'Bridget Jones's Diary' Cast Then and Now: Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant set to return for new movie

'Bridget Jones's Diary' cast members: Where are they now?

'Bridget Jones's Diary', the beloved 2001 romantic comedy with its relatable protagonist and clever humor, captivated viewers more than 20 years ago. Universal Pictures and Working Title have finally assembled the stars for 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.' Hugh Grant as rapacious Daniel Cleaver and Renee Zellweger as the endearing but desperately trying Jones are expected to return in the fourth installment of the British romantic comedy series, per The Hollywood Reporter.

1. Renee Zellweger

Before landing her famous role in 'Bridget Jones's Diary', Renee Zellweger was best known for her roles in movies like 'Jerry Maguire' (1996), and 'Me, Myself & Irene' (2000). Zellweger's career has flourished since the movie's release in 2001. She went on to star as Roxie Hart in 'Chicago' in 2002. She became one of the world's highest-paid actresses by 2007 after receiving her first Academy Award in 2003 for 'Cold Mountain'. In 2019, she won another Academy Award for her work in 'Judy'. Zellweger had a brief marriage to country singer Kenny Chesney in 2005. Now, she is set to reprise her role in the movie series.

2. Hugh Grant

Before appearing in 'Bridget Jones's Diary', Hugh Grant was most recognized for his leading roles as the charming and humorous love interest in romantic comedies like 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' (1994) and 'Notting Hill' (1999). He also starred in TV shows like 'A Very English Scandal' as Jeremy Thorpe and in 'The Undoing' with Nicole Kidman and Donald Sutherland. Grant has three children with television producer Anna Eberstein, whom he married in 2018, and two with his ex-partner Tinglan Hong.

3. Colin Firth

Colin Firth's most famous role before 'Bridget Jones's Diary' was as Mr Darcy in the 1995 television miniseries 'Pride and Prejudice.' Colin went on to win over viewers with roles in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (2002), 'Girl With a Pearl Earring' (2003), and 'Love Actually' (2003). In 1997, Colin married Italian film producer Livia Giuggioli. However, the pair announced their split in 2019 after 22 years of marriage.

4. Gemma Jones

Before starring in 'Bridget Jones's Diary,' Gemma Jones gained fame for her performances in both modern and classical plays with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Since the comedy from 2001, Jones has acted in TV shows like 'Spooks,' 'Teacup Travels,' 'Gentleman Jack,' and 'Madam Pomfrey' in the Harry Potter series. She also won the 2015 BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the TV film 'Marvellous' (2014).

5. Jim Broadbent

Before the release of 'Bridget Jones's Diary,' Jim Broadbent was most recognized for his roles in the TV comedy series 'Only Fools & Horses,' and in Terry Gilliam films 'Time Bandits' and 'Brazil.' Broadbent has maintained a prosperous career playing parts in movies like 'Brooklyn,' 'Moulin Rouge!', 'Another Year,' and 'The Iron Lady.' Moreover, he is recognized for his parts in franchise movies such as Digory Kirke in 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and Horace Slughorn in the 'Harry Potter' film series.

6. Embeth Davidtz

Embeth Davidtz's most famous roles were in the motion pictures 'Army of Darkness,' 'Schindler's List,' 'Mansfield Park,' and 'Bicentennial Man.' Davidtz has starred in films like 'Junebug,' 'Fracture,' 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man' series since 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' She has been in TV shows like 'The Morning Show' and 'Mad Men' and also made a cameo appearance on 'Grey's Anatomy.' Davidtz married attorney Jason Sloane in 2002, and they are parents to two children.

7. James Callis

James Callis was best known for his role as Bob Hoskins in 'Old Wicked Songs' and other TV shows before he played Tom in 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' Callis gained fame for his role as Dr Gaius Baltar in the reimagined TV series and miniseries 'Battlestar Galactica.' He has been providing the voice of Alucard in the Netflix series 'Castlevania' since 2017. In 2022, he made an appearance in 'Star Trek: Picard' as Jean-Luc's father.

8. Shirley Henderson

Before starring as Jude in 'Bridget Jones’s Diary,' Shirley Henderson was best known for her roles as Isobel Sutherland in the television series 'Hamish Macbeth' and as Gail in 'Trainspotting.' Henderson also starred in 'Marie Antoinette,' 'Anna Karenina,' and 'Southcliffe,' for which she received a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of Elizabeth in 'Girl from the North Country' earned her the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

9. Sally Phillips

Sally Phillips co-created and starred in the sketch comedy show 'Smack the Pony,' before 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' She also had roles in 'I’m Alan Partridge' and 'Green Wing.' She has had cameos on television, including 2022's 'Pennyworth' as the jail warden and as the fake Finnish prime minister Minna Hakkinen in the US TV series 'Veep'. She has made appearances in the films 'Pride and Prejudice,' 'Zombies', and 'Bridget Jones's Baby', where she played Shazza again.

10. James Faulkner

Before he starred in 'Bridget Jones's Diary', James Faulkner was a highly productive performer with several TV credits. Faulkner appeared in 'The Good Shepherd,' 'I Capture the Castle,' 'The Bank Job,' 'Hitman,' and 'X-Men: First Class.' Faulkner's notable television roles include Randyll Tarly on 'Game of Thrones' and Lord Sinderby on 'Downton Abbey,' along with smaller roles on 'The Alienist' and 'Slow Horses'.