Renée Zellweger At 56: Inside Her Shocking New Bridget Jones Plot And Life With Ant Anstead

As of today, December 10, 2025, Renée Zellweger is 56 years old, and her career is in the midst of one of its most exciting and high-profile chapters yet. The Oscar-winning actress, born on April 25, 1969, is not just celebrating her mid-fifties; she is preparing for a massive return to her most iconic role, a move that has Hollywood buzzing about her enduring star power and career evolution. The conversation surrounding Zellweger's age is less about her years and more about the incredible resilience and versatility she brings to new projects. Her upcoming film, *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*, is set to redefine the character for a new generation, tackling themes of single motherhood, personal tragedy, and dating in a modern world, all while Zellweger continues to enjoy a stable, low-key personal life with her partner, television host Ant Anstead.

Renée Zellweger: The Essential Biography and Profile

The Texas-born star has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most acclaimed and recognizable actresses, known for her distinctive voice and transformative performances. Her career is marked by a deliberate balance of major studio hits and critically complex roles, culminating in two Academy Awards.

• Full Name: Renée Kathleen Zellweger
• Date of Birth: April 25, 1969
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 56 years old
• Place of Birth: Katy, Texas, U.S.
• Education: University of Texas at Austin (B.A. in English Literature)
• Major Breakthrough: *Jerry Maguire* (1996) as Dorothy Boyd, opposite Tom Cruise.
• Iconic Roles: Bridget Jones (*Bridget Jones's Diary*), Roxie Hart (*Chicago*), Ruby Thewes (*Cold Mountain*), and Judy Garland (*Judy*).
• Academy Awards:
  • Best Supporting Actress for *Cold Mountain* (2003)
  • Best Actress for *Judy* (2019)
• Golden Globe Awards: Four wins out of seven nominations, including for *Nurse Betty* (2000), *Chicago* (2002), *Cold Mountain* (2003), and *Judy* (2019).
• Current Partner: Ant Anstead (since 2021)

The Age of Bridget Jones: A New Chapter at 56

The most anticipated project of Renée Zellweger’s current career phase is undoubtedly the fourth installment of the beloved franchise, *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*. Set for release on February 14, 2025, on Peacock, this film sees Bridget Jones navigating a drastically different life, one that directly addresses the complexities of aging and loss.

The film is based on Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel of the same name. The plot reveals a significant and emotional twist: Bridget is now a single mother of two children, having tragically lost the love of her life, Mark Darcy (previously played by Colin Firth). This dramatic shift in the narrative is a profound departure from the romantic comedy tropes of the previous films, showcasing Zellweger's willingness to embrace a mature, weighty story.

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The New Love Interests and the ‘Roxster McDuff’ Twist

The central conflict of *Mad About the Boy* revolves around Bridget’s re-entry into the dating world. At 56, the character finds herself navigating the challenges of modern romance, including dating a much younger man. The new cast additions highlight this age-gap dynamic and the new direction of the story:

• Leo Woodall as Roxster McDuff: The rising star is cast as Bridget’s new, younger love interest. The relationship with Roxster, who is reportedly 30 years old in the source material, is a key element that explores the societal perceptions of women dating younger men as they enter their fifties.
• Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scott Walliker: Ejiofor, an Oscar-nominated actor, joins the cast as another potential suitor, a teacher at Bridget’s children’s school, providing a more age-appropriate romantic possibility.

This storyline is a powerful thematic continuation of Zellweger’s career, which has often focused on vulnerable, relatable female characters. By taking on this role at age 56, she is providing a vital, honest portrayal of a woman grappling with grief, motherhood, and finding love again later in life. It’s a compelling statement on how Hollywood roles for women are evolving beyond traditional narratives.

Personal Life, Career Renaissance, and the Ant Anstead Connection

Renée Zellweger’s professional resurgence has been mirrored by a period of calm and stability in her private life, a stark contrast to the intense media scrutiny she faced during her earlier career.

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The Career Hiatus and the ‘Judy’ Comeback

After a highly publicized break from acting that began around 2010, Zellweger returned to the screen with renewed focus. This period of quiet reflection allowed her to step away from the relentless Hollywood spotlight. Her comeback was spectacular, marked by the critically acclaimed biopic *Judy* (2019), for which she won her second Academy Award, this time for Best Actress. This triumph was followed by her first major television role in the Netflix series *What/If*, demonstrating a versatile embrace of different mediums.

This career renaissance, occurring in her early fifties, is a testament to her talent and a strong LSI entity related to her current age—the idea that the most profound work can happen later in one’s career.

A ‘Cherished’ Relationship with Ant Anstead

Since 2021, Renée Zellweger has been in a relationship with British television presenter and car enthusiast Ant Anstead. The couple met on the set of Anstead's Discovery+ show, *Celebrity IOU Joyride*, where Zellweger appeared to gift a car to two nurses who had helped her late friend. The relationship quickly blossomed, and the couple now live together in California.

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Their connection is described as "cherished" and is notable for its relative privacy, a deliberate choice by Zellweger to keep her personal life out of the constant media cycle. Anstead, known for shows like *Wheeler Dealers* and *Ant Anstead: Master Mechanic*, provides a grounded, non-acting presence in her life. This stable partnership is a key component of the current, happy chapter in Zellweger’s life, demonstrating a contentment that allows her to fully commit to demanding roles like the new Bridget Jones film.

The Enduring Legacy of an Oscar-Winning Star

At 56, Renée Zellweger's legacy is secure, but her story is far from over. Her willingness to revisit Bridget Jones, not as a nostalgic retread, but as a complex, mature woman grappling with modern life, speaks volumes about her artistic commitment.

From the vulnerable charm of Dorothy Boyd in *Jerry Maguire* to the heartbreaking intensity of Judy Garland, Zellweger's career is a masterclass in transformation. Her current age is simply a number that marks a new, powerful phase—one where she is in control of her narrative, both on-screen with her highly anticipated 2025 project, and off-screen with her private life.

Fans eagerly await the release of *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*, a film that promises to be a poignant and hilarious reflection on life, love, and the unexpected challenges that come with growing older, all anchored by the timeless talent of Renée Zellweger.