As the title role in the movie adaptation of Helen Fielding's most successful novels, Renee's hilarious encounters with granny pants and inappropriate men made her a role model for women who don't wish to adhere to the aesthetic demands placed on them by most modern Hollywood movies.
Now a measly size 6 in clothing, Renee's new tighter-looking face has sparked rumours that she has had surgery.
While attending a screening of Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story in California, the slim actress appeared to have a smooth, shiny forehead and unusually high cheekbones.
One Twitter user said: "What on earth has happened to Renee Zellweger's face? It looks like she's COMPLETELY changed what she looks like"
An online friend retorted: "Another plastic surgery nightmare. Horrific"
Renee has remained tight-lipped about the dramatic change in her face.
The 44-year-old has more recently been spending her time behind the camera, rather than acting in front of it.
Renee has spent a lot of time directing and producing films, the blonde star claims that the step out of the spotlight has done wonders for her stress levels.
After hitting the headlines for a dramatic weight-loss and an embarrassingly short wedding to country singer Kenny Chesney, the change of direction has transformed her life dramatically.
"I just needed to put acting aside. I needed to sit still and not to worry about the dresses and the hair and the travel and the interviews.
"I was going through huge life changes at the time. I wanted to stop and be a girl for a while."
It's not just a new look for Renee, the actress has a new man at her side too.
Doyle Bramall, the guitarist and ex-heroin addict makes an unlikely match for Renee, but the Edge Of Reason star seems happier than she has been in years.
With her dramatic make-over and a rumoured spat with author Helen Fielding, it looks like the Bridget Jones chapter of Renee's life has drawn to close.
