5 things you didn’t know about Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron, known for her exceptional beauty, has proven time and again that she possesses much more than just good looks. As an Academy Award-winning actress, Theron has showcased her talent and versatility in a diverse range of roles throughout her prolific career. From her iconic portrayal of the fierce and rebellious Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road to her chilling performance as the vengeful Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman, Theron has consistently impressed audiences. And now, in her latest film, Atomic Blonde, she captivates viewers as an undercover spy. Coinciding with the release of this action-packed movie, we uncover five intriguing facts about Charlize Theron that may surprise you. This was reported by SSPDaily.

1. English is her second language

Born in Benoni, South Africa, Theron grew up speaking Afrikaans, a dialect derived from Dutch. In an interesting twist, her grasp of English was quite limited until she ventured to the United States as a teenager to pursue a career in modeling. Only then did Theron become fluent in English and develop her recognizable American accent. She attained naturalized American citizenship in 2008, a milestone she had aspired to achieve for many years.

2. Correct pronunciation of her name

Throughout her career, many have mispronounced Theron's last name as "Theh-ron." However, the authentic South African pronunciation is actually akin to the word "thrown." Charlize clears up this common misconception during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, setting the record straight.

3. A coincidental encounter

Theron's journey to success in Hollywood is paved with an intriguing turn of events. When she first arrived in Hollywood at the age of 18, armed with only $400 and a worn-out suitcase, Theron relied on catalog modeling jobs to sustain herself. It was during a visit to a bank to cash her final paycheck from a modeling gig in New York that her life took an unexpected twist. Desperate for assistance in handling the out-of-state check, Theron pleaded with a bank teller for help. Little did she know that this interaction would turn into an impromptu audition in front of a talent agent, who later became her manager. That fortuitous encounter marked the beginning of Theron's rise in the film industry.

4. Narrowly escaping a notorious role

In a surprising revelation, director Paul Verhoeven disclosed that Theron came close to landing the lead role in the widely criticized 1995 film Showgirls. Despite Theron's lack of apprehension toward nudity, Verhoeven ultimately decided against casting her due to her relatively unknown status at the time. Theron acknowledges in retrospect that not being cast in the provocative film was a blessing in disguise and attributes her initial interest in the project to her admiration for Verhoeven, who had recently worked with renowned actress Sharon Stone.

5. Childhood admiration for Tom Hanks

Theron's on-screen success did not dampen her earlier adoration for beloved actor Tom Hanks. As a young girl, she watched Hanks's movies avidly and even referred to him as her "movie boyfriend." Theron vividly recalls attempting to imitate the female leading roles in Hanks's films during her childhood. Interestingly, fate brought them together on the set of Hanks's directorial debut, That Thing You Do! After wrapping up shooting, Theron, with fond memories of her childhood infatuation, requested Hanks's autograph on the movie's script. Hanks happily obliged and left her with a piece of advice: "Promise me you'll never do television." Theron humorously alludes to this anecdote while highlighting her subsequent success on the small screen.

Charlize Theron's remarkable story encompasses hurdles overcome, chance encounters, and a genuine love for her craft. Her stellar performances have solidified her place in the entertainment industry, and she continues to captivate audiences with her talent, versatility, and undeniable beauty.