Charlize Theron’s Mother Kills Her Father in Self-Defense

In a harrowing incident from her past, Charlize Theron's mother shot and killed her father in self-defense.

The Hollywood actress, known for playing strong female characters, is set to portray one of the women involved in the #MeToo movement in an upcoming film.

The events unfolded when Theron was just 15 years old.

One night, her intoxicated father came home and threatened to kill both her and her mother.

The incident took place during a time when Theron was growing up in South Africa under apartheid.

Theron's father, Charles Theron, had been drinking heavily with his brother and had already fired shots throughout the house.

He then proceeded to hold a gun to Theron's bedroom door, threatening to pull the trigger.

In a courageous act, her mother, Gerda Maritz, armed herself with her own handgun and fired, killing her husband in self-defense.

Theron's uncle was also injured by a gunshot during the altercation.

No charges were filed against Gerda, as her actions were deemed necessary for self-defense.

Theron has since spoken highly of her mother's bravery, crediting her for shaping her into the strong woman she is today.

For many years following the incident, Theron kept the true story hidden, often telling others that her father died in a car accident.

It wasn't until police reports made the details public that she opened up about the events that unfolded on that fateful night in 1991.

Reflecting on her childhood, Theron revealed that living with an alcoholic father caused her to live in constant fear.

She never knew what each day would bring and felt the weight of her father's addiction on her shoulders.

Despite her father's love for laughter and enjoyment of life, she sensed that something tragic was bound to happen.

Looking back, Theron believes that her mother's actions were justified and that she would have done the same in her shoes.

The actress has often portrayed strong women on screen, but she attributes her real-life courage to her mother's guidance and support.

Theron's close bond with her mother is evident, as they both have matching koi fish tattoos symbolizing perseverance and strength.

Theron credits her mother for instilling bravery in her and helping her navigate difficult decisions.

While the incident with her father had a lasting impact on Theron, she doesn't let it define her.

Instead, she focuses on the strength she gained from her mother's resilience.

However, she acknowledges that people often struggle to respond appropriately when they learn about her past.

Seeking therapy in her late twenties helped her deal with the constant state of hyper-vigilance she experienced due to her father's addiction.

Now a mother herself, Theron adopted her first child, Jackson, and cherishes the role of being a parent.

She believes that it is her duty to protect her children and provide them with the support they need to become who they want to be.

Theron's own experiences have shaped her parenting philosophy, and she aims to celebrate her children and give them the freedom to explore their identities.

In conclusion, Charlize Theron's mother's act of self-defense has played a significant role in shaping the Hollywood star into the courageous woman she is today.

Theron's personal journey, filled with triumph over adversity, serves as an inspiration to many.