Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Charlize Theron
August 7, 1975
Benoni, South Africa
51 Years Old
Leo
Who Is Charlize Theron?
Charlize Theron is a South African American actress and producer known for her profound versatility and transformative performances. Her filmography spans intense dramas, action epics, and sharp comedies, often exploring complex female characters with raw emotional depth.
Theron's career ascended dramatically following her breakout role as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the 2003 film Monster. Her startling physical and dramatic transformation earned widespread critical acclaim and secured her an Academy Award.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Benoni, South Africa, Charlize Theron grew up on a farm as the only child of Charles and Gerda Theron. Her first language was Afrikaans, though she became fluent in English after moving to the US.
Theron pursued ballet from a young age, attending a boarding school at thirteen and later the esteemed Joffrey Ballet School in New York. A knee injury ultimately ended her dancing aspirations, leading her to shift focus toward acting in Los Angeles.
Notable Relationships
Charlize Theron's long-term romances have included Irish actor Stuart Townsend, with whom she had a nearly decade-long relationship that ended in 2010. She was also engaged to actor Sean Penn, though their relationship concluded in 2015.
Theron is a single mother to two adopted daughters, Jackson and August, whom she welcomed in 2012 and 2015 respectively. She has openly stated she does not foresee living with a partner again, preferring independent living.
Career Highlights
Charlize Theron cemented her status as a leading actress with her Academy Award-winning portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the 2003 biographical crime drama Monster. She earned widespread critical acclaim for this transformative performance, securing an Oscar for Best Actress.
Beyond her dramatic roles, Theron has become a prominent action star, delivering memorable performances like Imperator Furiosa in 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road. She also steers Denver and Delilah Productions, her own film production company.
To date, Theron has collected an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, with multiple additional nominations across prestigious ceremonies.
Signature Quote
"I'd like to think I'm pretty tough on the course, but I also like to teach everybody that you can smile and be happy and still be really good at something you do."