Charlize Theron on Turning 50: ‘Life’s Going to Be OK’

A photo shows Charlize Theron, wearing a black blazer and partially see-through black top, attending the premiere of 'The Old Guard 2' in Los Angeles.

Charlize Theron attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's 'The Old Guard 2' at Netflix Tudum Theater on June 25. Theron says she is looking forward to turning 50.

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Actress Charlize Theron is turning 50 on August 7, and she couldn’t be happier about it.

Theron recently chatted with USA Today about taking her mother’s lead when it comes to aging and what it’s like being an older actress in Hollywood these days.

“I told my mom that I was looking forward to 50, and she said, ‘Oh, honey, it gets so much better when you hit your 70s,’” Theron shared with the publication. “So, yeah, I feel like I got lucky with good genes. I think life’s going to be OK for me from here on out.”

Theron also talked in the interview about embracing who she is, including her own style. “Listen, I wore fishnets last night because I felt awesome in them, and that’s where I’m heading right now; it’s like, I don’t give a ...” The actress emphasized that she has “no more time to pretend to live my life for other people.”

A photo shows Charlize Theron in the 2020 film 'The Old Guard.'

Charlize Theron stars in 'The Old Guard' (2020).

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Theron, who has been one of the most recognizable faces on the big screen for more than two decades, says the number of roles available to women has improved, but there is still work to be done.

“Early on as an actor, if I heard that Gwyneth [Paltrow] or Cameron [Diaz] or any of my generation got cast, I didn’t even bother to look at the script again because I figured the one role was taken.… There are so many talented women, but so few opportunities. But that said, it feels better these days, more inclusive. It feels like you’re not alone out there; that’s the best way I can put it,” Theron said.

Theron has been in numerous box office films, including Men of Honor (2000), The Italian Job (2003), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and The Fate of the Furious (2017). As a producer, she’s been at the helm of television and film projects such as Hatfields & McCoys (2013), The Old Guard (2020) and The Old Guard 2 (2025).

AARP recently named the Academy Award winner one of the 12 Greatest Female Movie Action Heroes for her role as fearless leader Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road.