Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, South Africa on August 7, 1975. She was an only child and was sent to begin her studies at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg at the age of 13. Growing up on her parent's farm in Johannesburg, Theron's first language was Afrikaans, and English her second.

In 1991, when Theron was 15 she witnessed her mother shoot and kill her father in an act of self defense. Her father was an alcoholic, who was often abusive so the police decided not to press charges.

After winning in a modeling contest in Johannesburg at the age of 16, Theron moves to Milan, Italy on a year long modeling contract. After her contract ended she decided to stay and enrolled in Joffrey Ballet School in New York. A knee injury at age 19 caused her to quit. Her mother bought her a one way ticket to Los Angeles and she moved.

Soon after she arrived in L.A. while trying to cash a check and getting into a dispute with the teller she was spotted by a talent agent. After 8 months in L.A. she got her first role in a movie "The Children of Corn III" went straight to video. Her stardom was on the rise though, with later movies like "The Devil's Advocate"(1997), "Mighty Joe Youn"(1998) and "Cedar House Rules"(1999).

In 2003 she received an Academy Award for her role in "The Monster".On September 30,2005 she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her long time partner Stuart Townsend, and although they consider themselves to be married, they do not wish to exchange vows until same-sex couples are able to do so as well. Theron is involved in supporting women's rights and animal rights and is an active member of PETA.