Eighteen years have flown by since the festive romantic comedy The Holiday first warmed hearts on cinema screens in 2006. The film's charming cross-Atlantic love story, featuring an all-star ensemble, swiftly cemented its status as a modern Christmas classic.
Where Are The Stars Now? Career Highlights and Personal Milestones
Nearly two decades later, the principal cast members have navigated remarkable career paths, celebrated major personal milestones, and, in one case, left a lasting legacy. From Oscar glory and business ventures to starting families, their journeys have been diverse and fascinating.
Cameron Diaz, who played successful LA businesswoman Amanda Woods, remained a major film star for years after the movie's release. She continued voicing Princess Fiona in the Shrek franchise and starred in hits like Bad Teacher. In a significant shift, she stepped back from acting in 2014 to focus on writing, launching her organic wine brand Avaline, and investing in biotech startups. Her acting comeback arrived in 2022 with Back in Action, and she is set to return as Fiona in Shrek 5 in 2027. Personally, she married musician Benji Madden in 2015, and the couple now have two children.
Acclaim, Advocacy and Blockbuster Returns
For Kate Winslet, her role as columnist Iris Simpkins marked a departure into romantic comedy. Her career trajectory soared afterwards, earning her an Academy Award and a BAFTA for The Reader in 2009. She has since won multiple major awards, including Emmys, and starred in global successes like Avatar: The Way of Water. Winslet is also a prominent advocate for autism awareness and environmental causes. She is a mother to three children from previous relationships.
Jude Law, already an established star before playing the charming widower Graham, continued to balance stage and screen work. He took on the iconic role of Hamlet in the West End and played Dr. Watson in the Sherlock Holmes films. His recent credits include roles in the Fantastic Beasts series and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Law is a father to six children and has been involved in humanitarian campaigns.
Jack Black brought his signature comedy to the role of Miles. He largely returned to his comedic roots, most famously voicing Po in the Kung Fu Panda series. He enjoyed a major box office resurgence with the Jumanji reboot and recently voiced Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He is a father of two and identifies as culturally Jewish.
A Fond Farewell and Supporting Cast Success
The cast also experienced the sad loss of veteran actor Eli Wallach, who played the retired screenwriter Arthur. He continued acting into his nineties and received an Academy Honorary Award in 2011. Wallach passed away peacefully in 2014 at the age of 98.
Rufus Sewell, who portrayed the unlikeable ex-boyfriend Jasper, built a formidable career in prestige television. He earned critical praise for his roles in The Man in the High Castle and more recently, Netflix's The Diplomat.
Looking back, The Holiday not only provided a timeless festive story but also captured its stars at a pivotal moment. In the 18 years since, they have each crafted impressive and varied legacies far beyond the sunny lanes of Surrey and the snowy cabins of California.
