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Renee Zellweger gives rare insight into relationship with family

The Bridget Jones star was raised in Texas, where she started out her career as an actress

renee zellweger
Hanna Fillingham
US Managing Editor
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Renee Zellweger has been keeping a low profile during the coronavirus pandemic, but the Bridget Jones star delighted fans after making an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live's third annual 'celebrities read texts from their mums' compilation video back in May.

The footage had been shot in previous months prior to the COVID crisis and aired on Mother's Day. The award-winning Judy star shared a text from her mum Kjellfrid Irene Andreassen, giving a rare insight into their close relationship.

MORE: Inside Renee Zellweger's childhood home in Texas

VIDEO: Renee Zellweger opens up about Bridget Jones

It read: "We got our shingles vaccine this morning. Sweet dreams my love. Love you so very much." Renee then said: "I love you so much too, mum."

The Hollywood star was raised in Texas by Kjellfrid and her dad Emil Erich Zellweger, and has an older brother called Drew.

Renee started her career in her hometown, appearing in several independent films, including A Taste for Killing. In 1996, The star's big break came when she appeared in Jerry Maguire alongside Tom Cruise.

renee zellweger family© Photo: Getty Images

Renee Zellweger is incredibly close to her family

The star's successful career has also seen her star in Bridget Jones alongside Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, and as Roxie Hart in Chicago alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere. Renee's other notable movies to date have included Cold Mountain opposite Nicole Kidman and Jude Law, and Miss Potter.

READ: Kate Middleton and Renee Zellweger's sweet conversation revealed

renee zellweger kate middleton© Photo: Getty Images

The Judy actress met the Duchess of Cambridge at the BAFTAs

Renee – who took a six-year hiatus from acting – most recently took on the role as Judy Garland in the 2019 biopic Judy. The film saw the star win numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award, Screen Actor Guild Award, an Oscar and a BAFTA.

While at the BAFTAs in London, Renee met the Duchess of Cambridge in the winners' room after the ceremony. Kate was pictured chatting to the star, and they spoke about their joint appreciation for the UK. Kate asked Renee: "Do you like the UK?" to which the star replied: "I love it!"

READ: Catherine Zeta-Jones pays sweet tribute to Chicago co-star Renee Zellweger

renee zellweger oscars judy

The actress won an Oscar for her role in Judy

The Duchess also asked the star whether she had a break from filming, with Renee telling her that she was working on several projects right now.

In March, Renee was due to promote Judy in Japan, where the film was set to premiere ahead of its cinema debut over there. However, because of the coronavirus, the premiere was cancelled, and instead the actress took interviews from local media outlets via Skype.

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