Catherine Zeta-Jones’ unexpected career move led Steven Spielberg to discover her
A move to Hollywood
Zeta-Jones was already familiar to UK audiences through the early-1990s British series “The Darling Buds of May.” Wanting to pursue more opportunities, she moved to California to try her luck in Hollywood. She had six months on her visa and needed to find work quickly. Although she had worked professionally in theater, television and British films since she was 9, casting agents asked what she had done.
A role draws attention
Zeta-Jones took a part in the 1996 CBS miniseries “Titanic.” She described it as not a “huge leap” for her, but the role brought an unexpected opportunity. Spielberg happened to watch the miniseries one night and liked her performance. He suggested she screen test for “The Mask of Zorro,” which he was producing.
Testing for Zorro
A week after Spielberg’s suggestion, Zeta-Jones was sent to Mexico for a screen test with Antonio Banderas. The audition followed her decision to leave the UK and pursue work in California. Her account links the miniseries role to Spielberg’s attention and the chance to audition for the film.
Key points
- Zeta-Jones moved to California in her 20s to pursue Hollywood work.
- She had six months on a visa and needed work quickly.
- Her role in the 1996 CBS miniseries “Titanic” caught Steven Spielberg’s attention.
- Spielberg suggested she screen test with Antonio Banderas for “The Mask of Zorro.”