Charlize Theron is not only one of the most talented actresses of her generation but also a passionate philanthropist known for her work with The Africa Outreach Project. Rising to fame with her gripping performance in Monster (2003), which earned her an Academy Award, Theron has continued to captivate audiences with standout roles in films like North Country (2005), Young Adult (2011), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Tully (2018), and Bombshell (2019).
In addition to her cinematic success, Theron has received numerous accolades, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond her career, Theron is a devoted mother, having adopted two daughters, Jackson and August, in 2012 and 2015, respectively. Despite her high-profile career, she remains grounded, navigating fame and family with grace.
Here’s a look back at Theron’s incredible journey:
#1. 1975: Born in South Africa
Theron was born in August 1975 and developed a passion for dance early on. She pursued ballet at the Joffrey Ballet School but had to give up her dream after a knee injury. “Even though I was modeling, I always thought of myself as a dancer,” she shared with The New York Times in 2008. Modeling was a stepping stone to her true passion: dance.
#2. 1996: First Speaking Role in 2 Days in the Valley
Theron landed her first speaking role in the crime thriller 2 Days in the Valley in 1996. This marked her breakthrough, paving the way for her star-making role in The Devil’s Advocate the following year.
#3. 2001: Relationship with Stuart Townsend
Theron began dating Irish actor Stuart Townsend in 2001. The couple was together for nearly a decade before parting ways in 2009.
#4. 2003: Oscar-Winning Role in Monster
In 2003, Theron transformed into serial killer Aileen Wuornos for Monster, a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. She became the first South African to win an Oscar in that category.
#5. 2005: Guest Appearance on Arrested Development
Theron appeared on the third season of Fox’s Arrested Development, playing a love interest to Jason Bateman’s character. Despite a major film commitment (Aeon Flux), she embraced the show for fun, even though she knew Aeon Flux “was going to be a flop.”
#6. 2007: Founding The Africa Outreach Project
In addition to her acting career, Theron founded The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project in 2007, focusing on supporting youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A year later, she was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace for her efforts.
#7. 2012: Adoption and Career Milestones
Theron adopted her first daughter, Jackson, just before filming Mad Max: Fury Road. That same year, she took on the iconic role of the Evil Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman and appeared in Prometheus. Both films were box office hits.
#8. 2013: Relationship with Sean Penn
Theron began dating actor Sean Penn, but the couple ended their relationship in 2015. In an interview with WSJ, Theron clarified that there was no drama, just mutual agreement to part ways.
#9. 2015: Adopting Her Second Daughter
In July 2015, Theron adopted her second daughter, August. Reflecting on the process, she told NPR that she left her options open during the adoption process, ultimately becoming the mother of two African American children born in the United States.
She also starred as Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, a role that received critical acclaim, though filming alongside Tom Hardy was famously difficult.
#10. 2019: Nominated for Another Oscar in Bombshell
Following the success of Tully in 2018, Theron played journalist Megyn Kelly in Bombshell (2019), which earned her another Academy Award nomination. The film, which also starred Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, told the story of the sexual harassment allegations against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes.
#11. May 2023: New Romance with Alex Dimitrijevic
Theron made headlines in 2023 when it was revealed she was dating model Alex Dimitrijevic. According to Us Weekly, the pair had been dating for a few months, and while it’s still early in their relationship, sources say they “really like each other.”
