History of Charlize Theron in Timeline
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. In 2016, Time magazine included her in their list of the 100 most influential people globally. She is known for her versatility and range in film.
November 1947: Birth of Charles Theron
Charlize Theron's father, Charles Theron, was born in November 1947.
1969: Original "The Italian Job" Release
The original British film "The Italian Job" was released in 1969.
August 1975: Birth of Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, Transvaal Province (Gauteng Province since 1994), South Africa in August 1975.
August 1975: Birth of Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, Transvaal Province (now Gauteng Province), South Africa in August 1975.
1989: Atomic Blonde setting
The events depicted in "Atomic Blonde," starring Charlize Theron as a spy, unfold in 1989 during the collapse of the Berlin Wall.
June 1991: Death of Charles Theron
Charlize Theron's father, Charles Theron, died in June 1991.
June 1991: Death of Charles Theron
Charlize Theron's father, Charles Theron, died in June 1991. The circumstances surrounding his death involved self-defense by Theron's mother during an altercation.
1994: Theron Moves to Los Angeles
Charlize Theron moved to Los Angeles in 1994 to pursue a career in the film industry.
1994: Gauteng Province Established
Gauteng Province, where Theron was born, was established in 1994.
1995: Theron Begins Dating Craig Bierko
Charlize Theron and Craig Bierko began dating in 1995.
1995: Film Debut in "Children of the Corn III"
Charlize Theron made her film debut with a non-speaking role in "Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest" in 1995.
1996: First Speaking Role in "2 Days in the Valley"
Theron landed her first speaking role in the film "2 Days in the Valley" in 1996.
1997: Breakthrough Role in "The Devil's Advocate"
Theron's breakout role came in 1997 with the film "The Devil's Advocate."
1997: Theron and Bierko's Relationship Ends
Charlize Theron and Craig Bierko's relationship ended in 1997.
1997: Breakthrough Role in "The Devil's Advocate"
Charlize Theron gained international recognition in 1997 for her performance in "The Devil's Advocate," starring alongside Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino.
1998: "Mighty Joe Young" Release
Theron starred in "Mighty Joe Young" in 1998.
1998: "Mighty Joe Young" Release
Theron starred in the adventure film "Mighty Joe Young" in 1998.
January 1999: Vanity Fair Cover
Charlize Theron appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair in January 1999.
May 1999: Playboy Cover and Lawsuit
Theron appeared on the cover of Playboy in May 1999, leading to a lawsuit over the unauthorized use of earlier photos.
1999: "The Cider House Rules" and Rise to Prominence
In 1999, Theron appeared in "The Cider House Rules" further solidifying her status as a leading actress.
2000: Roles in Multiple Films
Charlize Theron appeared in several films in 2000, including "Reindeer Games," "The Yards," "The Legend of Bagger Vance," and "Men of Honor."
October 2001: Theron and Stephan Jenkins Breakup
In October 2001, Charlize Theron and Stephan Jenkins ended their three-year relationship.
2001: Theron and Stuart Townsend Begin Relationship
Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend began their relationship in 2001 after meeting on the set of "Trapped."
2001: "Sweet November" and "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion" Releases
Theron starred in "Sweet November" and "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion" in 2001.
2002: Aileen Wuornos' Execution
Aileen Wuornos, the serial killer portrayed by Theron in "Monster", was executed in Florida in 2002.
2002: "Trapped" Release
Theron appeared in the film "Trapped" in 2002.
2003: Academy Award for "Monster"
Charlize Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2003 for her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in "Monster."
2003: Monster Release and Acclaim
In 2003, Charlize Theron starred as Aileen Wuornos in "Monster", earning critical acclaim for her performance.
2003: "The Italian Job" Release
Theron starred in the remake of "The Italian Job" in 2003.
February 2004: Academy Award for Best Actress
In February 2004, Charlize Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in the film "Monster" (2003).
2004: J'adore advertisements
Charlize Theron signed a deal with John Galliano and Christian Dior in 2004 to become the spokeswoman for J'Adore, replacing Tiiu Kuik.
2004: The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
In 2004, Theron garnered Golden Globe Award and Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her role as Britt Ekland in "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers".
September 2005: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and North Country Acclaim
On September 30, 2005, Charlize Theron received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also received critical acclaim and award nominations for her performance in "North Country".
October 2005: Raymond Weil Campaign Begins
Charlize Theron's image was used in a worldwide print media advertising campaign for Raymond Weil watches, starting in October 2005.
2005: Arrested Development and Æon Flux
In 2005, Theron appeared in "Arrested Development" and starred in "Æon Flux," also doing voice work for the video game, earning a Spike Video Game Award.
2005: Academy Award Nomination for "North Country"
Theron received another Academy Award nomination in 2005 for her role in "North Country."
February 2006: Lawsuit by Raymond Weil
Raymond Weil filed a lawsuit against Theron and her production company for breach of contract in February 2006.
December 2006: Raymond Weil Campaign Ends
Theron's campaign with Raymond Weil concluded in December 2006.
2006: Highest-Paid Actress Recognition
In 2006, Charlize Theron was listed among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood by The Hollywood Reporter, following her Oscar win.
2007: Theron Becomes US Citizen
Charlize Theron became an American citizen in 2007, while retaining her South African citizenship.
2007: CTAOP Founded
Charlize Theron established the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007 to support African youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
2007: Charlize Theron Becomes US Citizen
In 2007, Charlize Theron became a naturalized citizen of the United States while retaining her South African citizenship.
2007: In the Valley of Elah and Sleepwalking
In 2007, Theron starred in "In the Valley of Elah" and produced and starred in "Sleepwalking".
November 2008: Settlement with Raymond Weil
The lawsuit between Charlize Theron and Raymond Weil was settled in November 2008.
2008: UN Messenger of Peace
Charlize Theron was designated a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2008, recognized for her dedication to improving the lives of women and children in South Africa and her efforts to prevent violence against women and girls.
2008: Theron Discusses Knee Injury
In 2008, Theron publicly discussed the knee injury that ended her ballet career.
2008: The Burning Plain, Hancock, and UN Messenger of Peace
In 2008, 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: "The Burning Plain" Release and Production
Theron starred in and produced "The Burning Plain" in 2008.
2008: "Hancock" Release
Theron starred in the action film "Hancock" in 2008.
May 2009: Same-Sex Marriage Support
Charlize Theron participated in a march and rally supporting same-sex marriage in Fresno, California, in May 2009.
July 2009: Theron Diagnosed with Stomach Virus
In July 2009, Charlize Theron was diagnosed with a serious stomach virus believed to have been contracted overseas.
December 2009: 2010 FIFA World Cup Draw Co-Host
On December 4, 2009, Theron co-presented the draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.
December 2009: CTAOP and Toms Shoes Partnership
In December 2009, CTAOP collaborated with Toms Shoes to create a limited edition unisex shoe, with proceeds benefiting CTAOP and shoes donated to children in need.
2009: Theron and Townsend Breakup
Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend ended their relationship in late 2009.
2010: The Road and Astro Boy Release
Theron's films "The Road" and "Astro Boy" were released in 2009 (prior to the World Cup draw) with the latter featuring Theron in a voice role
June 2011: Advocacy for Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage
Theron reiterated her support for same-sex marriage in a June 2011 interview, emphasizing the need for federal legalization.
2011: Young Adult Acclaim
In 2011, Theron returned to film with "Young Adult", receiving critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
2011: "Young Adult" Release
Theron starred in Jason Reitman's comedy-drama "Young Adult" in 2011.
March 2012: Theron Adopts First Daughter
Charlize Theron adopted her first daughter in March 2012.
2012: Snow White and the Huntsman and Prometheus
In 2012, Theron played villainous roles in "Snow White and the Huntsman" and "Prometheus."
2012: "Snow White and the Huntsman" and "Prometheus" Releases
Theron appeared in two major films in 2012: "Snow White and the Huntsman" and "Prometheus."
December 2013: Theron and Sean Penn Begin Relationship
Charlize Theron and Sean Penn began dating in December 2013.
March 2014: Fame and Philanthropy Event
CTAOP was among the charities that benefited from the Fame and Philanthropy fundraising event in March 2014, held during the 86th Academy Awards.
May 2014: Saturday Night Live Host
On May 10, 2014, Theron hosted Saturday Night Live.
2014: UN "Stop Rape Now" Campaign
In 2014, Charlize Theron participated in the UN's "Stop Rape Now" program, recording a public service announcement.
June 2015: Theron and Penn's Relationship Ends
Charlize Theron and Sean Penn ended their relationship in June 2015.
July 2015: Theron Adopts Second Daughter
Charlize Theron adopted her second daughter in July 2015.
September 2015: Open Letter for Women's Focus in Development Funding
In September 2015, Theron signed an open letter advocating for a focus on women in development funding, addressed to leaders of the G7 and AU.
2015: "Dark Places" Release and Production
Theron starred in and produced "Dark Places" in 2015.
2015: "Mad Max: Fury Road" Release
Theron starred in the critically acclaimed action film "Mad Max: Fury Road" in 2015.
2015: Dark Places and Mad Max: Fury Road
In 2015, Theron starred in "Dark Places" and received acclaim for her role as Imperator Furiosa in "Mad Max: Fury Road."
2016: Theron Stars in Penn's Film "The Last Face"
In 2016, Charlize Theron starred in Sean Penn's film, "The Last Face," which was filmed while they were still a couple.
2016: The Huntsman: Winter's War, The Last Face, Kubo and the Two Strings, Brain on Fire, and Time 100
In 2016, 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," produced "Brain on Fire," and was named one of Time's 100 most influential people.
2016: Theron Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2016, Time magazine recognized Charlize Theron as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
August 2017: Donation to Life Choices
During a visit to South Africa with Trevor Noah in August 2017, Charlize Theron 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 over $6.3 million to support African organizations combating HIV/AIDS.
2017: "The Fate of the Furious" and "Atomic Blonde" Releases
In 2017, Theron appeared in "The Fate of the Furious" and "Atomic Blonde."
2017: The Fate of the Furious and Atomic Blonde
In 2017, Charlize Theron took on two contrasting roles. She starred as the cyberterrorist Cipher in "The Fate of the Furious" and as a spy in "Atomic Blonde," set in 1989 Berlin. "The Fate of the Furious" achieved significant commercial success, grossing $1.2 billion worldwide.
2018: Tully, Gringo, and A Private War
In 2018, Theron showcased her versatility in three films. She played an overwhelmed mother in "Tully," the president of a pharmaceutical corporation in "Gringo," and produced the war drama "A Private War."
2018: Breitling Cinema Squad and New Dior J'adore Ad
Theron appeared in a new advertisement for Dior J'adore in 2018. She also joined the Breitling Cinema Squad as a brand ambassador alongside Brad Pitt, Daniel Wu, and Adam Driver in 2018.
2018: Speech at International AIDS Conference
Theron delivered a speech on AIDS prevention at the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam in 2018.
2018: "Tully" Release
Theron starred in Jason Reitman's comedy-drama "Tully" in 2018.
2018: Theron Discusses Therapy and Apartheid
In 2018, Charlize Theron revealed that she underwent therapy in her thirties due to anger stemming from growing up during apartheid in South Africa.
March 2019: Long Shot Premiere
The romantic comedy "Long Shot," starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen, premiered at South by Southwest in March 2019.
April 2019: Theron Reveals Daughter Jackson is Transgender
In April 2019, Charlize Theron publicly revealed that her daughter, Jackson, is transgender.
May 2019: Long Shot Release
"Long Shot," featuring Charlize Theron as the U.S. Secretary of State, was released in May 2019.
2019: Theron Discusses Acting Process
In 2019, Theron spoke about her method acting, emphasizing the importance of both physical and emotional preparation for roles.
2019: Academy Award Nomination for "Bombshell"
Theron received her third Academy Award nomination in 2019 for her portrayal of Megyn Kelly in "Bombshell."
2019: "Long Shot" Release and Production
Theron starred in and produced "Long Shot" in 2019.
May 2020: F9 Initial Release Date
"F9," in which Theron reprised her role as Cipher, was initially slated for release in May 2020 before being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: "The Old Guard" Release
Theron starred in the action film "The Old Guard" in 2020.
2020: Dior Stands With Women
CTAOP partnered with Parfums Christian Dior in 2020 to launch the "Dior Stands With Women" initiative, promoting female empowerment.
2020: Theron Inducts Depeche Mode into Hall of Fame
In 2020, Charlize Theron presented Depeche Mode at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2020: Theron Presents Tom Hanks with Cecil B. DeMille Award
Charlize Theron presented Tom Hanks with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2020. Hanks revealed a mutual admiration for Theron's career.
June 2021: F9 Delayed Release
Following a delay due to the pandemic, "F9," starring Charlize Theron, was released in June 2021.
2021: "F9" Release
Theron appeared in "F9" in 2021.
June 2022: Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award
Charlize Theron and Sheryl Lee Ralph were announced as recipients of the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award in June 2022.
2022: Doctor Strange, The School for Good and Evil, The Boys
In 2022, Charlize Theron appeared in several projects. Her role as Clea in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was revealed in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." She also starred in "The School for Good and Evil" and made a cameo appearance in "The Boys."
2023: Fast X and Last Call
In 2023, Theron continued her role as Cipher in "Fast X" and executive produced the documentary series "Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York."
2023: "Fast X" Release
Theron reprised her role in the "Fast & Furious" franchise with "Fast X" in 2023.
June 2024: End of Dior J'Adore Campaign
Dior announced that Charlize Theron's role as the face of J'Adore would conclude and Rihanna will become the new face in June 2024.