Charlize Theron Shares the Night Her Mother Fatally Shot Her Father: ‘I’m Not Ashamed’

Actress Charlize Theron has revealed the details of the night her mother took the life of her father in an act of self-defense.

In a candid interview with NPR, the 44-year-old Bombshell star recounted the events that unfolded when she was just 15 years old.

Theron explained that her father, Charles Theron, had become intoxicated and was threatening both her and her mother, Gerda, on a fateful night in June 1991.

Theron recalled, “My father was so drunk that he shouldn't have been able to walk when he came into the house with a gun.

My mom and I were in my bedroom, leaning against the door because he was trying to push through.”

She continued, “So both of us were leaning against the door from the inside to prevent him from entering.

He took a step back and fired three shots through the door.”

Remarkably, none of the bullets struck Theron or her mother.

“It's nothing short of a miracle,” she admitted.

In order to protect herself and her daughter, Gerda made the difficult decision to shoot her husband.

Theron clarified, “But it was an act of self-defense.

That's why no charges were filed against Gerda.”

This traumatic experience left a lasting impact on the Oscar-winning actress.

She expressed, “The family violence, this type of violence that occurs within the family, is something that I share with many others.”

“I'm not ashamed to discuss it because I believe that the more we talk about these issues, the more we realize that we are not alone,” Theron added.

“For me, this story has always been about growing up with addicts and the effects it has on a person.”

Theron described her father as a “very sick man” and revealed that he had battled alcoholism throughout her life.

“I only knew him as an alcoholic,” she shared.

“It was a hopeless situation.

Our family was trapped in it.

The day-to-day unpredictability of living with an addict is something that stays with you for the rest of your life, beyond just this one incident.”

The actress acknowledged the unhealthy dynamics within her family and how they had left lasting scars.

She stated, “I wish that night had never occurred.

Unfortunately, it's what happens when the root causes of these issues are not addressed.”

Theron has been open about her father's death and her mother's involvement in the past.

In fact, during Elle's 2018 Women in Hollywood event, she credited her mother with instilling bravery in her.

“I am fortunate to have had a wonderful mom who encouraged me to be courageous,” Theron expressed.

“I don't know who I would have become without her guidance.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org.

The hotline provides confidential assistance and is available 24/7 in over 170 languages.