Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron, born on August 7, 1975, is a highly acclaimed South African and American actress and producer. Renowned for her versatility and compelling performances, she has garnered numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. In 2016, she was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.


Theron rose to prominence in the 1990s with notable roles in Hollywood films such as "The Devil's Advocate" (1997), "Mighty Joe Young" (1998), and "The Cider House Rules" (1999). However, it was her captivating portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in "Monster" (2003) that earned her widespread critical acclaim and her first Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first South African to win this prestigious award. She received further acclaim and another Academy Award nomination for her role in "North Country" (2005), where she portrayed a woman seeking justice for sexual abuse.


Theron's career has been marked by a diverse range of roles, including powerful performances in action films such as "The Italian Job" (2003), "Hancock" (2008), "Snow White and the Huntsman" (2012), "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), "The Fate of the Furious" (2017), "Atomic Blonde" (2017), "The Old Guard" (2020), "F9" (2021), and "Fast X" (2023). In addition to her action-packed roles, she has earned praise for her portrayal of complex and troubled characters in films like "Young Adult" (2011), "Tully" (2018), and "Bombshell" (2019), where she depicted journalist Megyn Kelly.


Beyond her acting prowess, Theron has also made significant contributions to the film industry as a producer through her company, Denver and Delilah Productions. She has been involved in the production of several films, many of which she also starred in, including "The Burning Plain" (2008), "Dark Places" (2015), and "Long Shot" (2019).
In 2007, Theron became an American citizen while retaining her South African citizenship. She has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished and influential figures in contemporary cinema.


Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, in the Transvaal Province (now Gauteng Province) of South Africa, on August 7, 1975. She is the only child of Gerda (née Maritz) and Charles Theron. Her father, Charles, tragically passed away on June 21, 1991, following a violent incident in which her mother, Gerda, acted in self-defense.


Theron's upbringing was marked by challenges, including her father's alcoholism and the traumatic event surrounding his death. She attended Putfontein Primary School, where she struggled to fit in, and later studied at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg after being sent to boarding school at the age of 13. Despite the turmoil in her family, Theron fondly recalls her childhood in South Africa, describing the environment as idyllic despite the personal struggles.


Growing up, Theron experienced health issues, including frequent bouts of jaundice and dental problems that required surgical intervention. Despite these challenges, she embraced the simplicity of her upbringing, often entertaining herself outdoors without modern amenities like electronics.
Theron is fluent in English, but her first language is Afrikaans, reflecting her Afrikaner heritage. Throughout her career, she has maintained a strong connection to her South African roots, occasionally speaking Afrikaans and actively participating in projects that shed light on issues facing the country.

Charlize Theron's journey to Hollywood was marked by determination and perseverance. After winning a modelling contract at age 16, she moved to Milan, Italy, with her mother before eventually settling in the United States. Initially pursuing a career in dance, Theron's plans were derailed by a knee injury, leading her to explore other avenues.
Arriving in Los Angeles in 1994 with dreams of working in the film industry, Theron faced financial hardship and struggled to make ends meet. Living on a tight budget in a motel room, she relied on the support of her mother and encountered challenges such as having her mother's out-of-state cheque rejected at a bank due to her non-American citizenship.


It was a chance encounter at that bank that changed the course of Theron's life. Talent agent John Crosby intervened, cashing her cheque and providing her with his business card. This connection led Theron to an acting school and eventually to her first film roles.
Theron's breakthrough came with her portrayal of hitwoman Helga Svelgen in "2 Days in the Valley" (1996), where she showcased her talent beyond her stunning looks. Despite initial concerns about being typecast, Theron remained determined to pursue diverse roles and challenge herself as an actress.


Through the guidance of talent agent J.J. Harris, Theron expanded her horizons and ventured into producing, demonstrating her versatility both in front of and behind the camera. Harris played a pivotal role in Theron's career, serving as her mentor and advocate for over 15 years.
Theron's journey serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication, showcasing her ability to overcome obstacles and carve out a successful career in the competitive world of Hollywood.

References

1.  Charlize Theron pronounces her name and surname in English. 7 April 2016. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017 – via YouTube.
2. ^ Charlize Theron Speaks Afrikaans. 30 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017 – via YouTube.
3. ^ Farber, Tanya. "Charlize defends her 'unique' American accent". IOL News. Archived from the original on 3 April 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2013. I am a South African.
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5. ^ "Monitor". Entertainment Weekly. No. 1271. 9 August 2013. p. 22.
6. Charlize Theron (9 August 2018). "Conversations with Charlize Theron". SAG-AFTRA Foundations Conversations (Interview). Interviewed by Jenelle Riley. SAG-AFTRA. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020 – via YouTube.
7. Karsten, Chris (2009). Charlize: Life's One Helluva Ride. Human & Rousseau. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
8. "Charlize Theron". Inside the Actors Studio. Season 10. Episode 8. 18 January 2004. Bravo.
9. a b Charlize Theron & David Oyelowo Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED (YouTube video) (Interview). Wired. 2018. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2020 – via YouTube.
10. ^ "Charlize Theron Biography". Hello Magazine. 8 October 2009. Archived from the original on 25 June 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
11. ^ "Benoni, East Rand". sa-venues.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
12. a b Tron, Gina (26 July 2017). "Charlize Theron Opens Up About Witnessing Mom Shoot And Kill Her Dad". Oxygen. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
13. ^ "Charlize Theron". BiographyChannel.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 December 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
14. ^ "Charlize Theron's Family Tragedy - ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. 6 January 2006. Archived from the original on 16 August 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2015.