By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(Nov. 25, 1998) -- There's Something About Mary, Happiness, and the new Very Bad Things have made 1998 the year of the gross-out comedy.

And since Cameron Diaz stars in two of the three films, she's the year's official Queen of Mean.

The irony, of course, is that she was the Princess of Nice in 1997, playing the sweetly sympathetic "other woman" opposite Julia Roberts in My Best Friend's Wedding.

Diaz says the shift in tone is pure coincidence. "There was no conscious choice to make a certain kind of movie," she says. "I just look at parts and scripts, and pick the best."

She admits, though, that she especially loves comedies, a tendency learned at home. "My Mom loves to laugh and my Dad is twisted."

A 26-year-old native of Southern California, Diaz has been working since she began a lucrative modeling career at 16.

Her film break came opposite Jim Carrey in The Mask, and continued with My Best Friend's Wedding, Feeling Minnesota, and She's the One.

But nothing before has matched the impact of her wacky performance in There's Something About Mary. Part of the appeal is her obvious willingness to be a good sport. (The film's key image is Diaz sporting an up-sweep hair-do, kept in place with a most disgusting and unorthodox hair mousse.)

In the new black comedy, Very Bad Things, she plays a determined bride who won't let anything -- ANYTHING! -- spoil her wedding day.

Diaz says she finds the new edgy, gross-out style of comedy refreshing.

"I think people are more honest today about taboos the formerly wouldn't talk about," she says. "There are no boundaries anymore."

Currently, Diaz is working on On Any Given Sunday, Oliver Stone's forthcoming film about pro football. Diaz plays the young team owner.

It's the latest of a series of steps in a climb that seems to be elevating her to long-term stardom. Diaz sees that as a mixed blessing, in light of the media scrutiny of her recent break-up with boyfriend Matt Dillon.

"There are no courses to take to study how to be a celebrity," she says.

"You just try to find your footing by pulling from the example of people you admire," she adds. "Ultimately, you have to deal with things yourself."

Jon Favreau, Diaz's Very Bad Things co-star, says the actress has nothing to worry about. "She's beautiful, but goofy and funny, And she selects good projects.

"She's got it all -- looks, smarts and talent," Favreau says. "Men love her, of course, but women aren't threatened by her."

Diaz says, "I'll probably make ridiculous mistakes along the way, but it's the path I'll take."

"It's a matter of discipline, of taking care of myself, and having fun."