Main Cast and Characters
The 1998 comedy film Something About Mary starred Cameron Diaz as Mary Jensen and Ben Stiller as Ted Stroehmann. The cast also included Matt Dillon as Pat Healy and Lee Evans as Derek, with supporting roles played by Chris Elliott and W. Earl Brown. The film was directed by the Farrelly brothers and became a defining romantic comedy of the late 1990s according to Forbes.
Cameron Diaz's role as Mary Jensen launched her into leading-lady status, while Ben Stiller's portrayal of Ted Stroehmann reinforced his reputation for physical comedy. Matt Dillon's performance as the obsessive Pat Healy earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Academy Awards and a Golden Globe nomination per IMDb.
Career Trajectories After the Film
Cameron Diaz went on to star in major franchises including Charlie's Angels and Bad Teacher, while Ben Stiller became a fixture in both comedies and dramas, frequently collaborating with directors like Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach. Matt Dillon transitioned into more dramatic roles, appearing in films such as Crash and The Descendants.
Chris Elliott, who played the eccentric Rod, continued working in television and film, including roles in Everybody Loves Raymond and the movie Cabin Boy. Lee Evans, who played Derek, remained a prominent stand-up comedian and actor in the United Kingdom, headlining sold-out tours and starring in British sitcoms as noted by the BBC.
Box Office and Cultural Impact
Something About Mary grossed over $369 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing comedies of 1998. The film's memorable scenes and dialogue became part of popular culture, with lines and moments frequently referenced in later comedies and media per Box Office Mojo.
The film's influence extended into the careers of its supporting actors, many of whom went on to become staples in American comedy. The Farrelly brothers' approach to blending humor with unexpected emotional moments set a template for subsequent romantic comedies, and the film remains a frequently cited reference point in discussions of 1990s cinema as shown by The Numbers.