Almost 25 years have passed since Renée Zellweger first played the clumsy yet charming Bridget Jones. And now, the long-awaited sequel—Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy!—is finally on the big screen! The film has become a true gift for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved heroine. But in real life, Renée is completely different—a strong career woman who isn’t afraid to defy societal expectations. She doesn’t have children just for the sake of it, doesn’t rush into marriage, and isn’t afraid of hate for her appearance. However, she also has many difficulties in her life! Read on to find out more!

A Triumphant Return

The premiere of the new Bridget Jones film took place on February 9 in Sydney, where Renée stole the show with her stunning red carpet appearance in Balmain and Louboutin. 

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In real life, her striking look is a far cry from Bridget’s “plain Jane” style. However, securing this role 25 years ago was no easy feat—after all, Kate Winslet was also considered for the part. But Renée managed to outshine all her competitors!

Weight, Pastries, and $240,000 Per Kilo

One of the actress’s signature transformations for the role was her weight gain—she put on around 13 kg by indulging in pastries. According to People, a diet company even offered her a contract promising $240,000 for every kilo she lost after filming using their program. 

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But Renée wasn’t thinking about that—she focused entirely on gaining weight for the role. She deliberately avoided the gym and had to consume around 4,000 calories a day.

Bullying from Co-Stars?

Rumor has it that when Hugh Grant saw a fuller-figured Renée on set, he couldn’t help but make a backhanded compliment, calling her “very big.” But the funniest part? The entire crew was fascinated by Renée’s famous shapewear! 

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The whole team gathered to marvel at its impressive size. The director recalled that Renée was never shy about her changed body on camera—she confidently showed off her cellulite and extra folds. “It’s part of the role, and I have nothing to hide,” she said. However, in everyday life, Zellweger admitted that she tried to avoid looking at herself in the mirror unless absolutely necessary.

An Oscar Nomination

But all the effort paid off! As US Magazine notes, Renée received an Oscar nomination for her role. Her raw honesty and self-deprecating humor made Bridget even more relatable and beloved by audiences. 

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The actress proved that charisma and the ability to laugh at oneself matter far more than a perfect figure. However, despite the fame she gained after the early Bridget Jones films, Renée disappeared from the spotlight for years... and she finally opened up about why.

Renée Couldn't Stand Herself?

From 2010 to 2016, she took a break from acting because she was unhappy with her Southern accent. “I was sick of the sound of my own voice,” she revealed in an interview with Vogue. 

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During that time, Renée wrote songs, studied international law, did charity work, and traveled with her dogs. Now, at 55, she truly enjoys solitude—but in her childhood, things were quite the opposite!

Sámi Roots

Renée Zellweger has a fascinating heritage. Her father is Swiss, and her mother is Norwegian with Sámi ancestry. For those unfamiliar, the Sámi people are indigenous to northern Scandinavia. Renée inherited distinctive features from them—expressive almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones.

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Her parents had no ties to the film industry: her father was a mechanical engineer in the oil industry, while her mother, a nurse, worked as a governess after moving to the U.S. Renée grew up with her older brother, Drew, whom she credits for teaching her perseverance and hard work.

Football... and Theater? A Perfect Match!

Zellweger has proudly spoken about her Norwegian roots multiple times. In an interview with People, she said that family traditions and her northern upbringing shaped her from childhood. 

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In school, Renée was incredibly active—she did gymnastics, played football (soccer), and was even a cheerleader. And her love for football hasn’t faded—today, she’s a devoted Chelsea fan, as she’s mentioned in US Magazine interviews.

First Steps in Acting

But her biggest passion during her school years was theater. Attending a local drama club, Renée fell in love with acting, though she wasn’t sure at first if it could be a serious career.

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After high school, she went to university to study the arts and earned a bachelor's degree. However, her passion for acting proved stronger. It was during her elective drama classes that she realized—this was her true calling. And from that moment on, nothing could stop her, even as life continued throwing obstacles in her way...

Out of Money for Studying…

The path to success was difficult. During her first year of university, Renée’s father lost his job, and she had to earn her own way through life. So, Renée got a job as a waitress… in a strip club in Austin! Also, she worked there to pay for her education. 

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Reflecting on that time in an interview with TMZ, she said, “I learned a lot. For example, that you shouldn’t judge people. Life is often more complicated than it seems.”

Was Renée a Hustler?

Renée stayed at Sugar’s bar for two years, serving cocktails to customers. She made decent tips. “One gentleman would give me $100 every time he came in because, I think, he felt sorry for me. He saw me as a struggling student,” she admitted. 

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But even with the tips, Renée didn’t have enough money and was forced to take extreme measures… Sometimes, when buying groceries, she… forged checks, as reported by US Magazine. But she didn’t want to live like that forever—so she took action!

From Beef Commercials to the Big Screen

Despite her financial struggles, Renée never gave up on her dream of acting or her determination to escape poverty. Alongside her studies and waitressing job, she started appearing in commercials. 

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One of her first notable gigs? A beef commercial! But life rewarded Renée for never giving up. Small roles in low-budget films followed: A Taste for Killing (1992) and the miniseries Murder in the Heartland (1993). The turning point came in 1995 when Zellweger landed her first major role…

The “Queen of Horror Movies”

Today, Renée is primarily associated with the lovable, clumsy Bridget Jones, so it’s hard to imagine her as a horror movie heroine. But her first significant role was in the horror genre, in Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation. 

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While the film itself didn’t make waves, critics took notice of Renée. Entertainment Weekly even dubbed her the “Queen of Horror Movies.” And from there, things started rolling!

Hello, Los Angeles!

At 24, Renée Zellweger finally took the plunge and moved to Los Angeles. She had delayed the decision, doubting her skills and experience. However, upon arriving in the City of Angels, she faced a harsh reality—competition was fierce, and acting offers were scarce. 

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But Renée relentlessly attended auditions—and not only did she land a role in a big film but she also caught the eye of a famous actor! 

Breakthrough with Jerry Maguire

Renée’s true breakthrough came in 1996 with her role in Jerry Maguire alongside Tom Cruise. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and audiences quickly took notice of Hollywood’s rising star. 

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Interestingly, other actresses, including Cameron Diaz and Winona Ryder, were considered for the role but the director ultimately chose Zellweger. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award.

A Romance with Jim Carrey?

After the success of Jerry Maguire, Renée’s personal life also became a hot topic. While filming Me, Myself & Irene, she began dating Jim Carrey. The actor proposed to her twice, calling Renée the “love of his life,” but she turned him down. 

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As TMZ later reported, Carrey admitted that their relationship left a lasting mark on his heart. And Renée wasn’t done stealing Hollywood’s leading men—but more on that later. For now, let’s get back to her rise to stardom!

First Golden Globe and a Ridiculous Moment on Stage

In 2000, Renée Zellweger won her first Golden Globe for her role in Nurse Betty. In the film, she played a naive nurse who accidentally becomes a witness to a brutal crime. However, the biggest surprise of the ceremony wasn’t just her win but also a funny incident during the announcement. 

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Hugh Grant, who was presenting the award, hesitated—because Renée was simply… not in the room! She rushed onto the stage a few minutes later and, with a smile, explained her absence: she had been in the restroom, trying to wipe lipstick off her teeth. The audience burst into laughter, and this moment remains one of the most amusing in the history of the awards.

Triumph for the Whole World!

When Renée Zellweger stepped onto the stage in 2000 to receive her first Golden Globe, she could hardly have imagined that the man standing beside her, Hugh Grant, would become her co-star in a film that would change her life forever just a year later.

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As we mentioned earlier, Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) was more than just a hit—it made Renée a superstar! The role earned her another Golden Globe nomination and, for the first time, an Academy Award nomination. The world fell in love with the sweet, clumsy, yet incredibly charming Bridget, and with her—Renée Zellweger. From the outside, it seemed like everything in her life was perfect. But that was just an illusion…

Personal Dramas

With each new film, Renée proved that she wasn’t just lucky to land a role—she was a truly talented actress. In 2004, she won her first Oscar for Cold Mountain. The following year, her contributions to the film industry were immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Everything seemed perfect but this was also the period when Renée's personal life took a turn—just like her on-screen heroine, Bridget Jones. One failed romance followed another. In 2005, she married country singer Kenny Chesney but their marriage lasted only 225 days before ending in a highly publicized divorce... even though it had all started like a fairytale.

The Telethon That Changed Everything

Renée and Kenny first met during a charity telethon raising funds for tsunami victims. She was answering phone calls, while he was performing for viewers. During a short coffee break, Chesney unexpectedly confessed that he had been in love with Renée for a long time. 

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She responded by telling him how much she adored his song You Had Me From Hello—a track that held special meaning for her, as it was the very line her character used to confess love to Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire. From that moment, their correspondence began…

A Love Story Through Letters?

According to Us Magazine, Renée, who had a degree in journalism, had a habit of reading between the lines. In her imagination, she added extra words, emotions, and hidden meanings to Kenny’s messages, fueling her own feelings. 

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She convinced herself that he was the one, and by the first date, she had already set up the second. Without hesitation, she took the initiative to move things forward.

Unexpected Surprises... from Renée!

When they started dating, Renée was so overwhelmed with emotions that, according to TMZ, she once secretly flew to one of Kenny’s concerts in Florida. Without warning, she ran onto the stage and handed him a glass of his favorite Margarita. 

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Witnesses recalled how stunned he looked—as if he couldn’t believe what was happening. But of course, he was flattered—not every day does a Hollywood star express their feelings so boldly!

The Perfect Couple?

At one point, Chesney let slip that they were a "perfect match," and soon, wedding preparations were underway. Without an official engagement or media frenzy, on May 9, 2005, they flew to St. John in the Caribbean and held an intimate beachside ceremony. 

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In just 15 minutes, surrounded by 45 guests, they exchanged vows. As Daily Mail reported, fans were in shock—Renée and Kenny looked so happy that no one understood when or how they had decided to get married.

First Challenges Right After the Wedding

In the first weeks of marriage, it seemed like they were made for each other. But very quickly, their differences became apparent. 

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According to TMZ, Kenny was used to life on the road and had no intention of changing his habits, while Renée envisioned cozy evenings at home, far from the concert stage.

225 Days and… Divorce!

Four months after the wedding, rumors of a breakup began circulating. Just two months later, the couple officially divorced. To those who predicted their marriage wouldn't last, Renée could have said, "Well, you were wrong! It didn’t last five months—it lasted four."

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Since then, Zellweger has never remarried, though she has had high-profile romances with some of the most famous heartthrobs—but that’s a story for another time!

Love Rumors and Loneliness

After her divorce from Kenny Chesney, Renée Zellweger was instantly labeled one of Hollywood’s "most eligible bachelorettes." Along with that came relentless tabloid speculation. Every time she was spotted having dinner with a man, he was immediately declared her new lover. According to Daily Mail, she was rumored to have had flings with Bruce Willis, Jude Law, and even… Sir Paul McCartney!

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But in reality, nothing serious ever materialized. No matter how hard journalists tried to find Renée a new perfect partner, true love continued to elude her.

A Career Downfall

As if her personal struggles weren’t enough, Renée’s career also began to decline. After the massive success of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Chicago, audiences expected her to take on more major roles. But… something went wrong.

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Her films Leatherheads (2008) and New in Town (2009) flopped at the box office and were slammed by critics. One reviewer, as quoted by Daily Mail, even went so far as to call her a "rabbit-faced actress who endlessly twitches and pouts on screen." The thriller Case 39 (2009) also turned out to be a failure. But unexpectedly, it brought Renée something far more valuable—love.

A Turbulent Romance with Bradley Cooper

While working on Case 39, Renée met Bradley Cooper, and sparks quickly flew between them. According to TMZ, the actors didn’t hide their feelings in public—they were often seen together and looked genuinely happy.

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It seemed like Renée had finally found her match. She fully supported Bradley, even skipping a Golden Globe ceremony to be by his side during a difficult time—the passing of his father. As Us Magazine reported, she grew close to Cooper’s family, particularly his mother. But even such devotion couldn’t save their relationship.

The Same Old Story

After nearly two years together, the couple broke up in 2011. A source close to Renée told Us Magazine that the reason was the classic dilemma: "She wanted a ring, he wasn’t ready to propose." At 41, with an Oscar and global fame to her name, Renée was thinking more and more about starting a family. 

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Meanwhile, Bradley was enjoying his freedom and rising career. In the end, they went their separate ways. It was yet another painful breakup for Renée. But as we know, she always found a way to rise again…

"It’s Time to Grow Up"

Around the same time, Renée decided to take a break from acting. We mentioned this earlier but now, with a deeper look into her story, her true motivations become clearer. At the time, it wasn’t obvious what drove her decision—was it her string of unsuccessful films? The harsh criticism? Or her personal heartbreaks?

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 As TMZ later reported, Renée revealed the truth much later: "I was just exhausted. I hadn’t taken a break between projects. The exhaustion caught up with me. It was time to step away and grow up a little."

No Breaks in Her Love Life

While her career was on pause, Renée was trying to build a personal life. In 2012, she started dating musician Doyle Bramhall—an experienced guitarist known for working with Eric Clapton. 

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A few years older than Renée, Doyle seemed like a reliable and mature partner. But soon, their relationship became the center of controversy.

A Loving Partner or a Freeloader?

The media quickly noticed that Bramhall, to put it mildly, wasn’t striving for financial independence. 

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According to Us Magazine, Renée was reportedly covering his expenses, adding $4,000 to $5,000 to his credit card each month and paying for his trips, clothes, and housing. And then, his ex-wife entered the story…

A Scandal from the Ex-Wife

Bramhall’s former wife didn’t hold back her criticism: "While Bramhall is living in luxury, there’s nothing left for me and his children," she declared, as reported by Daily Mail.

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Despite the accusations of him being a freeloader, Renée was in no rush to break things off. She trusted him unconditionally, ignoring both the media and the warnings from those around her.

The Race for Youth

It seemed that Renée Zellweger had finally found stability in her personal life, and even her critics had quieted down. But in 2014, everything changed.

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In October, the actress appeared at an Elle magazine event, and the public simply didn’t recognize her. Her face looked so drastically different that tabloids exploded with headlines like, “What has she done to herself?”, “Where is the old Renée?”, and “Who was this plastic surgery for?”

The Whole World Was Talking About Her Face

Some outlets speculated that Renée had undergone surgery for Doyle Bramhall. Others claimed she was desperately trying to hold onto her youth and escape memories of her career setbacks. 

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Radar Online added fuel to the fire, citing online comments saying Renée had “lost her individuality and now looks more like Cameron Diaz—only ten years older.”

Renée’s Response

As the controversy spiraled, Zellweger finally broke her silence. In an exclusive interview with People, she stated: "I’m glad people think I look different! I’m living a different, happier, and more fulfilling life, and I love that these changes are so visible. My friends say I look at peace."

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But fans didn’t buy it. It was hard for them to believe such drastic changes had happened naturally. Yet, Renée stood her ground, never admitting to plastic surgery.

Stepping Back into the Spotlight

After 2014, Zellweger made fewer public appearances. Rumors swirled that she was self-conscious about the backlash and wanted to avoid another wave of criticism. However, in March 2015, she finally returned to the public eye, attending the Miu Miu fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.

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This time, the press was much kinder. Journalists praised her chic, 1960s-inspired look, and many tabloids even complimented her appearance. “She looks stunning!” wrote Us Magazine and Daily Mail.

A New Reason for Gossip!

After several years of keeping a low profile, Renée Zellweger is back in the spotlight. As quoted by Elle: "Maybe I look different. But who doesn’t as they age? I’m happy."

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The buzz around her appearance eventually died down… but then came a new headline! In 2019, news broke that Renée had split from her boyfriend Doyle Bramhall. Just like in Bridget Jones's life—only without the personal stability!

Once Again, It Didn't Work Out…

According to Daily Mail, just before the premiere of Bridget Jones’s Baby, the Hollywood actress decided to end her relationship with the musician and longtime friend. 

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Rumor had it that their relationship suffered due to Renée’s demanding work schedule. On top of that, Bramhall’s jealousy reportedly didn’t help maintain harmony in their relationship.

Did Renée Want to End It?

As Daily Mail continued, insiders claim that Renée was the one who initiated the breakup. 

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She made this decision consciously, understanding that after the film’s release, her career was about to take off again, and she wanted to focus entirely on her work. However, it seems that Bramhall wasn’t prepared for such a turn of events…

A Time of Great Change

After the breakup, Renée didn’t retreat into the shadows. On the contrary, she threw herself into her career with renewed energy. And as time proved, it was the right decision! 

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In 2020, she won her second Oscar for her role in Judy, where she portrayed the legendary actress and singer Judy Garland—proving to everyone that she is an actress of the highest caliber. Her transformation left no one indifferent!

Back on Top

The success of Judy marked a new chapter in Renée Zellweger’s career. To achieve maximum resemblance to Garland, Zellweger underwent significant transformations—using special dental prosthetics and wearing meticulously selected costumes that reflected Garland’s style. 

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And that wasn’t enough for Renée—she was so committed to fully embodying the role!

Meticulous Preparation

Moreover, for ten months, Renée professionally trained in singing and choreography to perform the film’s musical numbers herself. Her hard work paid off—not only did she win an Oscar but also another Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. 

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Renée proved the critics wrong and reminded the world that playing the naive Bridget Jones was far from the limit of her acting skills.

Fitness on Schedule

Lately, Renée has been praised not only for her acting but also for her impeccable physique. At 55, the star looks incredibly fit and toned. What’s her secret? Renée frequently goes for runs. 

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For her, running is more than just exercise. "It’s my escape. It’s the one thing in my daily schedule that’s entirely mine," she told Elle magazine.

Taking Breaks Is Important Too

Over the years, Renée has learned to listen to her body and take breaks when needed. For example, after filming Judy, she paused her workouts for a while to fully recover from the demanding shoot.

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This method, she says, helps prevent burnout—including workout burnout. "If you feel like your training has hit a plateau, try taking a break for a week. When you return, you’ll likely see more progress," she advises.

When Fame Becomes a Heavy Burden

Renée takes care not only of her physical health but also of her mental well-being. Few people know that behind her fame, she was struggling with deep personal challenges. At a certain point, her career and constant public attention led to emotional burnout. 

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Moreover, as People reported, Renée even experienced suicidal thoughts… However, with the support of specialists and loved ones, she was able to overcome this crisis. Therapy taught her to appreciate moments of peace and helped her rediscover joy in both life and creativity.

Seeking Help from a Therapist

In an interview with People magazine, Renée candidly shared, “It was the first time I reached out to a therapist. He helped me understand the emotions I was going through.” 

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Therapy became a mirror in which she saw her life from a new perspective. “I realized that I had spent 99 percent of my life as a public figure and only a microscopic part as my real self,” she recalled. This realization pushed her toward change and the ability to listen to herself.

A New Life, A New Love

Moreover, Renée has reopened her heart to love. Since 2021, she has been in a relationship with television host Ant Anstead, who is 10 years younger than her.

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Ant is a father to five-year-old Hudson from his marriage to Christina Haack, as well as two adult children—21-year-old Amelie and 18-year-old Archie—from his first wife, Louise Anstead. According to sources, Renée gets along well with Christina and maintains a healthy relationship with Ant’s family.

Does Renée Want to Get Married?

From time to time, rumors circulate in the media that Renée and Ant have secretly tied the knot or are about to do so. However, as Us Weekly insiders revealed, Renée is in no rush to walk down the aisle. Friends of the couple believe she fears disrupting the harmony they have built.

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“She loves their relationship just the way it is. Renée has seen many couples, especially in Hollywood, thrive in a partnership, only for things to fall apart once they got married,” a source close to the actress shared.

Is Zellweger Child-Free?

At 55, Renée has no children. In an interview with The London Times, she admitted that the most important thing for her is independence and the ability to take care of herself. 

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Moreover, she openly stated that motherhood was never her goal and that she prefers to live without expectations, simply enjoying each day.

Away from the Spotlight

Renée enjoys life in solitude. In fact, you won’t find her on social media—she deliberately avoids registering on major platforms, opting instead for activities that bring her fulfillment. 

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“One of them is calling or writing to my mom. Another is learning a language online. If I had the urge to check my phone every day, well, that would be scary. I’d rather go on a hike with my dogs, Chester and Ellie,” she shared in an interview with The Sunday Times.