Charlize Theron

I was raised with the idea that you can feel sorry for yourself, but then, get over it, because it doesn't get you anywhere.

Charlize Theron (born August 7, 1975) is a South African-American actress and film producer. She received an Academy Award as best actress for her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in the film Monster.

Quotes

• I was raised with the idea that you can feel sorry for yourself, but then, get over it, because it doesn't get you anywhere. … There was always this awareness that you have to be responsible for yourself in order to have what you want. And that meant "Be responsible with this little motorcycle that we're going to give you, because you're only five. If you're not, you're going to hurt yourself" -- which I did. My mom wasn't like, "Poor baby." She was like, "You do wheelies. That's what's going to happen." My mom's philosophy was, "If you get yourself in trouble, you've got to get yourself out of trouble."
  • Reader's Digest.com interview

• I grew up on a farm in South Africa, so I’ve always been surrounded by animals. I was raised by a mother who always had great compassion and respect toward animals. It was instilled in me. I grew up that way. So when I see dogs or other animals suffer, it’s just been something close to my heart.
  • "Charlize Theron Would Never Wear Her Dog", in peta2.com (18 July 2011)

• Athletes, spectators from every corner of the world, this is a message of peace by my beloved countryman Nelson Mandela: "Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference."
  Today this message seems more relevant than ever, so let these games be more than just sport, let them be a reminder of our common humanity, our respect for one another and a resounding call for peace everywhere.
  • Opening ceremony remarks at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as quoted in "2026 Milan Cortina Winter Opening Ceremony: Andrea Bocelli Performs, Cauldrons Are Lit and More Memorable Moments", Today (6 February 2026)

External links

• Official Site
• Charlize Theron on IMDb