Renée Zellweger, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “Jerry Maguire,” has a rich and varied dating history that spans decades and includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood. While she has been in the spotlight for her romantic relationships, her current love life is centered around Ant Anstead, a British automotive expert and TV host. Their relationship began in an unexpected way, on the set of Anstead’s show “Celebrity IOU Joyride,” where Zellweger was a guest. The chemistry between the two was evident from the start, and their relationship has since blossomed into a committed partnership.
Zellweger and Anstead’s romance has been relatively low-key, with the actress preferring to keep her personal life private. However, in recent interviews, Zellweger has occasionally mentioned her boyfriend and his five-year-old son, Hudson, showing a level of comfort and openness that is rare for the notoriously private star. In a recent interview with her co-star Hugh Grant for British Vogue, Zellweger shared that she was living in Southern California near San Diego to be closer to Anstead and Hudson. This move underscores the seriousness of their relationship and the importance of family to both of them.
Anstead, who was previously married to HGTV star Christina Haack, has spoken about his relationship with Zellweger in a few interviews, highlighting how normal and grounded she is despite her fame. In a rare public comment, Anstead said, “She’s so incredibly normal. I often forget she’s famous.” This sentiment reflects the genuine connection the couple shares, built on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for simplicity and family life.
Zellweger’s dating history is a testament to her appeal and the caliber of men who have been drawn to her. One of her most notable relationships was with Jim Carrey, the comedian and actor, which lasted from 1999 to 2000. Their romance began during the filming of “Me, Myself & Irene,” and Carrey has since referred to Zellweger as his “last great love.” Despite the short duration of their relationship, Carrey’s fondness for Zellweger is evident in his memoir, “Memoirs and Misinformation,” where he speaks fondly of her. Zellweger herself has reflected on the enduring nature of love, saying, “It’s kind of great, actually,” that even when you think it’s gone, it’s still very much there.
Another significant relationship in Zellweger’s life was with country music star Kenny Chesney, whom she married in May 2005. Their marriage was brief, lasting only a few months, but it marked a significant chapter in Zellweger’s life. Following her marriage to Chesney, Zellweger took a step back from the public eye, focusing on her personal life and finding a sense of peace away from the chaos of fame. This period of retreat allowed her to recharge and return to her career with renewed energy and perspective.
In more recent years, Zellweger has been linked to musician Jack White, a member of the rock duo The White Stripes. They met while filming “Cold Mountain” in 2003 and dated for two years before splitting in September 2004. Zellweger’s reflection on their relationship highlights the lasting impact of love, even when it’s no longer active. She said, “Love kind of stays. And that over time, even when you think it’s gone, reflecting on it, it’s still very much there.”
Zellweger’s current relationship with Ant Anstead marks a new chapter in her life, one that seems to be grounded in mutual respect, family, and a shared passion for simplicity. Their journey from meeting on a TV show to becoming a committed couple is a testament to the power of genuine connections and the enduring nature of love. As Zellweger continues to balance her personal life with her career, her relationship with Anstead remains a source of joy and stability, providing a supportive foundation for her future endeavors.
