Catherine Zeta-Jones: Her 1991 Breakout Role in The Darling Buds of May

Catherine Zeta-Jones: Her Early Years and Her Breakout Role

Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Welsh-born actress who has showcased her versatility in a wide range of films, earning various accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Tony Award. She first burst onto the acting scene in 1991 when she landed her breakout role as Mariette Larkin in the British television series, The Darling Buds of May.

Early Life

Catherine Zeta-Jones was born on September 25, 1969, in Swansea, Wales. Growing up, Zeta-Jones was interested in the arts, including acting, singing, and dancing. As a teenager, she won several awards for her singing and dancing abilities, which led her to pursue a career in entertainment.

Zeta-Jones made her professional acting debut in the West End production of 42nd Street at the age of 16. She then went on to perform in various musicals, including The Phantom of the Opera and The Pajama Game.

Breakout Role

Zeta-Jones landed her breakout role in 1991 when she was cast as Mariette Larkin in the British television series, The Darling Buds of May. The series, based on the novels by H.E. Bates, was a huge success, and Zeta-Jones’s portrayal of the young, flirtatious Larkin earned her critical praise and increased public recognition.

In The Darling Buds of May, Mariette Larkin is the youngest daughter of the Larkin family. Young and full of life, Mariette is introduced as a carefree teenager who has a talent for flirting and plenty of admirers.

As the series progresses, Mariette’s character develops, and we see her grow into a young woman with a strong sense of independence and self-assurance. Despite her love of fun and flirting, Mariette is also incredibly intelligent and determined to make something of herself.

One of the most significant turning points for Mariette’s character comes when she falls in love with a young tax inspector named Cedric “Charley” Charlton. Charley, who initially comes to investigate the Larkin family’s tax affairs, is smitten with Mariette from the moment he meets her, and the feeling is mutual.

Mariette’s relationship with Charley is a crucial development for her character because it shows her capability for making mature decisions and standing up for what she wants. When her father objects to her relationship with Charley, Mariette does not back down, and she ultimately convinces him to give Charley a chance.

Throughout the series, Mariette’s character also demonstrates her strength of character and her ability to overcome adversity. When her brother gets into trouble with the law, Mariette takes it upon herself to help him out, even though her father initially forbids her from doing so. Her determination and loyalty to her family are admirable, and they show just how much Mariette has grown since her introduction as a carefree teenager.

Catherine Zeta-Jones’s portrayal of Mariette Larkin in The Darling Buds of May showcased her impressive range as an actress. Mariette’s character development from a flirtatious teenager to a mature, independent young woman is a testament to Zeta-Jones’s talent and the strength of the show’s writing. Her performance in The Darling Buds of May launched her career, and it’s easy to see why with her nuanced portrayal of Mariette which was, as Pop Larkin might have said, “Perfick!”

The Darling Buds of May ran for three seasons, and Zeta-Jones became a household name in the UK. Her stunning beauty and charismatic personality captivated audiences, and she quickly became known as one of the most promising young actresses in the industry.

After The Darling Buds of May

Zeta-Jones continued to work steadily in the UK after The Darling Buds of May, appearing in various television dramas and movies such as Catherine the Great and Christopher Columbus: The Discovery. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that she broke through in the US.

Her first major film role was a flop; starring in a French-Italian movie 1001 Nights, which did not gain favourable reviews, being remembered for what The Daily Telegraph described as “its enjoyable nude scenes”

Zeta-Jones’s first major American film role came in 1998 when she starred opposite Antonio Banderas in The Mask of Zorro. Her sultry portrayal of the feisty Elena earned her critical acclaim and introduced her to US audiences.

Over the next several years, Zeta-Jones continued to work in Hollywood, starring in films such as Traffic, America’s Sweethearts, and Intolerable Cruelty. However, it was her role in the 2002 musical Chicago that truly solidified her status as a Hollywood A-lister.

In Chicago, Zeta-Jones played Velma Kelly, a murderess and vaudeville performer. Her stunning performance, which included singing and dancing, earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Conclusion

Catherine Zeta-Jones’s career has been defined by her versatility as an actress. From her breakout role in The Darling Buds of May to her Academy Award-winning performance in Chicago, Zeta-Jones has continuously demonstrated her range and talent as an actress, singer, and dancer. She continues to work in Hollywood and is considered one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation.