Charlize Theron recalls growing up around addiction ahead of new film release

Charlize Theron opened up about her difficult upbringing, sharing candid details about her late father and the challenges she faced growing up in South Africa.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actress described her father, Charles Jacobus Theron, as a “full-blown functioning drunk,” offering a stark glimpse into her early home environment.

Theron recalled that many of her childhood memories were shaped by exposure to alcohol-fueled situations.

“Most of my memories of my childhood are of drunk people,” she said, describing scenes that often felt chaotic and unsettling.

She remembered weekends in particular, when heavy drinking would lead to people “on the floor” or “crawling,” experiences that left a lasting impact.

The actress said her father struggled with alcoholism and would sometimes disappear for periods of time, only to return in a severe state.

“It would get messy and loud,” she shared, adding that his behavior created a tense and unpredictable atmosphere at home.

Theron also spoke about her mother’s strong stance during those years, noting that she was vocal about her unhappiness with the situation, which often led to verbal conflict in the household.

While she clarified that her father was not physically abusive toward her, she said his actions, including driving under the influence, were deeply concerning.

As a precaution, Theron's mother eventually enrolled her in boarding school, a decision that provided some distance from the instability at home.

The actress later left South Africa at 16 to pursue modeling opportunities in Europe, a move that marked the beginning of her journey toward an international career in entertainment.

Now 50, Theron continues to reflect on her past with honesty as she balances a thriving career. She is set to appear next in the upcoming Netflix survival thriller Apex, scheduled for release on April 24.