Charlize Theron Biography: Age, Benoni Roots, Oscar and Best Movies
Charlize Theron Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Charlize Theron |
| Date of birth | 7 August 1975 |
| Age | 51 (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Benoni, Gauteng (then Transvaal) |
| First language | Afrikaans |
| Citizenship | South African and American (US citizen since 2007) |
| Work | Actress and film producer |
| Production company | Denver and Delilah Productions |
| Biggest award | Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actress, Monster |
| Children | Two |
Early Life in Benoni
Charlize Theron grew up on her family’s farm in Benoni, near Johannesburg. She is the only child of Gerda and Charles Theron, who ran a road-building business. Her family is Afrikaner, and Afrikaans is her first language.
She went to Putfontein Primary School and, from 13, to the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, where she trained in dance. At 16 she left South Africa to work as a model in Europe.
Hollywood Career
| Year | Film | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | The Devil’s Advocate | International breakthrough |
| 1999 | The Cider House Rules | Award-winning drama |
| 2003 | Monster | Won the Oscar for Best Actress |
| 2003 | The Italian Job | Box office hit |
| 2005 | North Country | Second Oscar nomination |
| 2015 | Mad Max: Fury Road | Iconic role as Furiosa |
| 2017 | Atomic Blonde | Action lead and producer |
| 2019 | Bombshell | Third Oscar nomination |
| 2020 | The Old Guard | Netflix action hit |
She has also appeared in three Fast & Furious films (2017, 2021 and 2023).
The Oscar for Monster
For Monster (2003), Theron played a real-life serial killer. She changed her appearance completely for the role. The performance won the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. She was the first South African to win an acting Oscar.
Producer
Since the early 2000s, Theron has produced films through her company Denver and Delilah Productions. These include films she starred in, such as Long Shot (2019).
In 2016, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Charlize Theron Questions
How old is Charlize Theron?
She was born on 7 August 1975, so she is 51 years old in 2026.
Is Charlize Theron South African?
Yes. She was born in Benoni and is still a South African citizen. She also became an American citizen in 2007.
What Oscar did Charlize Theron win?
Best Actress, for Monster (2003).
What languages does Charlize Theron speak?
Afrikaans is her first language. She is also fluent in English.
What are Charlize Theron’s best-known movies?
Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, The Italian Job and the Fast & Furious films.