Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Charlize Theron

How Charlize Theron built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Charlize Theron is a highly acclaimed South African and American actress and producer. Recognized as one of the world's highest-paid actresses, she has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Her influence extends beyond acting, as evidenced by Time magazine naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016. She is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: Atomic Blonde Role

In 2017, Theron played a spy in "Atomic Blonde" set on the eve of the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

1995: First Non-Speaking Film Role

In 1995, Charlize Theron played her first non-speaking film role in the horror film "Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest."

1996: First Speaking Film Role

In 1996, Charlize Theron had her first speaking role as Helga Svelgen in "2 Days in the Valley", drawing attention for her beauty and a fight scene.

1997: Starred in The Devil's Advocate

In 1997, Charlize Theron starred in "The Devil's Advocate," marking her rise to international prominence and establishing her as a leading lady in Hollywood.

1998: Starred in Mighty Joe Young

In 1998, Charlize Theron starred in "Mighty Joe Young," further establishing her presence in Hollywood.

1999: Starred in The Cider House Rules

In 1999, Charlize Theron starred in "The Cider House Rules," continuing to solidify her career in Hollywood.

2000: Starred in Multiple Films

In 2000, Charlize Theron starred in films such as "Reindeer Games," "The Yards," "The Legend of Bagger Vance," and "Men of Honor," contributing to her establishment as an actress.

2001: Starred in Sweet November and The Curse of the Jade Scorpion

In 2001, Charlize Theron starred in "Sweet November" and "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion", continuing to build her acting career.

2002: Starred in Trapped

In 2002, Charlize Theron starred in "Trapped", adding to her filmography.

2003: Starred in Monster

In 2003, Charlize Theron portrayed serial killer Aileen Wuornos in "Monster", receiving widespread critical acclaim.

2003: Won Silver Bear and Academy Award for Monster

In 2003, Charlize Theron starred as Aileen Wuornos in "Monster", receiving critical acclaim. In 2004, for the role, she won the Silver Bear and the Academy Award for Best Actress, becoming the first South African to win an acting Oscar.

2003: Starred in The Italian Job remake

In 2003, Charlize Theron starred in "The Italian Job", a remake of the 1969 British film. The movie was a box office success.

2004: Signed deal with John Galliano for Dior

In 2004, Charlize Theron signed a deal with John Galliano and became the spokeswoman in the J'Adore advertisements by Christian Dior, replacing Tiiu Kuik.

October 2005: Raymond Weil Advertising Campaign

From October 2005, Charlize Theron earned US$3 million for the use of her image in a worldwide print media advertising campaign for Raymond Weil watches.

2005: Starred in Arrested Development and Aeon Flux

In 2005, Charlize Theron appeared in the third season of "Arrested Development" and starred in the science fiction thriller "Æon Flux."

2005: Received Academy Award nomination for North Country

In 2005, Charlize Theron received another Academy Award nomination for her role in the drama "North Country," in which she played a sexually abused woman seeking justice.

December 2006: End of Raymond Weil Advertising Campaign

In December 2006, the Raymond Weil advertising campaign with Charlize Theron concluded, during which she earned US$3 million for the use of her image.

2006: Highest-Paid Actresses in Hollywood

In 2006, Theron made it to the Hollywood Reporter's list of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood after winning the Oscar.

2007: Creation of CTAOP

In 2007, Charlize Theron created the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) to support African youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

2007: Starred in In the Valley of Elah and Sleepwalking

In 2007, Charlize Theron played a police detective in "In the Valley of Elah" and produced and starred in "Sleepwalking".

2008: Produced and starred in The Burning Plain

In 2008, Charlize Theron produced and starred in the film "The Burning Plain" through her production company, Denver and Delilah Productions.

2008: Starred in The Burning Plain and Hancock

In 2008, Charlize Theron starred in "The Burning Plain" and "Hancock". She was also named Hasty Pudding Theatricals Woman of the Year and a UN Messenger of Peace.

2008: Starred in Hancock

In 2008, Charlize Theron starred in the commercially successful action film "Hancock".

2008: Named UN Messenger of Peace

In 2008, Charlize Theron was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, recognized for her dedication to improving the lives of women and children in South Africa.

May 2009: Supported Same-Sex Marriage at Rally

In May 2009, Charlize Theron supported same-sex marriage and attended a march and rally in Fresno, California.

December 2009: CTAOP and Toms Shoes Partnership

In December 2009, CTAOP partnered with Toms Shoes to create a limited edition unisex shoe, with proceeds benefiting CTAOP and shoes donated to destitute children.

June 2011: Interview on Piers Morgan Tonight

In a June 2011 interview on Piers Morgan Tonight, Charlize Theron elaborated on her stance on same-sex marriage, emphasizing the need for federal legalization.

2011: Starred in Young Adult

In 2011, Charlize Theron starred in "Young Adult", a comedy-drama.

2012: Villain Roles in Big-Budget Films

In 2012, Charlize Theron played the Evil Queen Ravenna in "Snow White and the Huntsman" and a crew member in "Prometheus." Both films were major box office successes.

2012: Starred in Prometheus

In 2012, Charlize Theron starred in the commercially successful action film "Prometheus".

March 2014: Honored Guest at Fame and Philanthropy Event

In March 2014, Charlize Theron was an honored guest at the annual Fame and Philanthropy fundraising event, benefiting charities including CTAOP, on the night of the 86th Academy Awards.

May 2014: Hosted Saturday Night Live

In May 2014, Charlize Theron hosted Saturday Night Live on NBC, marking a significant appearance in her career.

2014: Public Service Announcement for UN

In 2014, Charlize Theron recorded a public service announcement as part of the UN's "Stop Rape Now" program, furthering her work as a Messenger of Peace.

September 2015: Signed Open Letter for Women's Focus

In September 2015, Charlize Theron signed an open letter urging Angela Merkel and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to focus on women's issues during their G7 and AU leadership.

2015: Produced and starred in Dark Places

In 2015, Charlize Theron produced and starred in the film "Dark Places" through her production company, Denver and Delilah Productions.

2015: Starred in 'Dark Places' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road'

In 2015, Charlize Theron starred in "Dark Places" and as Imperator Furiosa in "Mad Max: Fury Road," with "Mad Max" receiving widespread critical acclaim.

2015: Starred in Mad Max: Fury Road

In 2015, Charlize Theron starred in the commercially successful action film "Mad Max: Fury Road".

2016: Starred in 'The Huntsman: Winter's War' and 'The Last Face'

In 2016, Charlize Theron reprised her role as Queen Ravenna in "The Huntsman: Winter's War", starred in "The Last Face", voiced a character in "Kubo and the Two Strings", and was named one of Time's 100 most influential people.

2016: Starred in 'The Last Face'

In 2016, Charlize Theron starred in Sean Penn's film 'The Last Face'. The movie was filmed while they were still a couple.

August 2017: Visited South Africa and Made Donation

In August 2017, Charlize Theron visited South Africa with Trevor Noah and made a donation to the South African charity Life Choices.

November 2017: CTAOP Fundraising Milestone

By November 2017, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) had raised more than $6.3 million to support African organizations fighting HIV/AIDS.

2017: Starred in 'The Fate of the Furious' and 'Atomic Blonde'

In 2017, Charlize Theron starred as Cipher in "The Fate of the Furious" and played a spy in "Atomic Blonde", solidifying her status as an A-list action star.

2017: Starred in Atomic Blonde and The Fate of the Furious

In 2017, Charlize Theron starred in the commercially successful action films "Atomic Blonde" and "The Fate of the Furious".

2018: Gave Speech at AIDS Conference

In 2018, Charlize Theron gave a speech about AIDS prevention at the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, organized by the International AIDS Society.

2018: Brand Ambassador for Breitling

In 2018, Charlize Theron joined Brad Pitt, Daniel Wu and Adam Driver as brand ambassadors for Breitling, dubbed the Breitling Cinema Squad.

2018: Starred in Tully, Gringo and A Private War

In 2018, Charlize Theron starred in "Tully" as an overwhelmed mother, played a role in the crime film "Gringo", and produced the war drama "A Private War".

2018: Starred in Tully

In 2018, Charlize Theron starred in "Tully", a comedy-drama.

2019: Starred in Bombshell, received Academy Award nomination

In 2019, Charlize Theron portrayed Megyn Kelly in the biographical drama "Bombshell," receiving critical praise and her third Academy Award nomination.

2019: Produced and starred in Long Shot

In 2019, Charlize Theron produced and starred in the film "Long Shot" through her production company, Denver and Delilah Productions.

2019: Starred in 'Long Shot' and 'Bombshell'

In 2019, Charlize Theron starred in "Long Shot" and "Bombshell", receiving multiple award nominations for her role as Megyn Kelly in "Bombshell."

2019: Theron Discussed Her Method of Working on Roles

In 2019, Theron spoke about her method of working on roles. Creating a physical identity together with the emotional part of the character, she said, is a great tool.

May 2020: Superhero Film Release

In May 2020, Charlize Theron produced and starred in "The Old Guard."

2020: Starred in The Old Guard

In 2020, Charlize Theron starred in the commercially successful action film "The Old Guard".

2020: CTAOP Partners with Parfums Christian Dior

In 2020, Charlize Theron's CTAOP partnered with Parfums Christian Dior to create Dior Stands With Women, an initiative promoting female empowerment.

June 2021: Reprised Role in F9

In June 2021, Charlize Theron reprised her role as Cipher in "F9", after the initial release delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Starred in F9

In 2021, Charlize Theron starred in "F9", a part of the Fast & Furious franchise.

June 2022: Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award

On 22 June 2022, Charlize Theron received the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award for her commitment to raising awareness of HIV at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS fundraising gala.

2022: Appearance as Clea in the MCU

In 2022, Charlize Theron debuted as Clea in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with an appearance in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness".

2023: Fast X and Last Call

In 2023, Charlize Theron reprised her role as Cipher in Fast X and executive produced the HBO documentary series Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York.