Cameron Diaz Cries in Dramatic Interview. What She Says About Being Famous May Surprise You.

Cameron Diaz is best known for her fun, upbeat movies and bright smile. But in this interview for the Canadian film Human, Diaz shows a more serious side; reflecting on the life lessons she’s learned about fame, fulfillment, love, and grief.

Diaz begins by addressing those who would envy her fame. “Fame does not define you. You will never find [happiness] in fame.” She continues with a reflection on the lessons her parents taught her about love. “To know what it feels like to be loved– to know how to love and how to be loved– is such an important thing.”  Lastly, she remembers the pain she felt in 2008 when her father died suddenly from pneumonia at age 58. But she draws hope from the legacy he left behind. “He left me a task, a responsibility.” 

Read her reflection here:

When people say “Oh, I want to be like you. I want to be an actor. I want to look like you.” The question I always ask them is “Why? Really why?” And people– especially in America– have this idea of fame. That to be famous means that you’re successful, that you’re happy. It’s not about that. I don’t do what I do because I want to be famous. Being famous is my job. When I’m home, and I’m with my family and my friends, I am not famous. I am me. I am Cameron. Fame does not define me. And so, if you are looking for fame to define you, then you will never be happy, and you will always be searching for happiness. You will never find it in fame. 

So, it goes back to– for me– authenticity, integrity. Why do you want to do anything that you do? … Fulfillment comes from within you, by being authentic to yourself. Not chasing fame…

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The education that I got from my parents was really amazing. I was so lucky to have the best parents who really trusted and empowered [us]… There wasn’t a moment when my parents weren’t teaching us. They were always very actively teaching us work ethic, how to be a good person, how to treat people… There were always lessons… They loved, with every part of their being, they loved us so deeply. That I think, to know what it feels like to be loved, to know how to love and how to be loved, is such an important thing…

When my father died… not knowing what that meant, not knowing what it would mean to be without him, I think was probably the hardest moment… I had a moment where I was like ‘Oh my God, my dad is dead. He’s dead. He’s gone.’ I realized… he left me a task, a responsibility… I must dig out all of the treasures that he’s left behind. All of the jewels, all of the lessons, all of the things that are going to enrich my life… He’s left me so many beautiful treasures.

Watch the full interview below, and share if Diaz’s wise words touched you today!