About
Charlize Theron is an Academy-Award-winning actor and producer celebrated for her chameleon-like range, from the brutal transformation of Monster (2003) to the stylish espionage of Atomic Blonde (2017). Born on 7 August 1975 in Benoni, South Africa, she climbed from rural beginnings to the Hollywood A-list, collecting an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a long résumé of blockbuster hits that span Mad Max: Fury Road, multiple Fast & Furious installments, and the Netflix smash The Old Guard. Beyond the screen she’s a UNICEF Messenger of Peace and the founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, an initiative that supports youth HIV-prevention programs across southern Africa.
Before Fame
Theron’s first passion was ballet. As a teen she attended Johannesburg’s National School of the Arts, then earned a modeling contract that whisked her to Europe and eventually New York. A chronic knee injury ended her dance ambitions, but it propelled her toward acting. At 19 she flew to Los Angeles, famously arguing with a bank teller over a bounced rent check when a talent agent noticed her dramatic flair. Within a year she landed a silent role in Children of the Corn III (1995) and parlayed it into a breakout turn opposite Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino in The Devil’s Advocate (1997).
Trivia
- Record-setter: In 2004 Theron became the first South African performer to earn an acting Oscar.
- Multilingual: Afrikaans is her first language, and she often slips it into interviews for a laugh.
- Super-heroics: After wielding an immortal battle-axe in The Old Guard, she surprised Marvel fans as Clea in the post-credits scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).
- Fashion Force: 2025 marked her 20th year as a global ambassador for Dior; she fronts the Capture Totale skincare campaign this year.
- Newest thrills: She wrapped filming on Apex, a survival thriller set in the Australian wilderness, and returns as immortal warrior Andy in The Old Guard 2, premiering 2 July 2025 on Netflix.
Family Life
Theron is a devoted single mother to two adopted daughters—Jackson (adopted 2012) and August (adopted 2015). She shares glimpses of their adventures, from Disneyland Halloween nights to jamming at a Dua Lipa concert, but largely shields them from the spotlight. Her mother, Gerda, remains a constant pillar; Charlize often credits her for instilling resilience after a turbulent childhood marked by domestic violence. The family splits time between Los Angeles and occasional stays in South Africa, keeping Afrikaner traditions like braai cookouts alive for the kids.
Associated With
Theron’s career is dotted with collaborations that have defined modern pop culture:
- Directors: She’s a go-to muse for filmmaker Jason Reitman (Young Adult, Tully) and works regularly with visionary action directors like George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road).
- Co-stars: From Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez in the Fast & Furious saga to KiKi Layne and Uma Thurman in The Old Guard 2, her filmography is a who’s-who of Hollywood talent.
- Philanthropy Partners: Through her outreach project she teams up with organizations such as the Global Fund and (RED) to fight HIV/AIDS.
- Future Projects: Industry buzz links her to Christopher Nolan’s next ensemble film, keeping the spotlight firmly on her evolving artistry.
