Reese Witherspoon: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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'''Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon''' (born March 22, 1976) is an American actress and producer. She is the recipient of [[List of awards and nominations received by Reese Witherspoon|various accolades]], including an [[Academy Award]], a [[Primetime Emmy Award]], and two [[Golden Globe Awards]]. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine named her one of the [[Time 100|100 most influential people in the world]] in 2006 and 2015, and ''[[Forbes]]'' listed her among the [[Forbes list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women|~~World~~world's 100 ~~Most~~most ~~Powerful~~powerful ~~Women~~women]] in 2019 and 2021. In 2021, ''Forbes'' named her the [[List of highest-paid film actors|world's highest earning actress]], and in 2023, she was named one of the richest women in America with an estimated net worth of $440 million.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Reese Witherspoon Has Become The World's Richest Actress|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnchmielewski/2021/08/02/how-reese-witherspoon-has-become-the-worlds-richest-actress/?sh=2cf621a34d9b|access-date=March 30, 2022|website=Forbes|date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330231833/https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnchmielewski/2021/08/02/how-reese-witherspoon-has-become-the-worlds-richest-actress/?sh=2cf621a34d9b|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Here Are The 15 Richest Women Celebrities In America|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2023/06/01/here-are-the-15-richest-women-celebrities-in-america/?sh=7e9309ca253e|access-date=June 1, 2023|website=Forbes|date=June 1, 2023}}</ref>

Witherspoon began her career as a teenager, making her screen debut in ''[[The Man in the Moon (1991 film)|The Man in the Moon]]'' (1991). ~~Her~~After starring in the 1996 films ''[[Freeway (1996 film)|Freeway]]'' and ''[[Fear (1996 film)|Fear]]'', her breakthrough came in 1999 with a supporting role in ''[[Cruel Intentions]]'', and for her portrayal of [[Tracy Flick]] in the black comedy ''[[Election (1999 film)|Election]]''. She gained wider recognition for playing [[Elle Woods]] in the comedy ''[[Legally Blonde]]'' (2001) and its [[Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde|2003 sequel]], and for starring in the romantic comedy ''[[Sweet Home Alabama (film)|Sweet Home Alabama]]'' (2002). She won the [[Academy Award for Best Actress]] for portraying [[June Carter Cash]] in the musical biopic ''[[Walk the Line]]'' (2005). Following a career downturn, during which her sole box-office success was the romantic drama ''[[Water for Elephants (film)|Water for Elephants]]'' (2011), Witherspoon made a comeback by producing and starring as [[Cheryl Strayed]] in the drama ''[[Wild (2014 film)|Wild]]'' (2014), which earned her a second ~~nomination~~Academy ~~for~~Award ~~Best Actress at the Academy Awards~~nomination.

She has since worked primarily in television, producing and starring in several female-led literary adaptations under her company [[Hello Sunshine (company)|Hello Sunshine]]. These include the [[HBO]] drama series ''[[Big Little Lies (TV series)|Big Little Lies]]'' (2017–2019), the [[Apple TV+]] drama series ''[[The Morning Show (American TV series)|The Morning Show]]'' (2019–present), and the [[Hulu]] miniseries ''[[Little Fires Everywhere (miniseries)|Little Fires Everywhere]]'' (2020). For the first of these, she won the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series]]. She has also produced the film adaptations ''[[Gone Girl (film)|Gone Girl]]'' (2014) and ''[[Where the Crawdads Sing (film)|Where the Crawdads Sing]]'' (2022), and the miniseries adaptation ''[[Daisy Jones & the Six]]'' (2023).

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==Career==

===1991–2000: Early work and breakthrough===

Witherspoon attended an open [[Casting (performing arts)|casting]] call in 1991 for ''[[The Man in the Moon (1991 film)|The Man in the Moon]]'', intending to audition for a [[bit part]];<ref name="talent" /> but instead was cast for the lead role of Dani Trant, a 14-year-old country girl who falls in love for the first time with her 17-year-old neighbor. The film takes place in her native State of Louisiana. According to ''[[The Guardian]]'', her performance made an early impression.<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Pulver|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/09/reese-witherspoon-hollywood-producer-film-profile|title=Reese Witherspoon: behind-the-scenes revival of Hollywood's unlikely feminist|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108094319/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/09/reese-witherspoon-hollywood-producer-film-profile|archive-date=November 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Film critic [[Roger Ebert]] commented, "Her first kiss is one of the most perfect little scenes I've ever seen in a movie."<ref name="tiscali2" /> For her role, Witherspoon was nominated for a [[Young Artist Award]], in the category of Best Young Actress.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Sam|last=Escobar|url=http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g3391/reese-witherspoon-young-style-evolution/|title=Reese Witherspoon Through the Years|magazine=[[Good Housekeeping]]|date=March 22, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108093848/http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g3391/reese-witherspoon-young-style-evolution/|archive-date=November 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, she made her television debut role in ''[[Wildflower (1991 film)|Wildflower]]'' with [[Patricia Arquette]].<ref name="movieyahoo" /><ref name="newsindependent" /> In 1992, Witherspoon appeared in the [[television film]] ''Desperate Choices: To Save My Child'', portraying a critically ill young girl.<ref name="movieyahoo" />

In 1993, Witherspoon played a young wife, Nonnie Parker, in the [[CBS]] [[miniseries]] ''[[Return to Lonesome Dove]]'', appeared in the [[Disney]] film ''[[A Far Off Place]],'' and had a minor role in ''[[Jack the Bear]]'', which garnered her the Young Artist Award for Best Youth Actress Co-star.<ref name="movieyahoo" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000702/awards|title=Reese Witherspoon|website=IMDb|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029050803/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000702/awards|archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The next year, she had another leading role as Wendy Pfister in the 1994 film ''[[S.F.W.]]'', directed by [[Jefery Levy]].<ref>{{Citation|first=Jefery|last=Levy|title=S.F.W.|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111048/|others=Stephen Dorff, Reese Witherspoon, Jake Busey|date=January 20, 1995|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201105008/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111048/|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1996, Witherspoon starred in two major films: the thriller ''[[Fear (1996 film)|Fear]]'' alongside [[Mark Wahlberg]],<ref name=mtv>{{cite web |first=Jocelyn |last=Vena |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655037/reese-witherspoons-love-life-from-ryan-phillippe-jim-toth.jhtml |title=Reese Witherspoon's Love Life: From Ryan Phillippe To Jim Toth |publisher=MTV |date=December 29, 2010 |access-date=February 1, 2012 |url-status=~~live~~dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927185108/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655037/reese-witherspoons-love-life-from-ryan-phillippe-jim-toth.jhtml |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Lauren|last=Zupkus|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/29/alyssa-milano-reese-witherspoon_n_6573878.html|title=Alyssa Milano Shares A '90s #TBT Photo With Reese Witherspoon|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=January 29, 2015|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702095828/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/29/alyssa-milano-reese-witherspoon_n_6573878.html|archive-date=July 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> as Nicole Walker, a teenager who starts dating a man with obsessive tendencies, and the black-comedy thriller ''[[Freeway (1996 film)|Freeway]]'', alongside [[Kiefer Sutherland]] and [[Brooke Shields]], in which she played Vanessa Lutz;<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/photos/11832/reese-witherspoon-s-best-roles/365575|title=Freeway (1996) from Reese Witherspoon's Best Roles|work=E! Online|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108035938/http://www.eonline.com/photos/11832/reese-witherspoon-s-best-roles/365575|archive-date=November 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> a poor girl living in Los Angeles who encounters a [[serial killer]] on the way to her grandmother's home in [[Stockton, California|Stockton]].<ref name="talent" /> The film received positive reviews from critics; ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'s'' [[Mick LaSalle]] wrote, "Witherspoon, who does a Texas accent, is dazzling, utterly believable in one extreme situation after the other."<ref>{{cite news|first=Mick |last=LaSalle| author-link=Mick LaSalle|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1996/08/23/DD13791.DTL|title='Freeway's' Wild, Funny Ride |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=August 23, 1996 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225135130/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F1996%2F08%2F23%2FDD13791.DTL |archive-date=December 25, 2007 }}</ref> Witherspoon's performance won her the Best Actress Award at the [[Festival du Film Policier de Cognac|Cognac Police Film Festival]] and helped establish her as a rising star.<ref name="talent" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://94.236.123.156:8082/biographies/reese-witherspoon.html |title=Reese Witherspoon |publisher=[[The Biography Channel]] |access-date=February 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108144226/http://94.236.123.156:8082/biographies/reese-witherspoon.html |archive-date=November 8, 2012 }}</ref> The production of the film also gave her significant acting experience; she said "Once I overcame the hurdle of that movie – which scared me to death – I felt like I could try anything."<ref name="commitment" />

In 1998, Witherspoon had major roles in three films: ''[[Overnight Delivery]]'', ''[[Pleasantville (film)|Pleasantville]]'' and ''[[Twilight (1998 film)|Twilight]]''.<ref name="newsindependent" /><ref name="spoonful" /> In ''Pleasantville'', she starred with [[Tobey Maguire]] in a tale about 1990s teenage siblings who are magically transported into the setting of a 1950s television series. She portrayed Jennifer, the sister of Maguire's character who is mainly concerned about appearances, relationships and popularity. Her performance earned her praise and garnered her the [[Young Hollywood Awards|Young Hollywood Award]] for Best Female Breakthrough Performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/artists/w/Reese-Witherspoon/awards-135363.html |title=Reese Witherspoon Awards |publisher=uk.movies.yahoo.com |access-date=July 4, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109022843/http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/artists/w/Reese-Witherspoon/awards-135363.html |archive-date=January 9, 2007 }}</ref> Director [[Gary Ross]] applauded her efforts saying, "she commits to a character so completely and she understands comedy".<ref name="commitment" />

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===2001–2006: Worldwide recognition===

The 2001 film ''[[Legally Blonde]]'' marked a turning point in Witherspoon's career; she starred as [[Elle Woods]], a [[Fashion merchandising|fashion-merchandising]] major who decides to become a law student to follow her ex-boyfriend to [[Harvard Law School]]. Witherspoon said about the role, "When I read ''Legally Blonde'', I was like, 'She's from Beverly Hills, she's rich, she's in a sorority. She has a great boyfriend. Oh yeah, she gets dumped. Who cares? I still hate her.' So we had to make sure she was the kind of person you just can't hate."<ref name="sweethome" /> ''Legally Blonde'' was a box-office hit, grossing US$96 million domestically.<ref name="mojo">{{cite web |title=Reese Witherspoon |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?id=reesewitherspoon.htm |access-date=December 2, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020183153/http://boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?id=reesewitherspoon.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2007 }}</ref> Witherspoon's performance earned her praise from critics, and the press began to refer her as "the new [[Meg Ryan]]".<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Harkness|url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/movies/dvdreviews.cfm?content=135400&archive=22,23,2003|title=Classic Crawford |newspaper=[[Now (newspaper)|NOW]] |date=February 6, 2003 |archive-date=September 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911065807/http://www.nowtoronto.com/movies/dvdreviews.cfm?content=135400&archive=22,23,2003 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 1, 2012 }}</ref> Roger Ebert commented, "Witherspoon effortlessly animated this material with sunshine and quick wit",<ref>{{cite news|first=Roger|last=Ebert|author-link=Roger Ebert|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20010713/REVIEWS/107130303/1023|title=Reviews: Legally Blonde |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=July 13, 2001 |access-date=February 23, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070522085254/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20010713%2FREVIEWS%2F107130303%2F1023 |archive-date=May 22, 2007}}</ref> and the critic from [[Salon (website)|''Salon'']] magazine wrote "she [Witherspoon] delineates Elle's character beautifully".<ref>{{cite news |first=Stephanie |last=Zacharek |url=http://archive.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2001/07/13/legally_blonde/index.html |title=Legally Blonde |work=[[Salon (website)|Salon.com]] |date=July 13, 2001 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205183719/http://archive.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2001/07/13/legally_blonde/index.html |archive-date=December 5, 2007 }}</ref> Meanwhile, the ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]'' concluded, "Witherspoon is a talented comedian who can perk up a scene just by marching in full of pep and drive and she powers this modest little comedy almost single-handedly."<ref>{{cite news|first=Sean|last=Axmaker|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/movies/31039_blonde13q.shtml|title=Enough energy in this 'Blonde' to perk up limp comedy |newspaper=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|date=July 13, 2001 |access-date=December 12, 2007}}</ref> The film earned her a second nomination for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama|Best Actress]] at the Golden Globes, and an [[2002 MTV Movie Awards|MTV Movie Award]] for Best Comedic Performance.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Reese Witherspoon|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/reese-witherspoon|website=www.goldenglobes.com|language=en|access-date=May 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416003115/https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/reese-witherspoon|archive-date=April 16, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2002, Witherspoon featured in several projects, such as the role of Greta Wolfcastle in ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode "[[The Bart Wants What It Wants]]", and as Cecily in the comedy ''[[The Importance of Being Earnest (2002 film)|The Importance of Being Earnest]]'', a film adaptation of [[Oscar Wilde]]'s play for which she received a [[Teen Choice Award]] nomination.<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Clark|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2002/05/12/PK236774.DTL&type=movies|title=Young and talented, headstrong and 'Earnest' Reese Witherspoon gets what she wants |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=May 12, 2002 |access-date=November 4, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204002716/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fchronicle%2Farchive%2F2002%2F05%2F12%2FPK236774.DTL&type=movies |archive-date=December 4, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Announces the 4th Annual 2002 Teen Choice Awards Nominees |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-03-2002/0001739538&EDATE= |access-date=November 4, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030829132136/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F06-03-2002%2F0001739538&EDATE= |archive-date=August 29, 2003 }}</ref> Later that year, she starred with [[Josh Lucas]] and [[Patrick Dempsey]] in [[Andy Tennant]]'s romantic comedy ''[[Sweet Home Alabama (film)|Sweet Home Alabama]]'', in which she played Melanie Carmichael, a young fashion designer who intends to marry a New York politician but must return to [[Alabama]] to divorce her childhood sweetheart, from whom she has been separated for seven years. Witherspoon regarded it as a "personal role" as it reminded her of the experience of moving from Nashville to Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |website=IGN |url=http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/371/371856p1.html |title=Interview with Reese Witherspoon |access-date=June 12, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005004/http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/371/371856p1.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |date=September 23, 2002 }}</ref> The film became Witherspoon's biggest live-action box office hit, earning over $35 million in the opening weekend and grossing over $127 million in the U.S.<ref name="mojo" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Reese Witherspoon biography (page 6) |author=Wills, Dominic |publisher=[[Tiscali]] |url=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/reese_witherspoon_biog/6 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507041829/http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/reese_witherspoon_biog/6 |archive-date=May 7, 2008 }}</ref> Despite the commercial success, critics gave ''Sweet Home Alabama'' negative reviews. ''[[The Miami Herald]]'' called it "a romantic comedy so rote, dull and predictable",<ref>{{cite news|first=Connie|last=Ogle|url=http://ae.miami.com/entertainment/ui/miami/movie.html?id=72299&reviewId=9832|title= Linin' up good ol' cliches, in a fashion| newspaper=[[Miami Herald]]|date=September 27, 2002| archive-url=https://archive.today/20070623044747/http://ae.miami.com/entertainment/ui/miami/movie.html?id=72299&reviewId=9832| url-status=dead| archive-date=June 23, 2007 |access-date=December 1, 2007}}</ref> and the press opined that Witherspoon was the only reason the film attracted such a large audience.<ref>{{cite news|first=Roger |last=Ebert|author-link=Roger Ebert|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20020927/REVIEWS/209270304/1023 |title=Sweet Home Alabama |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=September 27, 2002 |access-date=December 1, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212113353/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20020927%2FREVIEWS%2F209270304%2F1023 |archive-date=December 12, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Tiscali]] |url=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/reviews/sweet_home_alabama.html |title=Sweet Home Alabama |access-date=December 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507042101/http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/reviews/sweet_home_alabama.html |archive-date=May 7, 2008 }}</ref> ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' wrote of her, "She is not the movie's main attraction, she is its only attraction."<ref>{{Cite journal|first=David|last=Sterritt|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0927/p15s01-almo.html|title=A down-home dilemma|journal=Christian Science Monitor|date=September 27, 2002|access-date=December 12, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312064543/http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0927/p15s01-almo.html|archive-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref>

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The next year, Witherspoon followed up the success of ''Legally Blonde'' by starring in the sequel ''[[Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde]]''. Elle Woods has become a Harvard-educated lawyer who is determined to protect animals from [[Cosmetic industry|cosmetics industry]] science tests. The sequel was not as financially successful as the first film and it generated mostly negative reviews. ''[[USA Today]]'' considered the movie "plodding, unfunny and almost cringe-worthy", but also wrote "Reese Witherspoon still does a fine job portraying the fair-haired lovable brainiac, but her top-notch comic timing is wasted on the humorless dialogue."<ref>{{cite news|first=Claudia|last=Puig|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2003-07-01-blonde_x.htm|title=Legally Blonde 2 Review|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=July 2, 2003|access-date=December 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904003700/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2003-07-01-blonde_x.htm|archive-date=September 4, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, ''Salon'' magazine concluded that the sequel "calcifies everything that was enjoyable about the first movie".<ref>{{cite news |first=Charles|last=Taylor|url=http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/movies/review/2003/07/02/blonde/|title=Legally Blonde 2 |work=[[Salon.com]] |date=July 2, 2003 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607001319/http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/movies/review/2003/07/02/blonde/ |archive-date=June 7, 2011 }}</ref> Despite being panned by critics, the sequel took in over $39 million in its first five days in the U.S. box office charts and eventually grossed $90 million in the US.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3089425.stm| title=Witherspoon leads UK première |date=July 23, 2003|access-date=November 4, 2007|work=BBC News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031217193451/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3089425.stm |archive-date=December 17, 2003 }}</ref> Witherspoon was paid $15 million for the role—a starting point which would make her consistently one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses between 2002 and 2010.<ref name="sweethome">{{cite news|first=Claudia|last=Puig|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/2002-09-18-reese-witherspoon_x.htm|title=Witherspoon's 'Sweet Home'|work=[[USA Today]]|date=September 18, 2002|access-date=November 4, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217050107/http://www.usatoday.com/life/2002-09-18-reese-witherspoon_x.htm|archive-date=February 17, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Steven M.|last=Silverman|url=https://people.com/celebrity/julia-roberts-tops-actress-power-list/|title=Julia Roberts Tops Actress Power List|publisher=People|date=December 3, 2002|access-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416074936/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C625295%2C00.html|archive-date=April 16, 2008}}</ref>

In 2004, Witherspoon starred in ''[[Vanity Fair (2004 film)|Vanity Fair]]'', adapted from the 19th-century classic novel ''[[Vanity Fair (novel)|Vanity Fair]]'' and directed by [[Mira Nair]]. Her character, [[Becky Sharp]], is a poor woman with a ruthless determination to find fortune and establish herself a position in society. Witherspoon was carefully costumed to conceal her pregnancy during filming.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Edelstein|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/~~stories~~news/~~2005~~witherspoon-walks-the-line/~~11/12/sunday/main1041397.shtm~~|title=Witherspoon Walks The Line |work=[[CBS News]] |date=November 13, 2005|access-date=November 4, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224160212/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/11/12/sunday/main1041397.shtml |archive-date=December 24, 2007}}</ref> This pregnancy was not a hindrance to her work as Witherspoon believed the [[gestation]] had helped her portrayal of Sharp's character: "I love the luminosity that pregnancy brings, I love the fleshiness, I love the ample bosom—it gave me much more to play with", she said.<ref name="telegraphindia">{{cite news|title=Mira's early feminist |date=September 6, 2004 |work=The Telegraph |location=Kolkota, India |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040906/asp/atleisure/story_3722983.asp |access-date=November 4, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203221405/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040906/asp/atleisure/story_3722983.asp |archive-date=December 3, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Director Nair's Vanity project|work=BBC News |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/4056147.stm|access-date=November 4, 2007 | date=December 1, 2004}}</ref> The film, and Witherspoon's performance received mixed reviews; ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote "Nair's cast is splendid. Witherspoon does justice to the juicy role by giving the part more buoyancy than naughtiness."<ref>{{cite news|date=August 27, 2004 |author=Honeycutt, Kirk |title=Vanity Fair |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000619958 |access-date=December 2, 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> ''[[The Charlotte Observer]]'' called her work "an excellent performance that's soft around the edges", and the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' concluded that Becky is "a role Reese Witherspoon was born to play".<ref>{{cite web|first=Lawrence |last=Toppman|url=http://ae.charlotte.com/entertainment/ui/charlotte/movie.html?id=164734&reviewId=15989&startDate=NEXT7|title=A 'Vanity Fair' with flair |work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]| date=September 1, 2004 |access-date=December 2, 2007}}{{Dead link|date=March 2017 |bot=Musdan77 |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Carina|last=Chocano |url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/chocano/cl-et-chocano1sep01,2,3554055.story |title='Vanity Fair'Review |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 1, 2004 |access-date=December 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310235538/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/chocano/cl-et-chocano1sep01%2C2%2C3554055.story |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, ''[[LA Weekly]]'' wrote "[Witherspoon] ends up conveying so little of what's at once appalling and perversely attractive about the would-be mistress of Vanity Fair" and stated that it may have to do with Witherspoon's vanity, "with an Oscar-less young star's need to be loved more than anyone could conceivably love the 'real' Becky Sharp."<ref>{{cite news|first=Ron|last=Stringer|url=http://www.laweekly.com/2004-09-02/film-tv/becky-we-hardly-knew-ye/ |title=Becky, We Hardly Knew Ye |newspaper=[[LA Weekly]]|date=September 2, 2004| access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124010456/http://www.laweekly.com/2004-09-02/film-tv/becky-we-hardly-knew-ye/ |archive-date=January 24, 2013 }}</ref> Some critics thought she was miscast.<ref>{{cite news|first=Emanuel |last=Levy|url=http://www.emanuellevy.com/review/vanity-fair-9/ | title=Vanity Fair |work=Cinema 24/7 |date=September 7, 2004|access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407143424/http://emanuellevy.com/review/vanity-fair-9/ |archive-date=April 7, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Reese Witherspoon 2005.jpg|thumb|upright|Witherspoon attending the premiere of ''[[Walk the Line]]'' at the [[2005 Toronto International Film Festival]]]]

In late 2004, Witherspoon starred alongside [[Mark Ruffalo]] in the romantic comedy ''[[Just like Heaven (2005 film)|Just Like Heaven]]''. Her character, Elizabeth Masterson, is an ambitious young doctor who is involved in a car accident on her way to a [[blind date]] and is left in a [[coma]]; her spirit returns to her old apartment where she later finds true love.<ref>{{cite news|first=Katie|last=Moten|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2005/1229/justlikeheaven.html |title=Just Like Heaven (PG) |website=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann]]|date=December 29, 2005 |access-date=November 4, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023101757/http://www.rte.ie/arts/2005/1229/justlikeheaven.html |archive-date=October 23, 2007}}</ref> Next, she was cast as [[June Carter Cash]], the second wife of singer-songwriter [[Johnny Cash]] ([[Joaquin Phoenix]]), in [[James Mangold]]'s ''[[Walk the Line]]'' (2005). She never had the chance to meet Carter Cash, as Witherspoon was filming ''Vanity Fair'' at the time the singer died.<ref name="That's Reese" /> Witherspoon performed her own vocals in the film, and her songs had to be performed in front of a live audience; she was so worried about needing to perform that she asked her lawyer to terminate the film contract.<ref name="faces" /> "That was the most challenging part of the role," she later recalled. "I'd never sung professionally."<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon, live on Breakfast |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast/4666180.stm |access-date=November 7, 2007 |date=February 1, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106220629/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast/4666180.stm |archive-date=January 6, 2007 }}</ref> Subsequently, she had to spend six months learning how to sing for the role, including from the help of vocal coach [[Roger Love]].<ref name="faces">{{cite news|title=Faces of the week |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6113620.stm |access-date=November 5, 2007 |date=November 3, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213153356/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6113620.stm |archive-date=February 13, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stars Learn to Sing for Roles ... or Do They? |date=February 8, 2006 |author=Donaldson-Evans, Catherine |publisher=Fox News Channel |url=~~http~~https://www.foxnews.com/story/~~0,2933,184170,00.html~~stars-learn-to-sing-for-roles-or-do-they |access-date=November 5, 2007 |url-status=~~dead~~live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203032648/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C184170%2C00.html |archive-date=December 3, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-begin-again-vocal-coach-20140625-story.html|title=Vocal coach Roger Love helps put the sing in Hollywood performances|date=June 25, 2014|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230150820/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-begin-again-vocal-coach-20140625-story.html|archive-date=December 30, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Witherspoon's portrayal of Carter Cash was acclaimed by critics, with Roger Ebert stating that her performance added "boundless energy" to the film.<ref>{{cite news|first=Roger|last=Ebert|author-link=Roger Ebert|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051117/REVIEWS/51107006/1023 |title=Walk the Line |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=September 27, 2002 |access-date=December 1, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212120132/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20051117%2FREVIEWS%2F51107006%2F1023 |archive-date=December 12, 2007 }}</ref> She won Best Actress at the [[Academy Award for Best Actress|Academy Awards]], [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama|Golden Globes]], [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts|British Academy Film Awards]], and a [[Screen Actors Guild]] award for her performance.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=2006 Film Actress in a Leading Role {{!}} BAFTA Awards|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2006/film/actress-in-a-leading-role|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=May 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428200124/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2006/film/actress-in-a-leading-role|archive-date=April 28, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="academy-award-bbc" /><ref name=":1" />

Witherspoon and Phoenix received a nomination for "collaborative video of the year" from the [[CMT Music Awards]].<ref name="academy-award-bbc">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4824306.stm |title=Movie stars up for country award |publisher=BBC |access-date=July 17, 2008 |date=March 20, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060521194812/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4824306.stm |archive-date=May 21, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cmt.com/microsites/cmt-music-awards/2006/nominees.jhtml |title=2006 Nominees |publisher=[[Country Music Television]] |access-date=July 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719195902/http://www.cmt.com/microsites/cmt-music-awards/2006/nominees.jhtml |archive-date=July 19, 2008 }}</ref> Witherspoon has expressed her passion for the film: "I really like in this film that it is realistic and portrays sort of a real marriage, a real relationship where there are forbidden thoughts and fallibility. And it is about compassion in the long haul, not just the short easy solutions to problems."<ref name="about.interview">{{cite web |first=Rebecca |last=Murray |url=http://movies.about.com/od/walktheline/a/walklinrw111405_2.htm |title=Reese Witherspoon Interview |publisher=[[About.com]] |date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=February 23, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820081417/http://movies.about.com/od/walktheline/a/walklinrw111405_2.htm |archive-date=August 20, 2007 }}</ref> She also stated that she believed Carter Cash was a woman ahead of her time: "I think the really remarkable thing about her character is that she did all of these things that we sort of see as normal things in the 1950s when it wasn't really acceptable for a woman to be married and divorced twice and have two different children by two different husbands and travel around in a car full of very famous musicians all by herself. She didn't try to comply to social convention, so I think that makes her a very modern woman."<ref name="about.interview" /> After the success of ''Walk the Line'', Witherspoon starred in the fantasy ''[[Penelope (2006 film)|Penelope]]'', as Annie, the best friend of Penelope ([[Christina Ricci]]), a girl who has a curse in her family. The film was produced by her company [[Type A Films]], and filming began in March 2006.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Exclusive: Penelope Set Pics |date=March 15, 2006 |magazine=Empire |url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=18285 |access-date=December 31, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231234128/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=18285 |archive-date=December 31, 2014 }}</ref> The film premiered at the [[2006 Toronto International Film Festival]],<ref name="faces" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Moira|last=Macdonald |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/television/2003244619_toronto06.html|title=From Toronto: Let the film festival begin! |newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]|date=September 6, 2006 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622034054/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/television/2003244619_toronto06.html |archive-date=June 22, 2011 }}</ref> but went unreleased until February 2008.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jennifer M.|last=Wood|url=https://www.moviemaker.com/archives/moviemaking/directing/articles-directing/mark-palansky-penelope-christina-ricci-20080229/|title=Deconstructing Penelope|work=[[MovieMaker]]|date=February 29, 2008|access-date=December 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224113310/https://www.moviemaker.com/archives/moviemaking/directing/articles-directing/mark-palansky-penelope-christina-ricci-20080229/|archive-date=February 24, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Gregg|last=Goldstein|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/penelope-slides-summit-149560|title=Penelope' slides to Summit| work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=September 6, 2007 |access-date=February 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110052325/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/penelope-slides-summit-149560 |archive-date=November 10, 2012}}</ref>

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[[File:Reese Witherspoon May 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|Witherspoon at the premiere of ''[[Water for Elephants (film)|Water for Elephants]]'' in 2011]]

Witherspoon returned with three romances released in 2010, 2011 and 2012, all starring her as a woman caught in a [[love triangle]] between two men. In the first, she was cast in [[James L. Brooks]]' ''[[How Do You Know]],'' in which she played a former national softball player who struggles to choose between a baseball-star boyfriend ([[Owen Wilson]]) and a business executive being investigated for [[white-collar crime]] ([[Paul Rudd]]).<ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Cieply|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/movies/23brooks.html |title=Star-Heavy Big-Budget Love Story Bucks Trend |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 22, 2010 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330102910/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/movies/23brooks.html |archive-date=March 30, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Gordon and the Whale |publisher=Gordon and the Whale |date=June 9, 2010 |url=http://gordonandthewhale.com/james-l-brooks-comedy-now-titled-everything-youve-got/ |access-date=June 21, 2010 |first=Joshua |last=Brunsting |url-status=~~dead~~usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613160856/http://gordonandthewhale.com/james-l-brooks-comedy-now-titled-everything-youve-got/ |archive-date=June 13, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Film trailer: Witherspoon, Rudd, Wilson and Nicholson in 'How Do You Know' |work=The Independent |location=UK |date=August 14, 2010 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/film-trailer-witherspoon-rudd-wilson-and-nicholson-in-lsquohow-do-you-knowrsquo-2052468.html |access-date=August 14, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108191322/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/film-trailer-witherspoon-rudd-wilson-and-nicholson-in-lsquohow-do-you-knowrsquo-2052468.html |archive-date=November 8, 2012}}</ref> in which she played a former national softball player who struggles to choose between a baseball-star boyfriend ([[Owen Wilson]]) and a business executive being investigated for [[white-collar crime]] ([[Paul Rudd]]). Filming took place in [[Philadelphia]] and [[Washington, D.C.]] during the summer and fall of 2009 ~~and it was released on December 17, 2010.~~<ref>{{cite magazine | first = Tatiana | last = Siegel | url = https://variety.com/2009/film/news/rudd-wilson-in-talks-for-brooks-film-1118000256/ | title = Rudd, Wilson in talks for Brooks film | magazine = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = February 17, 2009 | access-date = February 29, 2020 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120917172407/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118000256.html?categoryid=13&cs=1= | url-status = live | archive-date = September 17, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Reese Witherspoon: Filming in Philly |publisher=GossipCenter Network |date=October 1, 2009 |url=http://celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/reese-witherspoon-filming-in-philly-219333 |access-date=April 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723023718/http://celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/reese-witherspoon-filming-in-philly-219333 |archive-date=July 23, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson Movie Coming to D.C. |newspaper=Washington City Paper |date=June 4, 2009 |url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2009/06/04/reese-witherspoon-owen-wilson-movie-coming-to-dc/ |access-date=March 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618060638/http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2009/06/04/reese-witherspoon-owen-wilson-movie-coming-to-dc/ |archive-date=June 18, 2009 }}</ref> and it was released on December 17, 2010. The film was critically and commercially unsuccessful; with a budget of more than $100 million, the film only earned $48.7 million worldwide, leading the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' to call it "one of the year's biggest flops".<ref>{{cite news|title=Box office: 'How Do You Know' flops; 'Tron' doesn't; and like the bear himself, 'Yogi' is soft [Updated] |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 19, 2010 |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/12/box-office-tron-good-but-not-great-how-do-you-know-flops-yogi-bear-soft.html |access-date=December 28, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222170312/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/12/box-office-tron-good-but-not-great-how-do-you-know-flops-yogi-bear-soft.html |archive-date=December 22, 2010}}</ref> The film received mainly unfavorable reviews, with an approval rating of 35% on [[Rotten Tomatoes]], based on 111 reviews as of December 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rotten Tomatoes: How Do You Know |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=December 17, 2010 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/everything_youve_got/ |access-date=December 28, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223051030/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/everything_youve_got/ |archive-date=December 23, 2010 }}</ref>

Witherspoon's second love-triangle film was the drama ''[[Water for Elephants (film)|Water for Elephants]],'' an adaptation of [[Sara Gruen]]'s [[Water for Elephants|novel of the same name]]. She began [[List of circus skills|circus]] training in March 2010 for her role as Marlena, a glamorous performer stuck in a marriage to a volatile husband ([[Christoph Waltz]]) but intrigued by the circus' new veterinarian ([[Robert Pattinson]]).<ref>{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Frazier|title=Reese Witherspoon Goes to Washington |work=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |date=March 10, 2010 |url=http://www.etonline.com/news/84864_Reese_Witherspoon_Goes_to_Washington/ |access-date=February 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403192149/http://www.etonline.com/news/84864_Reese_Witherspoon_Goes_to_Washington/ |archive-date=April 3, 2012 }}</ref> [[Principal photography]] began between May and early August 2010 ~~in various locations in [[Tennessee]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], and California.~~<ref>{{cite news|title=Robert Pattinson begins shooting for "Water for Elephants |publisher=Hollywood News |date=May 20, 2010 |url=http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/05/20/robert-pattinson-begins-shooting-for-%E2%80%9Cwater-for-elephants%E2%80%9D/ |access-date=May 22, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104111216/http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/05/20/robert-pattinson-begins-shooting-for-%E2%80%9Cwater-for-elephants%E2%80%9D/ |archive-date=January 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |first=Francis |last=Lawrence|title= That's a wrap on WFE!!!!!! |date=August 5, 2012|user=Hibbits|number=20362637500 |access-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809032505/http://twitter.com/Hibbits/status/20362637500 |archive-date=August 9, 2010}}</ref> in various locations in [[Tennessee]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], and California. It was released on April 22, 2011, and received mixed critical reviews.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fox Pushes Rio, Water for Elephants Releases |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 23, 2010 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-pushes-rio-water-elephants-65332 |access-date=December 28, 2010 |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227041725/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-pushes-rio-water-elephants-65332 |archive-date=December 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rotten Tomatoes: Water for Elephants |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=April 22, 2011 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/water_for_elephants/ |access-date=June 28, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627145827/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/water_for_elephants/ |archive-date=June 27, 2011 }}</ref> Her last love-triangle film began production in [[Vancouver]] in September 2010. Directed by [[McG]] and released by [[20th Century Fox]], ''[[This Means War (film)|This Means War]]'', saw Witherspoon's character at the center of a battle between best friends (played by [[Chris Pine]] and [[Tom Hardy]]), who are both in love with her. The film had a "sneak-peek" release on [[Valentine's Day]], before fully opening on February 17, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=This Means War to start filming |work=Vancouver Sun |date=September 3, 2010 |url=https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/This+Means+start+filming/3477453/story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907072205/http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/This%2BMeans%2Bstart%2Bfilming/3477453/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 7, 2010 |access-date=September 19, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=This Means War Gets Romantic Release Date |work=Movieline |date=April 12, 2011 |url=http://www.movieline.com/2011/04/this-means-war-gets-romantic-release-date.php |access-date=June 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415094826/http://www.movieline.com/2011/04/this-means-war-gets-romantic-release-date.php |archive-date=April 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fox to Release McG's 'This Means War' on Valentine's Day |work=Reuters |date=January 8, 2012 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS332453756520120118 |access-date=January 22, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726091508/https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/idUS332453756520120118 |archive-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref> The film was panned by critics, with a 25% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ~~and fared poorly at the box office, taking fifth place on its opening weekend with sales of $17.6 million.~~<ref>{{cite web |title=This Means War – Rotten Tomatoes |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=February 17, 2012 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/this_means_war/ |access-date=February 20, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221112952/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/this_means_war/ |archive-date=February 21, 2012 }}</ref> and fared poorly at the box office, taking fifth place on its opening weekend with sales of $17.6 million. ''[[The New York Times]]'' remarked that this "extended the box office cold streak for the Oscar-winning Ms. Witherspoon".<ref>{{cite news|first=Brooks|last=Barnes| url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/this-means-box-office-dud/ |title=This Means Box Office Dud |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=February 20, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221012047/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/this-means-box-office-dud/ |archive-date=February 21, 2012 }}</ref> In a 2012 interview with [[MTV]], Witherspoon jokingly referred that 2010–12 was her "love triangle period".<ref>{{cite web|first=Amy|last=Wilkinson|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2557078/reese-witherspoon-love-triangles-this-means-war/|title='This Means War' Star Reese Witherspoon is in her 'Love Triangle Period'|publisher=[[MTV]]|date=February 1, 2012|access-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=~~live~~dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510095149/http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2012/02/01/reese-witherspoon-love-triangles-this-means-war/|archive-date=May 10, 2012}}</ref>

===2012–2015: Resurgence and career expansion===

In September 2011, a year after beginning work on ''This Means War'', she filmed a small role in [[Jeff Nichols]]'s [[coming-of-age film|coming-of-age]] drama ''[[Mud (2012 film)|Mud]]'' in [[Arkansas]], playing Juniper, the former girlfriend of a fugitive ([[Matthew McConaughey]]), who enlists two local boys to help him evade capture and rekindle his romance with her.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everything We Know About Reese Witherspoon's Film 'Mud,' Filming in Arkansas |work=InArkansas |date=September 28, 2011 |url=http://www.inarkansas.com/26908/everything-we-know-about-reese-witherspoons-film-mud-filming-in-arkansas |access-date=October 3, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930142018/http://www.inarkansas.com/26908/everything-we-know-about-reese-witherspoons-film-mud-filming-in-arkansas |archive-date=September 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Mud' banks trio of thesps |work=Variety |date=September 26, 2011 |url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/mud-banks-trio-of-thesps-1118043478/|access-date=February 29, 2020|first=Dave |last=McNary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516213017/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118043478 |archive-date=May 16, 2012}}</ref> ''Mud'' premiered in May 2012 in competition for the [[Palme d'Or]] at the [[2012 Cannes Film Festival|Cannes Film Festival]], but did not win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cannes sets 2012 fest lineup |work=Chicago Tribune |date=April 19, 2012 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-cannes-2012-movies20120419,0,6459352.column |access-date=May 5, 2012 |first=Michael |last=Phillips |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420062513/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-cannes-2012-movies20120419%2C0%2C6459352.column |archive-date=April 20, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cannes 2012: Jeff Nichols' 'Mud' Slides Into Competition with Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=May 26, 2012 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-2012-matthew-mcconaughey-reese-witherspoon-jeff-nichols-mud-329891 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |first=Rebecca |last=Leffler |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528093457/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-2012-matthew-mcconaughey-reese-witherspoon-jeff-nichols-mud-329891 |archive-date=May 28, 2012}}</ref> Following its American debut at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] on January 19, 2013, ~~the film had a [[limited release]] in selected North American theaters on April 26, 2013.~~<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sundance: Matthew McConaughey in 'Mud' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 21, 2013 |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/01/21/sundance-matthew-mcconaughey-mud/ |access-date=January 23, 2013 |first=Jeff |last=Labrecque |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123205844/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2013/01/21/sundance-matthew-mcconaughey-mud/ |archive-date=January 23, 2013 }}</ref> the film had a [[limited release]] in selected North American theaters on April 26, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mud Trailer: Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon Have a Southern-Accent-Off |work=Vulture |date=January 16, 2013 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/01/watch-matthew-mcconaughey-in-the-mud-trailer.html |access-date=January 16, 2013 |first=Jesse David |last=Fox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120051437/http://www.vulture.com/2013/01/watch-matthew-mcconaughey-in-the-mud-trailer.html |archive-date=January 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Mud' trailer with Matthew McConaughey reignites the fuse in advance of Sundance bow |work=Hitflix |date=January 16, 2013 |url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/mud-trailer-with-matthew-mcconaughey-reignites-the-fuse-in-advance-of-sundance-bow |access-date=January 16, 2013 |first=Kristopher |last=Tapley |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118025908/http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/mud-trailer-with-matthew-mcconaughey-reignites-the-fuse-in-advance-of-sundance-bow |archive-date=January 18, 2013}}</ref>

Witherspoon next starred in ''[[Devil's Knot (film)|Devil's Knot]]'', which was directed by [[Atom Egoyan]], and based on the [[true crime]] book of the [[Devil's Knot|same name]], examining the controversial case of the [[West Memphis Three]]. Like ''Mud'', the film is set in Arkansas. She played Pam Hobbs, the mother of one of three young murder victims. In an interview subsequent to her casting in the film, Egoyan noted that although the role requires "an emotionally loaded journey," he "met with Reese, and... talked at length about the project, and she's eager to take on the challenge."<ref>{{cite news|title=Egoyan signs Reese Witherspoon for new film |work=Globe and Mail |date=December 16, 2011 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/movies/egoyan-signs-reese-witherspoon-for-new-film/article2274510/ |access-date=December 30, 2011 |first=Gayle |last=Macdonald |location=Toronto |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218060113/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/movies/egoyan-signs-reese-witherspoon-for-new-film/article2274510/ |archive-date=December 18, 2011}}</ref> Filming took place in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] in June and July 2012, ~~and Witherspoon was pregnant with her third child during filming.~~<ref name=devil>{{cite news|title=Cannes 2012: Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon's West Memphis Three Pic Gets Financing (Exclusive) |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=May 16, 2012 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/colin-firth-reese-witherspoon-west-memphis-three-325588 |access-date=May 27, 2012 |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520053843/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/colin-firth-reese-witherspoon-west-memphis-three-325588 |archive-date=May 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=knot>{{cite news | title =Pregnant Reese Witherspoon Spotted Shooting New Movie|work=E! News| date = June 26, 2012| url =https://www.eonline.com/news/326144/pregnant-reese-witherspoon-spotted-shooting-new-movie| archive-url =https://archive.today/20130122060649/http://ca.eonline.com/news/pregnant_reese_witherspoon_spotted/326144| url-status=live| archive-date =January 22, 2013| access-date = June 30, 2012| first=Peter| last=Gicas}}</ref><ref name=devilsknot2>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon movie filming in Cartersville |work=Access Atlanta |date=July 5, 2012 |url=http://blogs.ajc.com/the-buzz/2012/07/05/reese-witherspoon-movie-filming-in-cartersville/ |access-date=January 23, 2013 |first=Jennifer |last=Brett |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017122733/http://blogs.ajc.com/the-buzz/2012/07/05/reese-witherspoon-movie-filming-in-cartersville/ |archive-date=October 17, 2012 }}</ref> and Witherspoon was pregnant with her third child during filming.<ref name=devilsknot3>{{cite news|title=Pregnant Reese Witherspoon Begins Shooting Devil's Knot in Atlanta |work=Us Weekly |date=June 26, 2012 |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/pic-pregnant-reese-witherspoon-begins-shooting-devils-knot-in-atlanta-2012266#ixzz2IossVNdt |access-date=January 23, 2013 |first=Zach |last=Johnson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128051943/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/pic-pregnant-reese-witherspoon-begins-shooting-devils-knot-in-atlanta-2012266 |archive-date=January 28, 2013}}</ref><ref name=devilsknot4>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon talks of prom dresses, pregnancy and new film |work=Chicago Sun Times |date=June 23, 2012 |url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/13358045-421/in-chicago-reese-witherspoon-talks-about-her-pregnancy-prom-dress-shopping-and-new-film-devils.html |access-date=January 23, 2013 |first=Bill |last=Zwecker |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919233739/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/13358045-421/in-chicago-reese-witherspoon-talks-about-her-pregnancy-prom-dress-shopping-and-new-film-devils.html |archive-date=September 19, 2012 }}</ref> The film premiered at the 2013 [[Toronto International Film Festival]], ~~followed by a release in selected American theaters on May 9, 2014.~~<ref>{{cite news|title=TIFF: WikiLeaks movie The Fifth Estate to open film festival |work=Toronto Star |date=July 23, 2013 |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2013/07/23/tiff_brad_pitts_12_years_a_slave_to_premiere_at_festival.html |access-date=July 24, 2013 |first=Linda |last=Barnard |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726141224/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2013/07/23/tiff_brad_pitts_12_years_a_slave_to_premiere_at_festival.html |archive-date=July 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=TIFF 2013: All the night moves with Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon and Jesse Eisenberg on the red carpet (but no George Clooney, sorry) |work=National Post |date=September 8, 2013 |url=http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/09/09/tiff-2013-all-the-night-moves-with-jesse-eisenberg-sandra-bullock-and-reese-witherspoon/ |access-date=September 8, 2013 |first=Nathalie |last=Atkinson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130909150243/http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/09/09/tiff-2013-all-the-night-moves-with-jesse-eisenberg-sandra-bullock-and-reese-witherspoon/ |archive-date=September 9, 2013}}</ref> followed by a release in selected American theaters on May 9, 2014.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=West Memphis Three drama 'Devil's Knot' with Reese Witherspoon sets release date – EXCLUSIVE |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=February 10, 2014 |url=https://ew.com/article/2014/02/10/devils-knot-reese-witherspoon-west-memphis-three-release-date/ |access-date=February 29, 2020 |first=Jeff |last=Labrecque |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502015909/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/02/10/devils-knot-reese-witherspoon-west-memphis-three-release-date/ |archive-date=May 2, 2014 }}</ref> Although the film received mainly negative reviews; London's ''[[Evening Standard]]'' thought Witherspoon was "the strongest, most involving character".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Devil's Knot - film review: 'Colin Firth brings to the role all of his|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/film/devils-knot-film-review-colin-firth-brings-to-the-role-all-of-his-wounded-sorrow-9533034.html|last=Sexton|first=David|date=June 13, 2014|website=Evening Standard|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507114201/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/film/devils-knot-film-review-colin-firth-brings-to-the-role-all-of-his-wounded-sorrow-9533034.html|archive-date=May 7, 2019|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

In 2012, Witherspoon founded production company Pacific Standard (now part of [[Hello Sunshine (company)|Hello Sunshine]]). Her goal was to produce projects with "strong" female lead characters, as she felt this was lacking in Hollywood. Through the company, Witherspoon served as a producer for ''[[Gone Girl (film)|Gone Girl]]'' (2014), an adaptation of [[Gillian Flynn]]'s novel [[Gone Girl (novel)|of the same name]].<ref>{{cite news|title=David Fincher in Talks to Direct 'Gone Girl' |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=January 22, 2013 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/david-fincher-talks-direct-gone-414316 |access-date=January 23, 2013 |first=Borys |last=Kit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124002728/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/david-fincher-talks-direct-gone-414316 |archive-date=January 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Gone Girl' filming at Giant City State Park |work=The Southern |date=September 17, 2013 |url=http://thesouthern.com/news/gone-girl-filming-at-giant-city-state-park/article_a0982f54-1f53-11e3-be49-0019bb2963f4.html |access-date=October 16, 2013 |first=Dustin |last=Duncan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920023739/http://thesouthern.com/news/gone-girl-filming-at-giant-city-state-park/article_a0982f54-1f53-11e3-be49-0019bb2963f4.html |archive-date=September 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/10/15/gone-girl-gets-release-date/ |title='Gone Girl' gets release date |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Erin |last=Strecker |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906020111/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2013/10/15/gone-girl-gets-release-date/ |archive-date=September 6, 2014 }}</ref> She also produced and starred in the biographical adventure ''[[Wild (2014 film)|Wild]]'' (2014), based on [[Cheryl Strayed]]'s memoir [[Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail|of the same name.]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/books/index.ssf/2012/03/reese_witherspoon_buys_movie_r.html |title=Reese Witherspoon buys movie rights to Cheryl Strayed's memoir |publisher=Oregon Live |date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=July 29, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426232320/http://www.oregonlive.com/books/index.ssf/2012/03/reese_witherspoon_buys_movie_r.html |archive-date=April 26, 2012}}</ref> She portrayed Strayed on her {{convert|1000|mi|adj=on}} hike along the [[Pacific Crest Trail]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/reese-witherspoons-wild-adds-michiel-huisman-w-earl-brown-1200715187/ |title=Reese Witherspoon's 'Wild' Adds Michiel Huisman, W. Earl Brown |work=Variety |first=Dave |last=McNary |date=October 11, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013061107/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/reese-witherspoons-wild-adds-michiel-huisman-w-earl-brown-1200715187/ |archive-date=October 13, 2013}}</ref> ''Wild'' was released in December 2014 to critical acclaim; Michael Phillips of ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' wrote in his review, "Witherspoon does the least acting of her career, and it works. Calmly yet restlessly, she brings to life Strayed's longings, her states of grief and desire and her wary optimism."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wild_2014/ |title=Wild (2014) |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=December 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126091852/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wild_2014/ |archive-date=November 26, 2014 }}</ref> Michael Phillips of ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' wrote in his review, "Witherspoon does the least acting of her career, and it works. Calmly yet restlessly, she brings to life Strayed's longings, her states of grief and desire and her wary optimism."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/ct-wild-review-20141204-column.html |title=Review: 'Wild' |work=Chicago Tribune |first=Michael |last=Phillips |date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=December 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207035842/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/ct-wild-review-20141204-column.html |archive-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref> ''Wild'' was considered as Witherspoon's "comeback" role following her previous career slump, ~~and she earned a second Academy Award nomination for her performance.~~<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/09/can-reese-witherspoon-have-her-own-mcconaissance/ |title=Can Reese Witherspoon Have Her Own 'McConaissance?' |work=Forbes |first=Scott |last=Mendelson |date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=January 1, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909150810/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2014/09/09/can-reese-witherspoon-have-her-own-mcconaissance/ |archive-date=September 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/wild/review/ |title=Wild is Reese Witherspoon's major comeback |work=The Telegraph |first=Tim |last=Robey |date=December 29, 2014 |access-date=January 1, 2015 |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101201256/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/wild/review/ |archive-date=January 1, 2015}}</ref> and she earned a second Academy Award nomination for her performance.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/01/15/reese-witherspoon-oscar-nomination |title=Reese Witherspoon on her Oscar nomination: 'I can't imagine ever having a year this good' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Tim |last=Stack |date=January 15, 2015 |access-date=February 1, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219020230/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/01/15/reese-witherspoon-oscar-nomination |archive-date=February 19, 2015 }}</ref>

Witherspoon appeared in [[Philippe Falardeau]]'s drama ''[[The Good Lie]],'' based on a true story about an employment counselor assigned to help four young [[Refugees of Sudan|Sudanese refugees]], known as [[Lost Boys of Sudan]], who win a lottery for relocation to the U.S.<ref name="thegoodlie1">{{cite news|title=Corey Stoll, Sarah Baker, Sudanese Lost Boys Cast In 'The Good Lie' |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 3, 2013 |url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/04/reese-witherspoon-the-good-lie-corey-stoll-cast/ |access-date=April 7, 2013 |first=Jen |last=Yamato |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407040700/http://www.deadline.com/2013/04/reese-witherspoon-the-good-lie-corey-stoll-cast/ |archive-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref><ref name="thegoodlie2">{{cite news |title=ATLwood: Reese Witherspoon back in town for "The Good Lie" |work=Creative Loafing Atlanta |date=April 5, 2013 |url=~~http~~https://~~clatl~~creativeloafing.com/~~freshloaf/archives/2013/04/05/~~content-216882-atlwood-reese-witherspoon-back-in-town-for-the-good~~-lie~~ |access-date=April 7, 2013 |first=Allison |last=Keene |url-status=~~dead~~live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520204248/http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2013/04/05/atlwood-reese-witherspoon-back-in-town-for-the-good-lie |archive-date=May 20, 2013}}</ref> It was released on October 3, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Drama 'The Good Lie' Shifts to October Release |work=Variety |date=May 27, 2014 |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/reese-witherspoon-the-good-lie-release-date-1201193861/ |access-date=January 1, 2015 |first=Brent |last=Lang |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112053802/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/reese-witherspoon-the-good-lie-release-date-1201193861/ |archive-date=January 12, 2015}}</ref> The film was mostly well-received; ''The Hollywood Reporter'' critic praised the touching story and performances of the cast, writing that Witherspoon does not "upstage" her colleagues.<ref>{{Cite web|title='The Good Lie': Toronto Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/good-lie-toronto-review-730926|last=Felperin|first=Leslie|date=September 7, 2014|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005190229/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/good-lie-toronto-review-730926|archive-date=October 5, 2019|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> Next, she appeared in ''[[Inherent Vice (film)|Inherent Vice]]'' (2014), an adaptation of [[Thomas Pynchon]]'s [[Inherent Vice|novel of the same name]].<ref>{{cite news|title=First Look At Joaquin Phoenix On The Set Of 'Inherent Vice' |url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/first-look-at-joaquin-phoenix-oh-inherent-vice-maya-rudolph-joins-the-cast-20130604 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |newspaper=indiewire.com |date=June 4, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608134319/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/first-look-at-joaquin-phoenix-oh-inherent-vice-maya-rudolph-joins-the-cast-20130604 |archive-date=June 8, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Eyes Reteam With Joaquin Phoenix in 'Inherent Vice' |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/reese-witherspoon-eyes-reteam-with-joaquin-phoenix-in-vice-1200480816/ |access-date=July 22, 2013 |newspaper=Variety |date=May 15, 2013 |first=Justin |last=Kroll |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713084558/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/reese-witherspoon-eyes-reteam-with-joaquin-phoenix-in-vice-1200480816/ |archive-date=July 13, 2013}}</ref> In May 2014, Witherspoon began production in Louisiana on ''[[Hot Pursuit (2015 film)|Hot Pursuit]]'', a comedy in which she plays a police officer trying to protect a drug lord's widow ([[Sofía Vergara]]).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/05/dont_mess_with_texas_starring.html |title='Don't Mess With Texas,' starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara, starts filming this week in New Orleans |work=The Times-Picayune |first=Mike |last=Scott |date=May 12, 2014 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228224002/http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/05/dont_mess_with_texas_starring.html |archive-date=December 28, 2014}}</ref> The feature was released on May 8, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/hot-pursuit-trailer-reese-witherspoon-sofia-vergara-watch-1201432880/ |title=Watch: First Trailer for Reese Witherspoon-Sofia Vergara's 'Hot Pursuit' |work=Variety |first=Dave |last=McNary |date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226194704/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/hot-pursuit-trailer-reese-witherspoon-sofia-vergara-watch-1201432880/ |archive-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref>

===2016–present: Television success===

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In 2018, she starred in [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney's]] ''[[A Wrinkle in Time (2018 film)|A Wrinkle in Time]]'', a film adaptation of [[Madeleine L'Engle]]'s [[A Wrinkle in Time|novel of the same name]], in which she plays Mrs. Whatsit. Directed by [[Ava DuVernay]], the feature co-stars [[Oprah Winfrey]] and [[Mindy Kaling]], and was released in March 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wrinkle in Time Cast Announced as Filming Begins |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/782179-a-wrinkle-in-time-cast-announced-as-filming-begins |access-date=March 30, 2017 |work=ComingSoon.net |date=November 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129231914/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/782179-a-wrinkle-in-time-cast-announced-as-filming-begins |archive-date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> Four months later, Witherspoon began hosting the talk show ''[[Shine On with Reese]]'' on [[DirecTV]], in which she interviews female guests, focusing on how they achieved their ambitions. The show marks Witherspoon's first unscripted role in television.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/reese-witherspoon-shine-on-with-reese-hello-sunshine-att-directv-1202868192/|title=Reese Witherspoon Interview Series to Kick Off Her Hello Sunshine Channel Debut on AT&T, DirecTV|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=July 10, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710180032/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/reese-witherspoon-shine-on-with-reese-hello-sunshine-att-directv-1202868192/|archive-date=July 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Witherspoon currently produces and stars in the [[Apple TV+]] drama series ''[[The Morning Show (American TV series)|The Morning Show]]'' alongside [[Jennifer Aniston]] and [[Steve Carell]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/08/business/media/apple-reese-witherspoon-jennifer-aniston-show.html|title=Apple Lands New Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston TV Show|newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723182743/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/08/business/media/apple-reese-witherspoon-jennifer-aniston-show.html|archive-date=July 23, 2018|url-status=live|last1=Koblin |first1=John }}</ref> ''The Morning Show'' ~~has~~ received a two-season order from Apple with the first season premiering in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-celebrates-the-morning-show-coming-to-apple-tv-november-1/|title=Apple celebrates "The Morning Show," coming to Apple TV+ November 1|website=[[Apple Inc.]]|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211094121/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-celebrates-the-morning-show-coming-to-apple-tv-november-1/|archive-date=December 11, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Witherspoon was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama]] and a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series]] for her work in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/golden-globes-nominations-announced-updating-live-1202804135/|title=Golden Globes Nominations: 'Marriage Story', Netflix, 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' Lead Way In Film – Full List Of Nominations|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|date=December 9, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211174953/https://deadline.com/2019/12/golden-globes-nominations-announced-updating-live-1202804135/|archive-date=December 11, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Season two of ''The Morning Show'' was set to premiere in 2020 before ~~the~~a production shutdown caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite instagram|user=reesewitherspoon|last=Witherspoon|first=Reese|postid=B6TX22WAPYn|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B6TX22WAPYn/|title=This was our very last day of shooting @themorningshow. There are not enough hugs, heart emojis or words to express how much I cherish…|date=December 20, 2019|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref> The first two episodes were in the final stages of being shot before the production shutdown. During the ~~production~~ shutdown, scripts were rewritten to reflect the pandemic. Production on season two of ''The Morning Show'' restarted on October 19, 2020, and premiered on Apple TV in September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2021 |title=Here's When the Next Episode of "The Morning Show" Will Air |url=https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a37679305/the-morning-show-episode-schedule/ |access-date=March 29, 2022 |website=Oprah Daily |language=en-us |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329145654/https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a37679305/the-morning-show-episode-schedule/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=October 5, 2020|title='The Morning Show' To Resume Production On Season 2 With Steve Carell Returning To Apple Series|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/the-morning-show-resume-production-season-2-steve-carell-returning-jennifer-aniston-reese-witherspoon-apple-1234590639/|access-date=November 2, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=October 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005183649/https://deadline.com/2020/10/the-morning-show-resume-production-season-2-steve-carell-returning-jennifer-aniston-reese-witherspoon-apple-1234590639/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Witherspoon also serves as an executive producer for the Apple TV+ series ''[[Truth Be Told (2019 TV series)|Truth Be Told]]'' starring [[Octavia Spencer]] which premiered in December 2019; it was renewed for a second season in March 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/are-you-sleeping-drama-octavia-spencer-star-apple-series-order-reese-witherspoon-peter-chernin-1202381254/|title='Are You Sleeping' Drama Starring Octavia Spencer Gets Apple Series Order; Reese Witherspoon & Peter Chernin Producing|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=May 2, 2018|work=Deadline|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710161959/https://deadline.com/2018/05/are-you-sleeping-drama-octavia-spencer-star-apple-series-order-reese-witherspoon-peter-chernin-1202381254/|archive-date=July 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/11/apple-premieres-truth-be-told-coming-to-apple-tv-plus-december-6/|title=Apple premieres "Truth Be Told," coming to Apple TV+ December 6|website=Apple Inc|date=November 11, 2019|access-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204132118/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/11/apple-premieres-truth-be-told-coming-to-apple-tv-plus-december-6/|archive-date=December 4, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/truth-be-told-drama-renewed-season-2-apple-octavcia-spencer-1202875541/|title='Truth Be Told' Drama Renewed For Season 2 By Apple|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=March 5, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408030329/https://deadline.com/2020/03/truth-be-told-drama-renewed-season-2-apple-octavcia-spencer-1202875541/|archive-date=April 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Witherspoon produced and starred in the [[Hulu]] drama miniseries ''[[Little Fires Everywhere (miniseries)|Little Fires Everywhere]]'' opposite [[Kerry Washington]], the televised adaptation of [[Celeste Ng]]'s [[Little Fires Everywhere (novel)|2017 novel of the same name]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-star-produce-little-fires-everywhere-limited-tv-series-liz-tigelaar-abc-signature-1202308265/|title=Reese Witherspoon & Kerry Washington To Star In & Produce Limited TV Series Based On 'Little Fires Everywhere' Book|date=March 2, 2018|work=Deadline|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619140447/https://deadline.com/2018/03/reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-star-produce-little-fires-everywhere-limited-tv-series-liz-tigelaar-abc-signature-1202308265/|archive-date=June 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/hulu-little-fires-everywhere-reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-teaser-premiere-date-video/|title=Hulu's 'Little Fires Everywhere' Gets Fiery Teaser, March Premiere Date (Video)|last=Nakamura|first=Reid|date=December 13, 2019|website=[[The Wrap]]|access-date=December 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214033249/https://www.thewrap.com/hulu-little-fires-everywhere-reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-teaser-premiere-date-video/|archive-date=December 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In that same year, Witherspoon narrated the [[Quibi]] nature documentary series ''Fierce Queens'' which focuses on female animals in the animal kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Quibi, BBC Studios and Reese Witherspoon Release Feisty Trailer for 'Fierce Queens' on International Women's Day|url=https://www.bbcstudios.com/news/quibi-bbc-studios-and-reese-witherspoon-release-feisty-trailer-for-fierce-queens-on-international-womens-day/|access-date=November 2, 2020|website=www.bbcstudios.com|archive-date=March 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309155628/https://www.bbcstudios.com/news/quibi-bbc-studios-and-reese-witherspoon-release-feisty-trailer-for-fierce-queens-on-international-womens-day/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2023, Witherspoon executive produced, with [[Kacey Musgraves]], the country music competition show, ''[[My Kind of Country (2023 TV Series)|My Kind of Country]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/reese-witherspoon-kacey-musgraves-my-kind-of-country-1234661051/ | title=Reese Witherspoon, Kacey Musgraves Recruit Nashville Stars for 'My Kind of Country' Competition Series | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=January 13, 2023 }}</ref> She starred opposite [[Ashton Kutcher]] in the romantic comedy ''[[Your Place or Mine (film)|Your Place or Mine]]'', which released on Netflix.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=September 24, 2022 |title='Your Place Or Mine': Reese Witherspoon & Ashton Kutcher Unveil Release Date For Netflix Rom-Com – Watch The Promo |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/reese-witherspoon-ashton-kutcher-your-place-or-mine-release-date-1235126347/ |access-date=September 25, 2022 |website=Deadline}}</ref> She will next produce and star in the romantic comedy ''[[You're Cordially Invited]]'' for Amazon Prime Video.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/amazon-will-ferrell-reese-witherspoon-youre-cordially-invited-geraldine-viswanathan-meredith-hagner-1235328467|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 17, 2023|accessdate=April 19, 2023|title=Will Ferrell & Reese Witherspoon Amazon Studios Wedding Comedy 'You're Cordially Invited' Adds Geraldine Viswanathan & Meredith Hagner|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418224435/https://deadline.com/2023/04/amazon-will-ferrell-reese-witherspoon-youre-cordially-invited-geraldine-viswanathan-meredith-hagner-1235328467/|url-status=live}}</ref>

▼

~~====Upcoming projects====~~

In addition to starring and producing television shows of her own, Witherspoon will serve as an [[executive producer]] for six television series, for different streaming services and networks including Apple TV+, [[Amazon Prime Video]], [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[Starz]] and [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/kristen-wiig-exits-apple-comedy-series-recasting-scheduling-conflict-wonder-woman-1202413891/|title=Kristen Wiig Exits Apple Comedy Series Because Of 'Wonder Woman' Conflict, Project Eyes Recasting|date=June 20, 2018|work=Deadline|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620042157/https://deadline.com/2018/06/kristen-wiig-exits-apple-comedy-series-recasting-scheduling-conflict-wonder-woman-1202413891/|archive-date=June 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Otterson|first=Joe|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/sara-saedi-americanized-reese-witherspoon-abc-1202978698/|title=Sara Saedi Memoir 'Americanized' in Development as ABC Comedy With Reese Witherspoon Producing|date=October 12, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013114000/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/sara-saedi-americanized-reese-witherspoon-abc-1202978698/|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/daisy-jones-the-six-amazon-limited-series-reese-witherspoon-hello-sunshine-the-disaster-artist-writers-1202433021/|title=Amazon Orders 'Daisy Jones & The Six' Limited Series From Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine & 'Disaster Artist' Writers|date=July 25, 2018|work=Deadline|access-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728074420/https://deadline.com/2018/07/daisy-jones-the-six-amazon-limited-series-reese-witherspoon-hello-sunshine-the-disaster-artist-writers-1202433021/|archive-date=July 28, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/starz-developing-kin-drama-davita-scarlett-reese-witherspoon-hello-sunshine-1202562019/|title=Starz Developing 'Kin' Drama With Davita Scarlett & Reese Witherspoon|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=February 21, 2019|website=Deadline|access-date=February 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108115838/https://deadline.com/2019/02/starz-developing-kin-drama-davita-scarlett-reese-witherspoon-hello-sunshine-1202562019/|archive-date=November 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Zoe Saldana to Star in Netflix Limited Series 'From Scratch' With Reese Witherspoon Producing (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/zoe-saldana-reese-witherspoon-from-scratch-netflix-tembi-locke-1203395696/|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=November 7, 2019|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214044130/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/zoe-saldana-reese-witherspoon-from-scratch-netflix-tembi-locke-1203395696/|archive-date=December 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|date=August 17, 2020|title=Reese Witherspoon and Masked Singer Boss Team for My Kind of Country Music Competition on Apple TV+|url=https://tvline.com/2020/08/17/reese-witherspoon-my-kind-of-country-apple-tv-music-competition/|access-date=November 2, 2020|website=TVLine|language=en-US|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127182215/https://tvline.com/2020/08/17/reese-witherspoon-my-kind-of-country-apple-tv-music-competition/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

▲Witherspoon will produce and star in three Netflix films; first, ''Pyros'', a science fiction drama directed by [[Simon Kinberg]], secondly, two romantic comedies on Netflix.<ref>{{cite web|title=Netflix Wins 'Pyros;' Reese Witherspoon To Star, Produce Thomas Pierce Sci-Fi Film With Simon Kinberg|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/reese-witherspoon-pyros-netflix-simon-kinberg-thomas-pierce-science-fiction-film-with-simon-kinberg-1202667061/|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=August 13, 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213052956/https://deadline.com/2019/08/reese-witherspoon-pyros-netflix-simon-kinberg-thomas-pierce-science-fiction-film-with-simon-kinberg-1202667061/|archive-date=December 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Reese Witherspoon To Star In Two Netflix Romcoms From Hello Sunshine: Aggregate-Produced, Aline Brosh McKenna-Helmed 'Your Place Or Mine' & 'The Cactus'|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/reese-witherspoon-two-netflix-romantic-comedies-hello-sunshine-the-cactus-aggregate-films-aline-brosh-mckenna-the-cactus-1202932978/|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=May 12, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522200224/https://deadline.com/2020/05/reese-witherspoon-two-netflix-romantic-comedies-hello-sunshine-the-cactus-aggregate-films-aline-brosh-mckenna-the-cactus-1202932978/|archive-date=May 22, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Witherspoon will produce two films including ''A White Lie'' set to star [[Zendaya]], and a documentary about [[Martina Navratilova]].<ref>{{Cite news|last= Fleming| first=Mike Jr. |url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/zendaya-a-white-lie-reese-witherspoons-karin-tanabe-hello-sunshine-anita-hemmings-monica-beletsky-1202207512/|title=Zendaya To Star In 'A White Lie,' Pitch Package From Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine|date=November 14, 2017|work=Deadline|access-date=July 23, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724125022/https://deadline.com/2017/11/zendaya-a-white-lie-reese-witherspoons-karin-tanabe-hello-sunshine-anita-hemmings-monica-beletsky-1202207512/|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/reese-witherspoon-documentary-martina-navratilova-1202391557/|title=Reese Witherspoon Producing Documentary On Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova|date=May 15, 2018|work=Deadline|access-date=July 23, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720225148/https://deadline.com/2018/05/reese-witherspoon-documentary-martina-navratilova-1202391557/|archive-date=July 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Witherspoon will also reprise the role of Elle Woods by starring in and producing ''[[Legally Blonde 3]]''; the script will be written by [[Dan Goor]] and [[Mindy Kaling]]. The film will be the fourth collaboration between Kaling and Witherspoon after ''A Wrinkle in Time, The Mindy Project'' and ''The Morning Show.''<ref>{{Cite web|title='Legally Blonde 3': Mindy Kaling & Dan Goor Giving Fresh Take To MGM-Hello Sunshine Sequel|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/legally-blonde-3-mindy-kaling-dan-goor-giving-fresh-take-to-mgm-hello-sunshine-sequel-1202937634/|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=May 19, 2020|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522035201/https://deadline.com/2020/05/legally-blonde-3-mindy-kaling-dan-goor-giving-fresh-take-to-mgm-hello-sunshine-sequel-1202937634/|archive-date=May 22, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, it was reported that Witherspoon had signed on to star in and produce a live-action film about [[Tinker Bell]] for Disney.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/05/21/reese-witherspoon-tinker-bell-disney-developing-peter-pan-spinoff-tink|title=Reese Witherspoon as Tinker Bell: Disney developing 'Peter Pan' spinoff 'Tink'|author=Darren French|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308205832/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/05/21/reese-witherspoon-tinker-bell-disney-developing-peter-pan-spinoff-tink/|url-status=live}}</ref> Six years later, the project re-entered development as a part of [[Gary Marsh]]'s overall deal with Disney and Witherspoon still attached as a producer.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 21, 2021 |title=Gary Marsh Exiting As Head Of Disney Branded TV To Launch Disney-Backed Company With 'Peter Pan' & 'Witch Mountain' Offshoots, More 'Descendants'  |url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/gary-marsh-exit-disney-branded-tv-launch-disney-backed-company-peter-pan-witch-mountain-offshoots-more-descendants-1234840832/ |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=October 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://insidethemagic.net/2021/09/disney-tink-movie-reese-witherspoon-kc1/|date=September 28, 2021|title=Details Revealed For Disney's New 'Tink' Movie Involving Reese Witherspoon|work=Inside the Magic|access-date=October 2, 2021}}</ref>

==Other ventures==

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[[File:Reese Witherspoon 2009.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Witherspoon at the [[Oval Office]] in 2009]]

Witherspoon owned a production company called [[Type A Films]], which the media believed was a nickname from her childhood, "Little Miss Type A".<ref name="ambition" /><ref>{{cite news|date=February 13, 2006 |author=Hancock, Tiffany |title=Fashion victim: Reese Witherspoon |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2006/02/13/efvictim11.xml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203034324/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=%2Ffashion%2F2006%2F02%2F13%2Fefvictim11.xml |archive-date=December 3, 2007 |access-date=November 5, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, when asked about the company by ''[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]]'' magazine, she clarified the name's origin: "... people think I named it after myself... It was actually an [[in-joke]] with my family because at [age] 7 I understood complicated medical terms, such as the difference between [[Type A and Type B personality theory|type A and type B personalities]]. But I just wished I'd named the company Dogfood Films or Fork or something. You carry that baggage all your life."<ref name="That's Reese" /> In March 2012, Witherspoon merged Type A Films with [[Bruna Papandrea]]'s "Make Movies" banner to form a new production company called Pacific Standard.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 18, 2012 |author=Borys Kit |title=Reese Witherspoon, Bruna Panadrea Merge Production Companies to Create Pacific Standard |work=Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/reese-witherspoon-papandrea-pacific-standard-297776 |access-date=July 28, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430153822/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/reese-witherspoon-papandrea-pacific-standard-297776 |archive-date=April 30, 2012}}</ref> In 2016, Witherspoon and Papandrea parted ways, and Witherspoon gained full control of the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/reese-witherspoon-bruna-papandrea-split-pacific-standard-gone-girl-1201812345/ |title='Gone Girl' Producers Reese Witherspoon & Bruna Papandrea Parting |first=Mike Jr. |last=Fleming |date=September 1, 2016 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125170027/http://deadline.com/2016/09/reese-witherspoon-bruna-papandrea-split-pacific-standard-gone-girl-1201812345/ |archive-date=November 25, 2016 }}</ref> Pacific Standard has since become a subsidiary of [[Hello Sunshine (company)|Hello Sunshine]], a firm co-owned by Witherspoon and [[Otter Media]], focused on telling female-oriented stories through film, television and [[Digital media|digital channels]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/11/reese-witherspoon-otter-media-new-company-hello-sunshine-1201858003/|title=Reese Witherspoon, Otter Media Pact For New Company Hello Sunshine|last=Busch|first=Anita|date=November 21, 2016|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221175102/http://deadline.com/2016/11/reese-witherspoon-otter-media-new-company-hello-sunshine-1201858003/|archive-date=December 21, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=January 15, 2017}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116170515/https://deadline.com/2016/11/reese-witherspoon-otter-media-new-company-hello-sunshine-1201858003/ |date=January 16, 2017 }}</ref> Witherspoon also runs the Hello Sunshine book club, where she makes book recommendations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reese Witherspoon Really Wants You To Be Her Librarian|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/reese-witherspoon-hello-sunshine-book-club-librarian/|last=Marine|first=Brooke|date=January 30, 2020|website=W Magazine {{!}} Women's Fashion & Celebrity News|language=en-US|access-date=May 23, 2020|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806181105/https://www.wmagazine.com/story/reese-witherspoon-hello-sunshine-book-club-librarian/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In May 2015, Witherspoon launched [[Draper James]], a retail brand focusing on fashion and [[Interior design|home décor]] inspired by the [[Southern United States|American South]]. It is named after her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon, who are said to be her greatest influences. Some of the products are being manufactured and designed [[Outsourcing#Insourcing|in-house]], and the brand was launched online before opening its first retail outlet in 2015 in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reese-witherspoon-launches-draper-james-lifestyle-brand/ |title=Reese Witherspoon launches Draper James lifestyle brand |work=CBS News |date=May 6, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507064020/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/reese-witherspoon-launches-draper-james-lifestyle-brand/ |archive-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> In March 2017, Witherspoon became the chief storyteller for [[Elizabeth Arden, Inc.]], helping the company to shape the brand's narrative through advertising campaigns and marketing programs. Witherspoon stated that she was "excited to work as a creative partner alongside the Elizabeth Arden team, producing content that celebrates the spirit of the brand, highlighting female-centric stories that illustrate women's true life experiences which unite us all".<ref>{{cite web |author=Elizabeth Arden Inc. |title=Elizabeth Arden Signs Reese Witherspoon As Storyteller-in-Chief |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elizabeth-arden-signs-reese-witherspoon-as-storyteller-in-chief-300431900.html |website=[[PR Newswire]] |date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330174459/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elizabeth-arden-signs-reese-witherspoon-as-storyteller-in-chief-300431900.html |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Witherspoon is involved in children and [[women's rights]] advocacy. She is a longtime supporter of [[Save the Children]], an organization that helps provide children around the world with education, healthcare and emergency aid.<ref name="chldrn" /> She also serves on the board of the [[Children's Defense Fund]] (CDF), a child advocacy and research group.<ref name="chldrn" /> In 2006, she was among a group of actresses who went to New Orleans, Louisiana in a CDF project to publicize the needs of [[Hurricane Katrina]] victims.<ref>{{cite news|title=Witherspoon, Garner Tour New Orleans|author=Plaisance, Stacey|date=May 8, 2006|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/08/AR2006050801206.html|access-date=December 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110192530/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/08/AR2006050801206.html|archive-date=November 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> During this trip, she helped open the city's first Freedom School, as she met and talked with the children.<ref name="trip" /> Witherspoon later called this an experience that she would never forget.<ref name="trip">{{cite web |title=Reese Witherspoon Speaks About Children of Katrina |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |url=https://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/MothersDay/story?id=1960165 |date=May 14, 2006 |access-date=December 1, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809012818/http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/MothersDay/story?id=1960165 |archive-date=August 9, 2007 }}</ref>

In 2007, Witherspoon made her first move into [[Celebrity branding|endorsements]], and she signed a multi-year agreement to serve as the first Global Ambassador for cosmetics firm [[Avon Products]].<ref name="chldrn">{{cite web| title=Reese Witherspoon, Avon Lady| publisher=Eonline.com| author=Finn, Natalie| date=August 2, 2007| url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/archive.jsp?uuid=322d0efb-3e13-4c0b-8c9c-1ebca11f45d2| archive-url=https://archive.today/20121228173710/http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/archive.jsp?uuid=322d0efb-3e13-4c0b-8c9c-1ebca11f45d2| url-status=dead| archive-date=December 28, 2012| access-date=February 1, 2012}}</ref><ref name="avon">{{cite news|author=Guest, Katy |date=August 5, 2007 |title=Reese Witherspoon: From Hollywood star to Avon lady |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/reese-witherspoon-from-hollywood-star-to-avon-lady-460275.html |access-date=February 1, 2012 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729102632/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/reese-witherspoon-from-hollywood-star-to-avon-lady-460275.html |archive-date=July 29, 2013 }}</ref> She acts as a spokeswoman for Avon and serves as the honorary chair of the ''Avon Foundation'', a charitable organization that supports women and focuses on [[breast cancer]] research and the prevention of [[domestic violence]].<ref name="avon products">{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon heeds Avon call to be spokeswoman |work=Reuters |date=August 2, 2007 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN0141828920070802 |access-date=November 11, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228082140/https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN0141828920070802 |archive-date=December 28, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Witherspoon to become 'Avon lady' |work=BBC News |date=August 1, 2007 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6927011.stm |access-date=December 1, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429133947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6927011.stm |archive-date=April 29, 2008 }}</ref> She is also committed to the development of cosmetic products and making appearances in commercials.<ref name="avon products" /> Explaining her motives for joining the foundation, she said, "As a woman and a mother I care deeply about the well being of other women and children throughout the world and through the years, I have always looked for opportunities to make a difference."<ref name="avon products" />

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[[File:Reese Witherspoon (29144489784).jpg|thumb|175px|Witherspoon signing autographs for fans at the [[2016 Toronto International Film Festival]]]]

Witherspoon hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' on September 29, 2001, the first episode to air after the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Saturday Night Live Preps 'Emotional' Premiere |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=September 27, 2001 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102195&page=1 |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423155106/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102195&page=1 |archive-date=April 23, 2009 }}</ref> In 2005, she was ranked No. 5 in ''[[People (magazine)|Teen People]]'' magazine's list of most powerful young Hollywood actors.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]] |date=August 6, 2005 |title=Kutcher tops list of young, powerful |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050806/news_1c06stars.html |access-date=February 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119043414/http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050806/news_1c06stars.html |archive-date=January 19, 2012 }}</ref> In 2006, she was listed among the [[Time 100]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The people who shape our world |magazine=TIME |url=http://www.time.com/time/2006/time100/ |access-date=November 5, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502231929/http://www.time.com/time/2006/time100/ |archive-date=May 2, 2006 }}</ref> Her featured article was written by [[Luke Wilson]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Reese Witherspoon |author=Wilson, Luke |date=April 30, 2006 |magazine=TIME |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1187328,00.html |access-date=November 5, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022043835/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1187328%2C00.html |archive-date=October 22, 2007 }}</ref> That year, she was selected one of the "[[FHM's 100 Sexiest Women (UK)|100 Sexiest Women In The World]]" by the readers of ''[[FHM]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The 100 Sexiest Women In The World 2006 |magazine=[[FHM]] |url=http://www.fhm.com/site/content/article.aspx?ID=15886 |access-date=November 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022070934/http://www.fhm.com/site/content/article.aspx?ID=15886 |archive-date=October 22, 2007 }}</ref> Witherspoon has been featured four times in the annual "100 Most Beautiful" issues of ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Facts about People's most beautiful list |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/042507_people_list_facts.pdf |work=[[CBS News]] |access-date=December 28, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227002153/http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/042507_people_list_facts.pdf |archive-date=February 27, 2008}}</ref> She has appeared on the annual [[Celebrity 100]] list by ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine in 2006 and 2007, at No. 75 and No. 80, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|title=2006:The Celebrity 100 |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/home/celebrities/2006/06/12/06celebrities_money-power-celebrities-list_land.html |access-date=November 21, 2007 |date=June 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211081422/http://www.forbes.com/home/celebrities/2006/06/12/06celebrities_money-power-celebrities-list_land.html |archive-date=December 11, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=2007:The Celebrity 100 |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/53/07celebrities_The-Celebrity-100_Rank_4.html |access-date=November 21, 2007 |date=June 14, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115180511/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/53/07celebrities_The-Celebrity-100_Rank_4.html |archive-date=November 15, 2007}}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'' also put her on the top ten Trustworthy Celebrities list.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rose, Lacey|title=The Ten Most Trustworthy Celebrities|url=https://www.forbes.com/technology/2006/09/25/trust-celebrity-politicians-tech_cx_lr_06trust_0925celeb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201040724/http://www.forbes.com/technology/2006/09/25/trust-celebrity-politicians-tech_cx_lr_06trust_0925celeb.html|archive-date=December 1, 2007|work=Forbes|date=September 25, 2006|access-date=November 21, 2007}}</ref>

In 2007, she was selected by ''People'' and the entertainment news program ''[[Access Hollywood]]'' as one of the year's best-dressed female stars.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 12, 2007 |title=People: Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon Among Best-Dressed |publisher=Fox News |url=~~http~~https://www.foxnews.com/story/~~0,2933,296596,00.html~~people-beyonce-jennifer-lopez-reese-witherspoon-among-best-dressed |access-date=November 21, 2007 |url-status=~~dead~~live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223163534/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C296596%2C00.html |archive-date=December 23, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Access Hollywood's Best Dressed Stars Of 2007 |publisher=[[Access Hollywood]] |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/access-hollywoods-best-dressed-stars-of-2007_article_7853 |date=January 5, 2009 |access-date=February 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729111506/http://www.accesshollywood.com/access-hollywoods-best-dressed-stars-of-2007_article_7853 |archive-date=July 29, 2013 }}</ref> The yellow dress she wore to that year's Golden Globe Awards was widely acclaimed.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rubenstein|first=Hal|title=100 Unforgettable Dresses|publisher=Harper Design |location=New York|isbn=978-0-06-219888-4|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KvzSrWl5QP0C&q=%22Reese+Witherspoon%22+Theyskens&pg=PT243|chapter=The "Ryan Who?" Dress|date=March 6, 2012}}</ref> A study conducted by E-Poll Market Research showed that Witherspoon was the most likable female celebrity of 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN0432014220080104?feedType=RSS&feedName=entertainmentNews |title=Reese Witherspoon tops list of most-liked celebs |work=Reuters |access-date=January 5, 2008 |date=January 4, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112114558/https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN0432014220080104?feedType=RSS&feedName=entertainmentNews |archive-date=January 12, 2008}}</ref> That same year, she established herself as the highest-paid actress in the American film industry, earning $15 to $20 million per film.<ref>{{cite news|title=A testing time for Reese Witherspoon |date=October 7, 2007 |author=Goodwin, Christopher |work=The Times |location=UK |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article2582742.ece |access-date=November 5, 2007 |url-status=~~live~~dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908053142/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article2582742.ece |archive-date=September 8, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Witherspoon is Hollywood's highest-paid actress |author=Grabicki, Michelle |date=November 30, 2007 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUSN3030609020071130 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=November 5, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202073307/https://www.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUSN3030609020071130 |archive-date=December 2, 2007}}</ref> The following years, her appearance in many commercially unsuccessful films caused her to lose this status, and she was noted as one of the most overpaid actors in Hollywood in 2011, 2012 and 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-11-04/news/30361703_1_box-office-adam-sandler-vince-vaughn |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130110354/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-11-04/news/30361703_1_box-office-adam-sandler-vince-vaughn |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 30, 2013 |title=Drew Barrymore, Eddie Murphy named Hollywood's most overpaid actors by Forbes – NY Daily News |publisher=Articles.nydailynews.com |date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=April 21, 2013 |location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2012/12/04/eddie-murphy-is-the-most-overpaid-actor-in-hollywood/ |title=Eddie Murphy Tops Our List Of The Most Overpaid Actors In Hollywood |magazine=Forbes |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=April 21, 2013 |first=Dorothy |last=Pomerantz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420220804/http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2012/12/04/eddie-murphy-is-the-most-overpaid-actor-in-hollywood/ |archive-date=April 20, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2013/12/09/adam-sandler-tops-our-list-of-the-most-overpaid-actors/ |title=Adam Sandler Tops Forbes' 2013 List Of The Most Overpaid Actors |magazine=Forbes |date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=January 26, 2014 |first=Dorothy |last=Pomerantz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210095448/http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2013/12/09/adam-sandler-tops-our-list-of-the-most-overpaid-actors/ |archive-date=December 10, 2013 }}</ref> In April 2011, she ranked No. 3 on the 22nd annual ''People's Most Beautiful'' issue.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=People's Most Beautiful 2011 – Reese Witherspoon |url=https://people.com/celebrity/peoples-most-beautiful-2011-jennifer-lopez/ |magazine=People |date=April 13, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808170942/http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0%2C%2C20360857_20481337%2C00.html |archive-date=August 8, 2011 }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20360857_20481337,00.html |title=PEOPLE's Most Beautiful 2011: Jennifer Lopez |access-date=August 11, 2011 |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827035401/http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20360857_20481337,00.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

In June 2013, Witherspoon filed a lawsuit against Marketing Advantages International Inc., claiming they extensively used her name and image in jewelry advertising without permission in the U.S. and internationally. In December 2015, Witherspoon's trademark claims to her name were rejected on the grounds that she had not established secondary meaning to her full name, did not claim "emotional distress", and that the "photos and facts were generally known by the public and the photos were taken in public with Plaintiff's consent". However, the court ruled that she could proceed with her right of publicity claims against many defendants.<ref>{{cite news|title=Judge Leans Against "Reese Witherspoon" as a Protectable Slogan |author=Gardner, Eriq |date=November 24, 2015 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/judge-leans-reese-witherspoon-as-843541 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201231009/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/judge-leans-reese-witherspoon-as-843541 |archive-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Wins Round In Publicity Rights Battle |author=Eslinger, Bonnie |date=December 1, 2015 |work=Law360 |url=http://www.law360.com/articles/732731/reese-witherspoon-wins-round-in-publicity-rights-battle |access-date=January 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201005729/http://www.law360.com/articles/732731/reese-witherspoon-wins-round-in-publicity-rights-battle |archive-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=L.A. Court Allows Reese Witherspoon to Proceed with Right of Publicity Claim Against Jeweler|author1-link=Jennifer E. Rothman |author=Rothman, Jennifer E. |date=December 2, 2015 |work=Rothman's RoadMap To The Right Of Publicity |url=http://www.rightofpublicityroadmap.com/news-commentary/revised-la-court-allows-reese-witherspoon-proceed-right-publicity-claim-against |access-date=January 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131230042/http://www.rightofpublicityroadmap.com/news-commentary/revised-la-court-allows-reese-witherspoon-proceed-right-publicity-claim-against |archive-date=January 31, 2016}}</ref> Two months later, she withdrew her lawsuit, having "come to private agreements with the various defendants, including Centerbrook Sales, Fragrance Hut, Gemvara, and others".<ref>{{cite news|title=Hollywood Docket: Reese Witherspoon Settles Imitation Jewelry Lawsuit |author=Eriq, Gardner |date=February 16, 2016 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/hollywood-docket-reese-witherspoon-settles-866160 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221105529/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/hollywood-docket-reese-witherspoon-settles-866160 |archive-date=February 21, 2016}}</ref> In October 2017, in the wake of the [[Harvey Weinstein]] [[Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse cases|sexual abuse scandal]], Witherspoon revealed that she had been sexually assaulted at age 16 by a director and had had "multiple experiences of harassment and sexual assault" throughout her career.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Reveals She Was Assaulted by a Director at 16|url=http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a13032565/reese-witherspoon-assaulted-by-director/|access-date=October 18, 2017|work=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]|date=October 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018000329/http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a13032565/reese-witherspoon-assaulted-by-director/|archive-date=October 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Line 142 ⟶ 139:

==Personal life==

Witherspoon met actor [[Ryan Phillippe]] at her 21st birthday party in March 1997.<ref name="split end">{{cite news|author=de Kretser, Leela |date=October 31, 2006 |title=Split end for a 'Legal blonde' |work=New York Post |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/split_end_for_legal_blonde_reese_K11HV63Mz7ztl6xhfix2hL |access-date=February 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801150410/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/split_end_for_legal_blonde_reese_K11HV63Mz7ztl6xhfix2hL |archive-date=August 1, 2013}}</ref> They became engaged in December 1998 ~~and married on June 5, 1999, at Old Wide Awake Plantation in [[Hollywood, South Carolina]].~~<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe separate|work=USA Today|author=Thomas, Karen|date=November 8, 2006|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-10-30-witherspoon_x.htm|access-date=November 10, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209225924/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-10-30-witherspoon_x.htm|archive-date=February 9, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> and married on June 5, 1999, at Old Wide Awake Plantation in [[Hollywood, South Carolina]].<ref name="cnn" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://marriage.about.com/od/entertainmen1/p/witherspoon.htm |title=Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe Marriage Profile |author=Sheri & Bob Stritof |publisher=About.com |access-date=July 2, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719101712/http://marriage.about.com/od/entertainmen1/p/witherspoon.htm |archive-date=July 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Daniel |last=Frankel |title=Witherspoon. Phillippe. Married |url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/archive.jsp?uuid=ab83c281-64be-477e-b585-ad632ddde656&entry=index |publisher=[[E! News]] |date=June 8, 1999 |access-date=February 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616055414/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/archive.jsp?uuid=ab83c281-64be-477e-b585-ad632ddde656&entry=index |archive-date=June 16, 2012 }}</ref> They have two children together, daughter Ava Elizabeth Phillippe, born on September 9, 1999; ~~and son Deacon Reese Phillippe, born on October 23, 2003.~~<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/reese-witherspoon-ryan-phillippes-birthday-messages-to-daughter-ava-w502126/amp/ |title= Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's Sweet 18th Birthday Messages to Daughter Ava |date= September 9, 2017 |access-date= April 11, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180412145935/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/reese-witherspoon-ryan-phillippes-birthday-messages-to-daughter-ava-w502126/amp/ |archive-date= April 12, 2018 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Colacello |first1=Bob |title=Inside Paris's 25th Annual le Bal des Débutantes |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/01/le-bal-des-debutantes-paris |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=January 9, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006182315/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/01/le-bal-des-debutantes-paris |url-status=dead }}</ref> and son Deacon Reese Phillippe, born on October 23, 2003.<ref name="cnn">{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon gives birth |publisher=CNN |date=October 29, 2003 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/29/ple.witherspoon.reut/ |access-date=November 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206121706/http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/29/ple.witherspoon.reut/ |archive-date=December 6, 2007}}</ref> On October 30, 2006, Witherspoon and Phillippe announced their separation.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoon-ryan-phillippe-split/|title=Reese Witherspoon & Ryan Phillippe Split |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=October 30, 2006 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222221758/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C1552282%2C00.html |archive-date=December 22, 2014}}</ref> She filed for divorce on November 8, 2006, citing [[irreconcilable differences]].<ref name="file">{{cite web | title=Reese Files Divorce Petition | work=Court Documents TMZ | date=November 9, 2006 | url=https://www.tmz.com/2006/11/08/reese-files-divorce-petition/ | access-date=August 22, 2007 | archive-date=October 11, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011130459/http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/08/reese-files-divorce-petition/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In light of their lack of a [[prenuptial agreement]], she requested that the court refuse to grant [[spousal support]] to Phillippe, and asked for joint legal custody and sole physical custody of their two children. Phillippe filed for joint physical custody on May 15, 2007, and did not seek any spousal support.<ref name="ryan">{{cite web | title=Ryan Phillippe Seeks Joint Custody of Kids | work=People | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20039433,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines | access-date=August 22, 2007 | archive-date=August 29, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829113825/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20039433,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines | url-status=live }}</ref> The marriage officially ended on October 5, 2007, with final divorce arrangements settled on June 13, 2008, according to court documents. Phillippe and Witherspoon share joint custody of their children.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20151566,00.html| title = Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe Legally Free to Wed Others| access-date = October 11, 2007| archive-date = October 11, 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011192135/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20151566,00.html| url-status = live}}</ref>

Witherspoon dated her ''Rendition'' co-star [[Jake Gyllenhaal]] from 2007 until 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon & Jake Gyllenhaal Get Close|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=April 5, 2007|url=https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoon-jake-gyllenhaal-get-close/|access-date=July 29, 2017|last1=Thomson|first1=Katherine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607150815/https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoon-jake-gyllenhaal-get-close/|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Ulrica|last1=Wihlborg|first2=Stephen M.|last2=Silverman|title=Reps Claim Jake and Reese Are Still Together|url=https://people.com/celebrity/reps-claim-jake-and-reese-are-still-together/|date=November 29, 2009|access-date=February 29, 2020|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301025944/https://people.com/celebrity/reps-claim-jake-and-reese-are-still-together/|archive-date=March 1, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2010, she was reported to be dating Jim Toth, ~~a [[talent agent]] and co-head of motion picture talent at [[Creative Artists Agency]], where she is a client.~~<ref>{{cite news|title=Is Reese Witherspoon Dating Again? |url= https://people.com/celebrity/is-reese-witherspoon-dating-again/|work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420083449/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20341347%2C00.html |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon's Date Night |url=https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoons-date-night/|work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=February 25, 2010 |access-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420083413/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20346918%2C00.html |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon's Birthday Getaway with Jim Toth |url=https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoons-birthday-getaway-with-jim-toth/ |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=March 22, 2010 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420083625/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20353537%2C00.html |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}</ref> a [[talent agent]] and co-head of motion picture talent at [[Creative Artists Agency]], where she is a client.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Nikki |last=Finke |url=https://www.deadline.com/2010/09/new-heads-of-caas-mp-talent-department/ |title=New Heads Of CAA's MP Talent Department |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=September 21, 2010 |access-date=December 8, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125055235/http://www.deadline.com/2010/09/new-heads-of-caas-mp-talent-department/ |archive-date=November 25, 2010 }}</ref> They announced their engagement that December, ~~and married on March 26, 2011, in [[Ojai, California]], at Libbey Ranch, Witherspoon's country estate, which she later sold.~~<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon, Jim Toth Engaged! |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-engaged-20102812 |work=[[Us Weekly]] |date=December 28, 2010 |access-date=December 28, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230215752/http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-engaged-20102812 |archive-date=December 30, 2010}}</ref> and married on March 26, 2011, in [[Ojai, California]], at Libbey Ranch,<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Wedding on Saturday |url=https://extratv.com/2011/03/25/reese-witherspoon-wedding-on-saturday/|work=[[Extra (American TV program)|Extra]] |date=March 25, 2011 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428235038/http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/03/reese_witherspoon_wedding_on_saturday.php |archive-date=April 28, 2011 }}</ref> Witherspoon's country estate, which she later sold.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Weds Jim Toth! |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-weds-jim-toth-2011263 |work=[[Us Weekly]] |date=March 26, 2011 |access-date=March 26, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430015006/http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-weds-jim-toth-2011263 |archive-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jennifer |last=Chan |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/480296/reese-witherspoon-sells-ojai-home-for-5-9-million-see-rob-pattinson-s-post-breakup-hideout |title=Reese Witherspoon Sells Ojai Home for $5.9 Million: See Robert Pattinson's Post-Breakup Hideout |publisher=E! News |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906015822/http://ca.eonline.com/news/480296/reese-witherspoon-sells-ojai-home-for-5-9-million-see-rob-pattinson-s-post-breakup-hideout |archive-date=September 6, 2014 }}</ref> They have a son together, Tennessee James Toth, born on September 27, 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Julie |last=Jordan |url=https://people.com/parents/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-welcome-son-tennessee-james/ |title=Reese Witherspoon Welcomes Son Tennessee James |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=September 27, 2012 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928183748/http://celebritybabies.people.com/2012/09/27/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-welcome-son-tennessee-james/ |archive-date=September 28, 2012 }}</ref> On April 19, 2013, Witherspoon was arrested and charged with [[disorderly conduct]] after Toth was stopped for suspicion of [[driving under the influence]]. She pleaded [[Nolo contendere|no-contest]] to [[obstruction of justice|obstruction]] of an officer and was required to pay court costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/414232/reese-witherspoon-arrest-actress-will-pay-fine-for-obstruction-hubby-jim-toth-pleads-guilty-for-dui|title=Reese Will Pay Fine, Toth Pleads Guilty to DUI|date=May 2, 2013|publisher=E! News|access-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504193943/http://www.eonline.com/news/414232/reese-witherspoon-arrest-actress-will-pay-fine-for-obstruction-hubby-jim-toth-pleads-guilty-for-dui|archive-date=May 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2023, Witherspoon and Toth announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/movies/reese-witherspoon-husband-jim-toth-announce-divorce/|title=Reese Witherspoon and Husband Jim Toth Announce 'Difficult Decision' to Divorce After 11 Years of Marriage|work=People|date=March 24, 2023|last=VanHoose|first=Benjamin}}</ref> The couple released a joint statement on Witherspoon's Instagram account.<ref>{{cite instagram|user=reesewitherspoon|last=Witherspoon|first=Reese|date=March 25, 2023|postid=CqLzAB_vgc-|publisher=Instagram|title=We have some personal news to share...}}</ref> The announcement was made a few days shy of their 12th wedding anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-divorce-1de6311704fe017baef1175d5ff41419|title=Reese Witherspoon, Jim Toth announce plans to divorce|date=March 25, 2023|publisher=AP News|access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref>▼

Witherspoon is a practicing [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]] and attends church services twice weekly. Describing her faith, she has stated "I believe deeply that there’s a higher power" and that "I don’t fear death, because I know there’s heaven. I know it."<ref>{{cite web | last=Bitsky | first=Leah | title=Why Reese Witherspoon isn't afraid of dying | website=Page Six | date=2020-06-11 | url=https://pagesix.com/2020/06/11/why-reese-witherspoon-isnt-afraid-of-dying/ | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref>

▲Witherspoon dated her ''Rendition'' co-star [[Jake Gyllenhaal]] from 2007 until 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon & Jake Gyllenhaal Get Close|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=April 5, 2007|url=https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoon-jake-gyllenhaal-get-close/|access-date=July 29, 2017|last1=Thomson|first1=Katherine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607150815/https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoon-jake-gyllenhaal-get-close/|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Ulrica|last1=Wihlborg|first2=Stephen M.|last2=Silverman|title=Reps Claim Jake and Reese Are Still Together|url=https://people.com/celebrity/reps-claim-jake-and-reese-are-still-together/|date=November 29, 2009|access-date=February 29, 2020|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301025944/https://people.com/celebrity/reps-claim-jake-and-reese-are-still-together/|archive-date=March 1, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2010, she was reported to be dating Jim Toth, a [[talent agent]] and co-head of motion picture talent at [[Creative Artists Agency]], where she is a client.<ref>{{cite news|title=Is Reese Witherspoon Dating Again? |url= https://people.com/celebrity/is-reese-witherspoon-dating-again/|work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420083449/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20341347%2C00.html |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon's Date Night |url=https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoons-date-night/|work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=February 25, 2010 |access-date=February 29, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420083413/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20346918%2C00.html |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon's Birthday Getaway with Jim Toth |url=https://people.com/celebrity/reese-witherspoons-birthday-getaway-with-jim-toth/ |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=March 22, 2010 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420083625/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20353537%2C00.html |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Nikki |last=Finke |url=https://www.deadline.com/2010/09/new-heads-of-caas-mp-talent-department/ |title=New Heads Of CAA's MP Talent Department |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=September 21, 2010 |access-date=December 8, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125055235/http://www.deadline.com/2010/09/new-heads-of-caas-mp-talent-department/ |archive-date=November 25, 2010 }}</ref> They announced their engagement that December, and married on March 26, 2011, in [[Ojai, California]], at Libbey Ranch, Witherspoon's country estate, which she later sold.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon, Jim Toth Engaged! |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-engaged-20102812 |work=[[Us Weekly]] |date=December 28, 2010 |access-date=December 28, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230215752/http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-engaged-20102812 |archive-date=December 30, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Wedding on Saturday |url=https://extratv.com/2011/03/25/reese-witherspoon-wedding-on-saturday/|work=[[Extra (American TV program)|Extra]] |date=March 25, 2011 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428235038/http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/03/reese_witherspoon_wedding_on_saturday.php |archive-date=April 28, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reese Witherspoon Weds Jim Toth! |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-weds-jim-toth-2011263 |work=[[Us Weekly]] |date=March 26, 2011 |access-date=March 26, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430015006/http://www.usmagazine.com/healthylifestyle/news/reese-witherspoon-weds-jim-toth-2011263 |archive-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jennifer |last=Chan |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/480296/reese-witherspoon-sells-ojai-home-for-5-9-million-see-rob-pattinson-s-post-breakup-hideout |title=Reese Witherspoon Sells Ojai Home for $5.9 Million: See Robert Pattinson's Post-Breakup Hideout |publisher=E! News |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906015822/http://ca.eonline.com/news/480296/reese-witherspoon-sells-ojai-home-for-5-9-million-see-rob-pattinson-s-post-breakup-hideout |archive-date=September 6, 2014 }}</ref> They have a son together, Tennessee James Toth, born on September 27, 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Julie |last=Jordan |url=https://people.com/parents/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-welcome-son-tennessee-james/ |title=Reese Witherspoon Welcomes Son Tennessee James |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=September 27, 2012 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928183748/http://celebritybabies.people.com/2012/09/27/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-welcome-son-tennessee-james/ |archive-date=September 28, 2012 }}</ref> On April 19, 2013, Witherspoon was arrested and charged with [[disorderly conduct]] after Toth was stopped for suspicion of [[driving under the influence]]. She pleaded [[Nolo contendere|no-contest]] to [[obstruction of justice|obstruction]] of an officer and was required to pay court costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/414232/reese-witherspoon-arrest-actress-will-pay-fine-for-obstruction-hubby-jim-toth-pleads-guilty-for-dui|title=Reese Will Pay Fine, Toth Pleads Guilty to DUI|date=May 2, 2013|publisher=E! News|access-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504193943/http://www.eonline.com/news/414232/reese-witherspoon-arrest-actress-will-pay-fine-for-obstruction-hubby-jim-toth-pleads-guilty-for-dui|archive-date=May 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2023, Witherspoon and Toth announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/movies/reese-witherspoon-husband-jim-toth-announce-divorce/|title=Reese Witherspoon and Husband Jim Toth Announce 'Difficult Decision' to Divorce After 11 Years of Marriage|work=People|date=March 24, 2023|last=VanHoose|first=Benjamin}}</ref> The couple released a joint statement on Witherspoon's Instagram account.<ref>{{cite instagram|user=reesewitherspoon|last=Witherspoon|first=Reese|date=March 25, 2023|postid=CqLzAB_vgc-|publisher=Instagram|title=We have some personal news to share...}}</ref> The announcement was made a few days shy of their 12th wedding anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/reese-witherspoon-jim-toth-divorce-1de6311704fe017baef1175d5ff41419|title=Reese Witherspoon, Jim Toth announce plans to divorce|date=March 25, 2023|publisher=AP News|access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref>

=== Influences ===