20 Things You Didn't Know About Charlize Theron
8. Political And Social Activism
As her fame rose, she became more outspoken. Never one to shy away from the microphone and voice her opinions, she had access to new and wider platforms through the Hollywood press and the United Nations. A year before she was designated a UN Messenger of Peace, she founded the Charlize Theron African Outreach Program which focused on supported African youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
She has also recorded PSAs combating violence against women for Stop Rape Now and fought for women's rights, marching in pro-choice rallies.
In addition to work against these issues, she's also an avid supporter of PETA.
Theron was one of the notable actresses who refused to marry her once-longtime boyfriend Stuart Townsend until gay marriage was legalized in the U.S. This was an issue she spoke passionately about, but not in an intrusive, Lena Dunham-esque way. Instead, she merely mentioned it on an episode of the long cancelled CNN show Piers Morgan Tonight. She framed it as an intensely personal choice, not a political one, as she had many friends who were gay and lesbian who so desperately wanted to get married, but could not. Said Theron, "I wouldn't be able to sleep with myself."