Charlize Theron Biography and Pictures

She is reputed to speak at least parts of 28 languages, but her first language is Afrikaans, and her second language is English.

Theron was educated as a ballet dancer and has danced in both Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. She travelled to Europe and the United States, where she was accepted at the Joffrey Ballet in New York. She was also able to work as a photo model. However, an injured knee put a halt to her dancing career.

At the age of 18 she moved to Los Angeles without knowing anyone in the city but after two weeks when she was standing in line on Hollywood Boulevard an agent gave her his card. After eight months in the city she got her first part.

In his December 7, 2003 review of the film "Monster," most respected film critic, Roger Ebert proclaimed that Ms. Theron's performance in the film's lead role was one of the greatest performances in the history of film. Ebert added that if she did did not win the Oscar for best actress, then the award should be cancelled.  She did indeed win Best Actress at the 76th Academy Awards in February 2004, as well as the SAG Award and the Golden Globe Award. She is the first South African to win the Best Actress Academy Award.

Theron is the current spokeswoman for Dior perfume.

She currently resides in Los Angeles with her long-term boyfriend Stuart Townsend.