Reese Witherspoon
By: Brooklyn Ternes
Life Brief
Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 22, 1976. She has one older brother named John Jr. Her parents were named John and Betty Witherspoon. Witherspoon's father was a surgeon and lieutenant colonel in the army reserves. Because of this, the family was constantly moving all over the world. Some of Witherspoon's childhood was spent in Germany until she was 5, and settled down in Nashville, Tennessee. Reese Witherspoon is still alive and still a very popular movie star.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese as a child
Reese's Parents
John and Betty Witherspoon
Reese's Older Brother
John Jr. Witherspoon
Background Symbolism
This background represents the place where Witherspoon became a movie star, California. She moved to California after high school so that she would be able to pursue her education and continue to star in movies. She attended college at Stanford University. She had to balance out studying and acting, which was sometimes a challenge. In the end she chose her passion, acting. "Witherspoon wanted to pick (movies) carefully so she could set a foundation for a long career in Hollywood"(Hill 32). If Witherspoon hadn't moved to California, she wouldn't have the amazing title that she has today.
Pick 3
-Witherspoon's birth name was not Reese, it was Laura Jean Reese Witherspoon. "She was called Reese, however, her mother's maiden name"(Hill 15). I thought this was interesting because "Reese" was her mother's maiden name.
-Reese Witherspoon got pregnant at age 23. "Yes, it was a surprise, but I don't believe in accidents"(Hill 52). I was surprised that Witherspoon was going to take on the task of being a mother when she was just beginning to star in big movies.
-Witherspoon is more of a tom boy than a girly girl. "Witherspoon may not care as deeply about fashion as she does about gun control"(Hill 84). I found this interesting because I always stereotyped actresses as being really girly.
Accomplishment
Reese has accomplished becoming a very well known movie star that most people love. She always talks about choosing parts that will make the audience happy. "She wanted to portray characters she admired and that she felt were strong and good role models for girls"(Hill 33). One of her biggest accomplishments was starring as the lead in "Legally Blonde." This movie is what earned Witherspoon her impressive title of being a very popular actress.
Struggle
Witherspoon struggled with balancing out family time and her career. Now that Witherspoon had a daughter, Ava, she had a very big responsibility. After Ava was born, Witherspoon took on her biggest movie yet, Legally Blonde. "It was definitely a challenge to be perky all of the time, especially when you have a 5 a.m. wake up call and you've been up all night with the baby"(Hill 66). However, even though she struggled during this period of time, the reward was huge. She ended up making a lot of money on this movie and her title became very popular.
Mentor/Friend
Ryan Phillippe, Witherspoon's now ex husband, was a huge part of Witherspoon's growth when her career begun. Philliippe was always very encouraging. "I am so happy for my wife. I am estatic that she makes more than most men in Hollywood"(Hill 75). Phillippe was also a huge help when the baby came along. "He potty-trained Ava. He's a terrific father. I'm always amazed by him"(Hill 57). He was always there for her no matter what. Whether she was stressed out, needed help with Ava, or just needed comfort.
Awards
Reese Witherspoon has won many awards over her acting career. Her first big award was the Best Actress prize at the Catalonian International Film Festival for the movie Freeway. Another major award was the Best Comedic Performance at the 2002 MTV Movie Awards for her famous role of Elle in Legally Blonde. Since this, Witherspoon has won several Teen Choice Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Her hard work and dedication continues to lead her down the path of success.
Hobbies/Interests
When Witherspoon is on set, she enjoys spending time with her family. "She likes spending time at home. The family makes dinner, bakes together, and plays with their dogs"(Hill 61). Even though the family is famous, they still act like regular people. "They also dine together every Sunday morning at Denny's"(Hill 61). Another thing that Witherspoon enjoys is getting pampered. She loves manicures, pedicures, massages, and getting her hair cut.
Symbol
If I had to choose a symbol for Witherspoon, I would pick a flower. Witherspoon is beautiful both inside and out. "She has a lot of depth and strength of character"(Hill 74). I think that this shows that sometimes it's what you can't see that is the most important. This ties in with a flower because the roots are what give a flower life, but you can't see them. Just like how Witherspoon's character makes her unique, but you cannot physically see it.
Friend or Foe
If I were to meet Reese Witherspoon, I believe that she would be my friend. I think this because Witherspoon is dedicated to everything that she does. Another reason is she puts her family first. Both of these are also accurate about me. I also like how she cares about her image. With every job she gets offered, she puts into consideration how it will make her look. She prefers to accept the jobs that portray good role models. This is the main reason why I think we would be friends.
Most Like
Reese Witherspoon reminds me a young girl who my mom used to teach in gymnastics, Emma Fuhrman. These two both share a passion for acting. Emma started out by playing in commercials and small movies, just like Witherspoon did. However, Emma's parts are continuing to grow. She just finished filming in Blended with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Witherspoon and Fuhrman started with small parts in small movies and grew to starring in big, popular movies. They also both seem like the sweetest, most down to Earth people.
Altruist or Egotist
If I had to put Witherspoon into a category, I would definetly put her into the altruist category. WItherspoon is always thinking about others. For example, during movies, she thinks about if the audience will like her performance, and if not, she will adjust the script. Another thing is Witherspoon is a huge supporter of the issue of gun control reform. "She feels it is way to easy for children to get their hands on guns"(Hill 81). Witherspoon took part in the Million Mom March for this cause. She is always looking for charities and various causes to help out with.
Family
Reese Witherspoon spotted walking with her family in California.
Legally Blonde
Reese Witherspoon as Elle from her popular movie Legally Blonde.
Golden Globe
Reese Witherspoon after she recieved the Golden Globe Award.
Fashion and Beauty
Although Witherspoon isn't the girliest girl you may know, she is into fashion and beauty. "She likes makeup, she's very into clothes and bags, and she's always breaking open some new lipstick she just bought"(Hill 84). After Ava was born, she became a shopper. She buys some clothes that are designer, but she also goes to places like Old Navy, Gap, J. Crew, and Banana Republic. Usually, she just dresses up for Hollywood premieres and parties. She also takes great care of herself. "She wears sunscreen each and every day. She also drinks lots of water and does not smoke"(Hill 85-86).
The Future
In Witherpoon's future, she hopes to continue to add to her family and pursue her acting career. However, she also wants to change things up a little bit. She wants to attend medical school and study psychiatry, since she never got the chance to when she was in college. Another thing Reese Witherspoon wants to do is direct a movie. "Whether directing, acting, parenting, or doing something else entirely, Witherspoon remains driven and ambitious. She is willing to work hard to achieve her goals"(Hill 87).