Charlize Theron — biographical portrait
A Documentary Film

Charlize Theron

b. 1975

Charlize Theron stands as one of the most accomplished and versatile actors of her generation, having successfully navigated the transition from model to serious dramatic performer to action star and producer. Born on August 7, 1975, in Benoni, South Africa, she has built a career distinguished by...

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51
Years Old
50+
Film Credits
2004
Academy Awards
7
Chapters

Chapters

01

Origins

The Beginning

Charlize Theron stands as one of the most accomplished and versatile actors of her generation, having successfully navigated the transition from model to serious dramatic performer to action star and producer. Born on August 7, 1975, in Benoni, South Africa, she has built a career...

02

The Rise

Building a Legacy

Charlize Theron's first significant film appearance came in "2 Days in the Valley" (1996), where she played Helga Svelgen, a spandex-clad hitwoman. The role showcased her physical presence but was primarily eye candy in a pulpy thriller.

03

The Work

Defining Moments

Charlize Theron has received three Academy Award nominations, winning once for her transformative performance in "Monster." She became the first South African to win an Academy Award in an acting category and remains the only South African-born Best Actress winner. Her nomination for...

04

The Peak

Greatest Achievements

Charlize Theron's most distinctive quality as an actor is her willingness and ability to undergo total physical transformation for roles. This commitment was most famously demonstrated in "Monster," where she gained over 30 pounds, wore prosthetic teeth, and altered her posture and...

05

The Legacy

Lasting Impact

Charlize Theron became a mother through adoption, welcoming her first child, Jackson, in March 2012. Jackson was adopted from South Africa, Theron's home country, creating a connection between her own origins and her family.

Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest

— Early Life and Education

2 Days in the Valley

— Early Life and Education

was Tom Hanks' directorial debut, a 1960s period piece about a rock band. Theron played Tina, the girlfriend of the lead guitarist (Tom Everett Scott). The role was small but placed her in a respected project with rising stars including Liv Tyler. More significantly, Theron appeared in

— Career Chronology

(1997), a comedy with Michael Richards and Jeff Daniels, further demonstrating her willingness to work across genres. ## Rising Profile (1998-2000) The years 1998 and 1999 brought increased visibility and more substantial roles. In

— Career Chronology

The Cider House Rules,

— Career Chronology

Filmography

Year Title Role/Impact Type
1975 Basic Information Performance Film
1975 Family Background and Childhood in South Africa Performance Film
1994 Move to Los Angeles and Discovery Performance Film
2003 Monster and Critical Acclaim Performance Film
2015 Mad Max and Action Stardom Performance Film
1996 Early Film Work (1996-1997) Performance Film
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