Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron (born August 7 1975 in Benoni, South Africa) is an Oscar winning South African actress.

Related Topics:
August 7 - 1975 - Benoni - South Africa - Oscar - South African

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Both of her parents are Afrikaans-speaking but her father was of French Huguenot descent and her mother is of German descent. Her first language is Afrikaans, and her second is English. Theron is a French surname pronounced in Afrikaans as "Tronn". Theron has stated that she prefers the pronunciation "Thrown". http://www.aclasscelebs.com/charlizet/interview.htm

Related Topics:
Huguenot - German - Afrikaans - English

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Charlize Theron had a traumatic childhood. She grew up as the only child on her parents' farm near Johannesburg and was sent to a boarding school at the age of 13.

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At the age of 15, Charlize witnessed the death of her father, Charles Theron. He was an abusive alcoholic and her mother, Gerda Theron, shot him in self defence when he attacked her. No charges were pressed.

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At the age of 16 she travelled to Milan, Italy on a one-year modelling contract after winning a local modelling competition. Her modelling contract ended while she was in New York City.

Related Topics:
Milan - Italy - New York City

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She decided to remain in New York City and attended the school of the Joffrey Ballet in New York. She trained as a ballet dancer and danced in both Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. A knee injury ended her dancing career at the age of 18.

Related Topics:
New York City - Joffrey Ballet - New York - Ballet - Swan Lake - The Nutcracker

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Unable to dance and almost penniless, she bought a ticket to Los Angeles. After eight months in the city she got her first part, a non-speaking role in the B-film Children of the Corn III.

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In his December 7, 2003 review of the film Monster, respected film critic Roger Ebert said Theron's performance in the film's lead role was one of the greatest performances in the history of film. Ebert added that if she did not win the Oscar for best actress, then the award should be cancelled. She did indeed win Best Actress at the 76th Academy Awards in February 2004, as well as the SAG Award and the Golden Globe Award. She is the first South African to win the Best Actress Academy Award.

Related Topics:
December 7 - 2003 - Monster - Film critic - Roger Ebert - Oscar - Best Actress - 76th Academy Awards - SAG Award - Golden Globe Award - South African

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On September 30, 2005 she recieved her own bronze star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Theron is the current spokeswoman for Dior perfume.

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She currently resides in Los Angeles with her long-term boyfriend Stuart Townsend.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles - Stuart Townsend

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