Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Charlize Theron Reveals Mother's Self-Defense Shooting in 1991

4/21/2026

48 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Charlize Theron, the actor, revealed in an interview with The New York Times that, in 1991, her mother Gerda fatally shot her father Charles in self-defense.
Theron, then 15, described the escalating tension after returning from a movie when her father, who struggled with alcoholism, became violent.
The incident prompted Gerda to retrieve a gun, strengthening Theron's sense of bond with her mother.

1 of 1

Story summary

Charlize Theron, the actor, revealed in an interview with The New York Times that, in 1991, her mother Gerda fatally shot her father Charles in self-defense.
Theron, then 15, described the escalating tension after returning from a movie when her father, who struggled with alcoholism, became violent.
The incident prompted Gerda to retrieve a gun, strengthening Theron's sense of bond with her mother.