Sweetest Thing debuted in 2002, it was a delightful and raucous rom-com that had everyone talking. Starring Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair, the film showcased three talented actresses at the height of their Hollywood careers. From hilarious escapades to unforgettable on-screen moments, they seemed to have an absolute blast during filming. But over two decades later, their lives have taken dramatic turns, leaving behind the glitz and glam of Hollywood for something much more personal. Here’s a look at how these three stars have changed since The Sweetest Thing hit the big screen.

Cameron Diaz: From Hollywood Star to Family Life

Cameron Diaz, who played the carefree Christina Walters in The Sweetest Thing, had a wild ride in Hollywood, dating back to her iconic roles in films like The Mask and Charlie’s Angels. In the rom-com, Cameron’s character was constantly on the hunt for love, navigating the dating scene in comedic and relatable ways. However, in real life, Cameron’s love story took a very different path.

In 2015, she met musician Benji Madden, and the two quickly became inseparable. After tying the knot, they welcomed their daughter, Raddix, in December 2019. The arrival of her child was a game-changer for Cameron, who had spent years working long hours on set. The challenges of balancing her career with family life made her reassess her future in Hollywood. By 2018, Cameron made the bold decision to retire from acting, leaving behind the fast-paced life of a movie star.

In 2023, Cameron dipped her toes back into the movie business, filming Back in Action for Netflix alongside Jamie Foxx. However, with Foxx’s medical emergency during the production, the future of the project remains uncertain. Despite this, Cameron’s focus remains on her family and personal well-being.

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Selma Blair: A Health Struggle and a Quiet Withdrawal

While The Sweetest Thing helped solidify Selma Blair’s spot in Hollywood, the actress’s journey took a much quieter path behind the scenes. In 2018, Selma revealed that she had been silently battling multiple sclerosis (MS) for years, a condition that had gone undiagnosed until recently. Selma shared in an emotional Vanity Fair interview that her symptoms began in childhood, but it wasn’t until later in life that the full extent of her condition was understood.

The discovery of her diagnosis prompted Selma to step back from acting. Roles in Hellboy, Cruel Intentions, and Legally Blonde had previously made her one of the most promising stars of the 2000s, but MS made it increasingly difficult for her to continue working. Her decision to leave the industry was a painful but necessary step in managing her health.

In an inspiring twist, Selma’s experience with MS also helped her long-time friend, Christina Applegate, with a timely diagnosis. Christina, who had been dealing with similar symptoms, had not yet been tested for MS. After a conversation with Selma in 2022, Christina was encouraged to visit a doctor, where she too received the diagnosis. Christina credits Selma for urging her to seek help and says it gave her “a better quality of life.”

Christina Applegate: A Bold New Chapter

Christina Applegate’s role in The Sweetest Thing was one of many comedic hits that defined her career. From Married with Children to Dead to Me, Christina had a long and successful run in Hollywood. However, life took an unexpected turn for the actress in 2021 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The diagnosis was a huge shock, but Christina has been navigating this new chapter of her life with resilience. In her 2022 interview with British Vogue, Christina opened up about the support she received from Selma Blair, her Sweetest Thing co-star. It was Selma who helped her realize that her health issues might be MS, prompting Christina to seek medical advice. Though initially doubtful, doctors confirmed the diagnosis after Christina experienced worsening symptoms.

Despite the challenges, Christina remains determined to continue her career in some capacity. She has been praised for her strength and openness about her condition, which has helped raise awareness about MS. Much like her co-stars, Christina now prioritizes her health and family over the demands of her former career.

A Life of Peace and Family

It’s almost hard to believe that the three women who once lit up the Hollywood screen with their vivacious roles are now all living life outside the bright lights. Cameron Diaz, Selma Blair, and Christina Applegate each took time to reflect on what truly matters, making the difficult decision to step away from the fame they had worked so hard to achieve.

For Cameron, the focus is her family. For Selma, it’s managing her health with grace, while Christina is embracing her new reality with strength and support. All three of these women are living proof that peace and family are more important than fame and fortune. Their journeys have undoubtedly changed their lives, but there’s no doubt they each made the right choices for themselves.

In the end, it’s clear that The Sweetest Thing might have been a moment in their careers, but the personal growth and transformations of Cameron, Selma, and Christina are far more inspiring. Fame may have been their stepping stone, but true fulfillment comes from within.