Cameron Michelle Diaz was born in San Diego, California, to Emilio Diaz, a foreman for UNOCAL, and Billie Early, an import/export agent. Her multicultural background, with a Cuban-American father and a mother of English, Scottish, and German ancestry, contributed to her unique and relatable appeal. Her early life in Southern California provided a foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry.

Before her acting breakthrough, Diaz pursued a career in modeling. At the age of 16, she signed with Elite Model Management and traveled the world, working on campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein and Levi's. This experience exposed her to the world of fashion and photography, honing her skills in front of the camera and preparing her for the transition to acting.