The Unbelievable Lives Of The 'Something About Mary' Cast: Cameron Diaz's Shocking Comeback And Ben Stiller's Directorial Empire
It has been over two decades since the Farrelly Brothers’ iconic, boundary-pushing romantic comedy, *There’s Something About Mary*, first hit theaters, and the film’s legacy continues to shape modern comedy. Released in 1998, the movie launched its lead actors into a new stratosphere of stardom, blending sweet romance with notoriously raunchy, unforgettable gags that are still discussed today. As of today, December 23, 2025, the lives and careers of the main cast have taken astonishing and diverse paths, from major Hollywood comebacks and award-winning directorial ventures to quiet retirements and a continued reign in the horror genre.
The film, which centered on Ted Stroehmann's (Ben Stiller) decades-long obsession with the titular Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), became a cultural phenomenon. But what have the key players—the object of affection, the obsessive protagonist, the manipulative private investigator, and the bizarre love rivals—been up to? The current date reveals a fascinating snapshot of their post-Mary careers, including a high-profile return to acting and a major shift behind the camera.
Cameron Diaz: The Object of Affection and Her Blockbuster Un-Retirement
Cameron Diaz, who played the sweet and effortlessly charming Mary Jensen, was already a star from films like *The Mask* and *My Best Friend's Wedding* but became a global icon after *Something About Mary*. Her career soared, leading to major roles in the *Charlie's Angels* franchise and critically acclaimed turns in films like *Being John Malkovich* and *Vanilla Sky*. However, in 2014, she made the surprising decision to step away from acting entirely.
Her retirement was a conscious choice to focus on her personal life, marrying Good Charlotte musician Benji Madden in 2015 and welcoming a daughter. During this time, she transitioned into a successful entrepreneur, co-founding the clean wine brand Avaline in 2020.
The Shocking Comeback: The most significant and recent news is Diaz's decision to un-retire. After nearly a decade away from the screen, she is returning to acting for the Netflix action-comedy film, Back in Action, where she stars alongside Jamie Foxx. This highly anticipated project, which has seen recent filming in New York City, marks a major shift back into the Hollywood spotlight for one of the most recognizable faces from the late 90s and 2000s.
Cameron Diaz Biography & Profile:
- Full Name: Cameron Michelle Diaz
- Date of Birth: August 30, 1972
- Place of Birth: San Diego, California, U.S.
- Role in *Something About Mary*: Mary Jensen (The Object of Affection)
- Spouse: Benji Madden (m. 2015)
- Notable Post-Mary Films: *Charlie's Angels* (2000), *Shrek* franchise (Voice of Princess Fiona), *Gangs of New York* (2002), *The Sweetest Thing* (2002), *Vanilla Sky* (2001).
- Current Business Venture: Co-founder of the clean wine brand, Avaline.
- Latest Project: Netflix film *Back in Action* (2024/2025).
The Post-Mary Trajectories: From Comedy to Prestige TV
The success of *There’s Something About Mary* wasn't just a win for Cameron Diaz; it was a pivotal moment for the entire ensemble, cementing their status as comic heavyweights and paving the way for diverse career evolutions. The film is often cited as the project that truly launched its male lead into comedy superstardom, a fact he himself has recently acknowledged.
Ben Stiller (Ted Stroehmann): The Director and Prestige TV Auteur
Ben Stiller, who played the hapless and obsessed protagonist Ted, recently reflected that *Something About Mary* was the film that truly launched him into stardom as an actor. His career exploded immediately after, leading to a string of blockbuster comedies, including *Meet the Parents*, *Zoolander*, *Dodgeball*, and the *Night at the Museum* franchise. He became one of the biggest comedy stars of his generation.
In recent years, Stiller has increasingly focused his talents behind the camera, earning critical acclaim as a director and executive producer. His work on the Apple TV+ psychological thriller series Severance has garnered significant praise, demonstrating his range far beyond the gross-out comedy genre that made him famous. He has also directed the Showtime series *Escape at Dannemora*, solidifying his position as a major force in prestige television.
Matt Dillon (Pat Healy): The Versatile Veteran's New Films
Matt Dillon, who masterfully played the sleazy, manipulative private investigator Pat Healy, has maintained a steady and versatile career. Known for his roles in classics like *The Outsiders* and *Drugstore Cowboy*, Dillon continued to impress critics with his dramatic work, notably earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 2004 ensemble drama *Crash*.
Dillon remains highly active in film and television. His recent and upcoming projects include the television series *High Desert* with Patricia Arquette and the forthcoming movie The Island (2024). He also starred in the Claire Denis-directed film The Fence. Dillon often speaks about the importance of following his heart in creative endeavors, a testament to his longevity in the industry.
The Surprising Paths of the Supporting Cast
The supporting cast of *There’s Something About Mary* provided many of the film's most memorable moments, and their post-1998 careers have been equally fascinating, featuring shocking retirements and a continued dominance in niche genres. The movie's deep bench of comedic talent is a key reason for its enduring topical authority in the comedy space.
Lee Evans (Tucker/Norm Phipps): The Quiet Retirement
British comedian and actor Lee Evans played Norm Phipps, the pizza delivery driver who pretends to be an architect named Tucker. Evans was a massive stand-up star in the UK, renowned for his highly physical and energetic performances. However, in 2014, he announced his retirement from comedy to spend more time with his wife, Heather Nudds, and his family.
Since his retirement, Evans has largely lived a quiet life in Essex. He has, however, briefly stepped out of retirement on occasion, notably in 2017 to participate in a London stage season celebrating the work of playwright Harold Pinter and William Shakespeare. This brief return to the stage demonstrates his continued connection to the arts, even as he maintains a low-profile life away from the comedy circuit.
Lin Shaye (Magda): The Horror Queen's Reign
Lin Shaye, who played the deeply tanned and eccentric neighbor Magda, has carved out a remarkable career path. While she was a familiar face in Farrelly Brothers films (*Kingpin* and *Dumb and Dumber*), her post-Mary career has seen her become a true icon in the horror world.
Shaye is best known now for her role as the paranormal investigator Elise Rainier in the wildly successful *Insidious* horror franchise. She has appeared in multiple sequels, including Insidious: The Red Door (2023), and is confirmed to be returning for the upcoming Insidious 6. Her recent projects also include the horror film House of Abraham, set for release in 2025. Her pivot from comedy to horror has been one of the most successful and surprising career evolutions from the *Something About Mary* cast.
Chris Elliott (Dom Woganowski): The Cult Comedian
Chris Elliott, who played Dom Woganowski (Ted's friend from high school and Mary's other love interest), is a legendary figure in cult comedy, known for his work on *Late Night with David Letterman* and his own show, *Get a Life*. Following *Something About Mary*, Elliott continued to appear in films and television, including a notable role in the sitcom *Everybody Loves Raymond* and a long-running, beloved role as Roland Schitt in the critically acclaimed comedy series Schitt's Creek. His work in *Schitt's Creek* introduced him to a new generation of fans, solidifying his status as a master of deadpan humor and LSI keywords like absurdist comedy.
A Final Note on the Ensemble
The film’s ensemble also included Markie Post as Mary's mother and the late Jeffrey Tambor as Sully. Tragically, the actor Danny Murphy, who played Warren, Mary's mentally challenged brother, passed away at the age of 59 due to cancer. The enduring popularity of *There’s Something About Mary* is a testament to the chemistry and talent of this entire cast, whose current lives continue to captivate audiences around the world.
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