Charlize Theron’s initiation into Hollywood was more by force than by choice. It was her mother’s decision through and through, who was compelling enough to buy her a one-way ticket to LA to have her try to make it in Hollywood.

Fortunately, Theron did make it, but in the process, she may have hurt not only herself but her budding career prospects. However, like a fairy godmother, Patty Jenkins was right there to supply the situation with enough hope to last her through what came next. 

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron Reveals Patty Jenkins’ Early Advice

While filming the 2003 biographical movie based on the tragic life and death of Aileen Wuornos, one of America’s first and most notorious female serial killers, Charlize Theron’s performance was fuelled by the coinciding dates of her film and the day of her real-life counterpart’s death by capital punishment.

The need to break out of a stereotype that assigned her to roles that either demanded her to be half-naked in just lingerie and pose for a billboard on Sunset Boulevard or get roles that had her merely as the wife or the dying love interest, further drove Theron to prove herself. 

Charlize Theron in Monster (2003)

When Patty Jenkins came along, things began to change. She trusted Theron enough to direct her in an Academy Award-winning role. But the process was a difficult one:

I remember one night, three weeks in, our financier calls. He had obviously tried Patty first, but I was stupid enough to pick up the phone at 3 a.m. He was like, “I just got the dailies and you’re so fat and so ugly and you never smile.” [To play serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, Theron shaved her eyebrows and gained 30 pounds.] I was like, “Oh my God.” And I called Patty and she goes, “Don’t fucking listen to that.” That was the first time I heard a woman go, “Fuck them,” and it was a rebellion that I never knew before.

When asked if this was the reason why she wanted to become a producer, Theron claimed, “To protect Patty [Jenkins,] actually.” Since then, there has hardly been any looking back. 

Charlize Theron on Why She Wanted To Be a Producer

To work in cinema, one of the most influential and enduring forms of art and expression also means to be aware of the primarily male-dominated sphere that operates the vehicle.

More than one actress has stated how their presence on a set was dictated by 30-odd men at a time with there being hardly any progress as to female producers. But Theron’s role in the 2003 film was the first time she introduced herself to the world of production and all that it entailed. 

Charlize Theron in The Old Guard

Soon after, she went on to launch her own production company, Denver & Delilah, that helped several projects take off the ground, including Netflix’s Mindhunter and her action blockbuster, The Old Guard. The actor has already completed wrapping up the filming of The Old Guard sequel as people wait for its release with high anticipation.