Charlize Theron was born on August 7, 1975, in Benoni, South Africa. She is a South African and American actress and producer. She is the only child of Gerda Maritz and Charles Theron. She grew up on her parents' farm near Johannesburg. At the age of 15, her father, who was an alcoholic, attacked her mother, and her mother shot him in self-defense. This incident had a profound impact on her life.

Charlize Theron began her career as a model at the age of 16 when she moved to Milan. She later moved to New York City to study at the Joffrey Ballet School. However, a knee injury ended her dance career, and she decided to pursue acting.

She moved to Los Angeles, where she was discovered by an agent after making a scene at a bank. Her first role was in the film Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest in 1995. She gained recognition with her role in The Devil's Advocate in 1997.

Her breakthrough role came in 2003 when she portrayed serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the film Monster. Her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first South African to win an acting Oscar.

She received another Academy Award nomination for her role in North Country in 2005. Charlize has starred in several successful films, including The Italian Job, Hancock, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Atomic Blonde. She has also received critical acclaim for her roles in Young Adult, Tully, and Bombshell.

Charlize Theron has two adopted daughters, Jackson and August. She adopted Jackson in 2012 and August in 2015. She has been open about her decision to adopt and her commitment to raising her daughters with a strong sense of identity and pride.

She has been involved in several high-profile relationships, including with actors Stuart Townsend and Sean Penn.

Charlize Theron is a producer and has her own production company, Denver and Delilah Productions. She has produced several films, including The Burning Plain, Dark Places, and Long Shot.

She is also known for her philanthropic work and has been involved with organizations like the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, which aims to support African youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Charlize Theron has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

She has also been nominated for several BAFTA Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2005, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.