Reese Witherspoon: Five iconic roles to celebrate the actress

Dubai: From the most iconic character, Elle Woods, to June Carter Cash and even a cameo on the popular television show Friends as Jill, Rachel’s sister; Reese Witherspoon has a wide range of roles she has played over the years.

The Hollywood star, who celebrates her 49th birthday today, continues to bring more fun characters to our screens. So here’s our list of her most memorable and iconic roles over the years to celebrate her day.

Legally Blonde (2001)

“Don’t judge a book by its hair color! Believing in yourself NEVER goes out of style!”

This is one of the many popular lines said by Witherspoon in her most memorable role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

From donning several pink outfits to proving everyone wrong as she gets into Harvard and graduates with a law degree, Witherspoon's character in the 2001 movie is one you can never forget.

Walk the Line (2005)

Starring Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix, this music biopic of musician Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash landed both the stars a nomination at the Academy Awards in 2006.

Whitherspoon also won the award for ‘Best Actress’ that year, for her portrayal of June Carter Cash. “I’m just trying to matter and live a good life and male work that means something to somebody,” she said as she accepted the award.

Cruel Intentions (1999)

Reese Witherspoon played a sweet girl, Annette Hargrove, in the modern retelling of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ novel, Les Liaisons dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons).

The actress starred alongside her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe in this teen drama, where Sebastian (Phillippe) attempts to seduce Hargrove (Witherspoon), after making a bet with his stepsister, Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar). But things take a turn when Sebastian begins to develop real feelings for Hargrove.

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

One of the most popular roles played by Witherspoon, which established her as a rom-com queen in the industry, was Melanie Carmichael or Melanie Smooter, in Sweet Home Alabama.

The movie focuses on Melanie as she travels back home to Alabama to finalise her divorce with her ex-husband, Josh (Josh Lucas), after she is proposed to by her new fiancé, Andrew (Patrick Dempsey).

But her visit back home leaves her with more questions about her feelings and her life.

Wild (2014)

Portraying Cheryl Strayed in this biographical film, inspired by real-life events, Witherspoon earned her second Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards.

Wild follows Strayed as she tries to overcome some personal struggles by going on a solo hike across the Pacific Crest Trail.

While there are several other iconic roles played by Witherspoon, we can’t help but  look forward to her new projects as well.

She recently starred alongside Will Ferrell in a new rom-com, You’re Cordially Invited, where the characters do everything they can to make sure their loved ones have a perfect wedding, after it was double-booked at the same venue.