Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Woman of the Week - Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron has two huge movies coming out this month, and I really want to see one of them: "Snow White and the Huntsman." "Prometheus," not so much. I have recently seen several interviews with Theron, and she is extremely articulate and poised. She also seems to have a great sense of humor.

Theron first grabbed my attention playing Aileen Wuornos in the movie "Monster." Wuornos was the first known female serial killer in America. I wrote a paper about Aileen Wuornos in college, and she had a very hard life. Wuornos was raised by her grandmother because her mother abandoned her when she was four years old. Her father, a child-molester, hanged himself in prison. Wuornos first started working as a prostitute when she was only 14 years old. Theron also had a hard time at home when she was young. Her father was shot and killed by her mother when Charlize was only 15 years old. He was an alcoholic, and he had physically attacked and threatened Charlize's mother while he was drunk. Her mother did not face any charges because the shooting was legally considered self-defense.

After seeing "Monster," I realized what a versatile actress Theron can be. I was so impressed with her portrayal of Wuornos, and I was glad that she wasn't afraid to appear unattractive in a movie. For her role in "Monster," Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2004. She also won a SAG award and a Golden Globe for this same role. She was the first South African to win an Oscar for best actress.

Theron is involved with several women's organizations, and she has marched at pro-choice rallies. She also has an Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which helps keep African youth safe from HIV/AIDS. I am so impressed with Charlize Theron's career and charitable work. Even though she had a difficult childhood, she was able to become a successful and strong woman.

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