When “Bridget Jones’s Diary” debuted in 2001, it became one of the defining romantic comedies of the early 21st century.
Based on Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel, the film introduced audiences to Bridget Jones — a London professional navigating the trials of dating, friendship and self-improvement while chronicling it all in her diary.
The movie was a commercial success and spawned three sequels, including “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” released on Peacock in 2025 and widely regarded as the final chapter in Bridget’s cinematic journey.
The franchise’s original cast has seen varied paths in their careers and personal lives since the first film.
Renée Zellweger
Then: Zellweger starred as Bridget Jones, the lovably awkward heroine whose New Year’s resolution to improve her life and find love resonated with audiences worldwide.
Her performance earned an Academy Award nomination for best actress.
Now: Over two decades later, Zellweger remains the heart of the franchise.
She earned two Academy Awards — one for “Cold Mountain” and one for portraying Judy Garland in “Judy” — and took a six-year break from acting between 2010 and 2016 to focus on personal growth and non-Hollywood pursuits.
She returned in “Bridget Jones’s Baby” and now reprises Bridget in “Mad About the Boy,” where the character is a single mother of two navigating life after the death of her husband Mark Darcy.
Colin Firth
Then: Firth played Mark Darcy, a reserved human rights lawyer and Bridget’s eventual love interest whose understated charm and integrity helped define the film’s emotional core.
Now: Firth reprised Mark Darcy in “The Edge of Reason” and “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” where he and Bridget finally marry and have a child.
In the 2025 sequel, his character is deceased, reflecting a bittersweet twist in Bridget’s life story.
Outside the franchise, Firth has garnered critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for “The King’s Speech,” and continued roles in film and television.
Hugh Grant
Then: Grant’s Daniel Cleaver was the suave but duplicitous editor who dated Bridget early in the original film before his infidelity drove them apart.
Now: Known for his trademark wit and charm, Grant returns as Daniel Cleaver in “Mad About the Boy” after being absent from the third movie.
He’s also enjoyed a varied career with roles in films such as “Heretic” — earning nominations for major awards — and continues to work across comedy and drama.
Jim Broadbent
Then: Broadbent portrayed Colin Jones, Bridget’s supportive father whose grounded presence anchors some of the film’s more tender moments.
Now: The seasoned actor has appeared in all four Bridget Jones films and sustained a prolific career in major franchises including “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones.”
In the 2025 sequel, his character has passed away, adding another layer of emotional depth to Bridget’s story.
Gemma Jones
Then: As Pam Jones, Bridget’s mother, Gemma Jones added comic relief and familial warmth in the original movie.
Now: The veteran actress reprises her role in Mad About the Boy. Beyond the franchise, she’s appeared in numerous British dramas and films, and continues working into her 80s.
Shirley Henderson
Then: Henderson played Jude, one of Bridget’s close friends whose emotional vulnerability made her relatable to many viewers.
Now: Henderson — also known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the “Harry Potter” films — returns as Jude in “Mad About the Boy” and continues a successful career spanning film and television.
James Callis
Then: Callis was Tom, Bridget’s friend and one-hit wonder pop star who brought humor to her social circle.
Now: Callis reprises Tom in the 2025 sequel. He’s also known for his role as Dr. Gaius Baltar in “Battlestar Galactica” and continues acting in television and voice work.
Sally Phillips
Then: Phillips played Shazzer, Bridget’s foul-mouthed best friend whose blunt observations offered comic relief.
Now: She returns in “Mad About the Boy” and has built a successful career in comedy on both sides of the Atlantic, including appearances in “Veep” and co-founding a production company.
Celia Imrie
Then: Imrie appeared as Una Alconbury, a friend of Bridget’s mother, adding to the film’s colourful ensemble.
Now: The British actress continues to work across film and television, with credits in “Calendar Girls,” “Nanny McPhee” and “The Thursday Murder Club” among others.
