Key Highlights
- Cameron Diaz’s role in “The Mask” was originally intended for Anna Nicole Smith.
- Anna Nicole Smith withdrew from the project to star in “Naked Gun 33 1⁄3.”
- The casting change resulted in a more successful film and launched Cameron Diaz’s career.
- “The Mask” became a major hit with over $350 million at the box office.
From Strippers to Stars: The Untold Story of “The Mask”
In 1994, New Line Cinema was on the cusp of a blockbuster year. While classic films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Pulp Fiction” were dominating the screens, it was The Mask, starring Jim Carrey, that became a surprise hit. Little did anyone know that this movie would also be a turning point for Cameron Diaz’s career.
Originally, Anna Nicole Smith had been cast in a significant role as Tina Carlyle, the lounge singer and girlfriend of gangster Dorian Tyrell (played by Peter Greene).
However, her involvement was short-lived. According to producer Robert Engelman, “Smith agreed to play the part, but she quickly dropped out to appear in ‘Naked Gun 33 1⁄3’ instead.” Her withdrawal left a void that Cameron Diaz filled, marking a pivotal moment in Diaz’s rise to stardom.
The Making of a Star
At just 20 years old and working as a model with no acting experience, Cameron Diaz was considered a risky choice for the lead role. Nonetheless, her chemistry with Carrey during auditions impressed the filmmakers. Director Chuck Russell later reflected on this casting decision: “Cameron Diaz was just 20 and working as a model with no acting experience, but he was impressed by her chemistry with Carrey during auditions.” Despite initial skepticism from the producers, who were hoping to secure a better-known name for the role, Diaz’s performance in “The Mask” proved transformative.
A Major Box Office Success
The film’s success cannot be overstated. Even with two almost unknown lead actors, “The Mask” went on to become a major hit. It earned over $350 million at the box office from a budget of only $23 million.
This was a remarkable achievement that solidified Diaz’s status as an overnight sensation in Hollywood.
However, Anna Nicole Smith’s departure left her with a different legacy. In “Naked Gun 33 1⁄3,” she played Tanya Peters, a stereotypical gangster’s moll, and received a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst New Star. Her performance was described as “pretty wooden,” but it provided an amusing contrast to her public image.
The Impact on Hollywood
While Smith’s role in “The Mask” didn’t materialize, the casting of Cameron Diaz had far-reaching consequences. It transformed a potentially straightforward comedy into a more endearing romantic comedy, with a central romance that resonated with audiences. The film’s success paved the way for Diaz’s long and successful career in Hollywood.
Conversely, Anna Nicole Smith’s role in “Naked Gun 33 1⁄3” became part of her public persona, often overshadowing her initial rise to fame as a Playboy model.
Her life took a dramatic turn when she married an 89-year-old oil tycoon and entered the legal battles for his estate. The case was still ongoing in 2007 when she passed away at just 39 years old.
The story of “The Mask” serves as a reminder of how casting decisions can shape careers and even the trajectory of entire films. Cameron Diaz’s journey from an unknown model to a Hollywood icon began with one pivotal role that initially belonged to Anna Nicole Smith.
