From Days in the Valley to Atomic Blonde, here are the renowned actress' top transformation moments.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/charlizeafrica/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charlize Theron</a> catapulted to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/actors-filmmakers-most-oscar-wins-in-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hollywood</a> stardom through high-profile roles in a bevy of memorable blockbuster <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/films-tv-shows-fashion-lovers-bridgerton-emily-in-paris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">films</a>. Known for her top-notch acting skills and ability to take on the most challenging roles, Theron began her career in the mid-1990s. After securing her first speaking role in 2 Days in the Valley, Theron became a forever mainstay on the big screen. Since her start, Theron has taken on a series of challenging roles that have required her to shapeshift&mdash;from striking villainess to housewife and everything in between. Whether it be playing an ice-cold leader in Prometheus or shifting styles in Snow White and the Huntsman, Theron has undoubtedly cemented herself as a leading <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/models-who-became-actresses-twiggy-sienna-miller" target="_blank" rel="noopener">actress</a> in Hollywood. In honor of Theron's 47th birthday,&nbsp;L'OFFICIEL rounds up the actress' most memorable movie transformations.

2 Days in the Valley (1996)

Based around the story of a murder-for-hire scheme, 2 Days in the Valley was Theron's first big speaking role. The thrilling movie saw Theron play the role of bombshell Helga Svelgen, who was the girlfriend of Dosmo Pizzo. The actress wore seductive outfits including <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/how-victorias-secret-got-replaced-body-postivie-lingerie-parade-savage-x-fenty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lingerie</a>, corsetry, and oh-so '90s <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/square-toe-heels-trend-2021-instagram" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heels</a>.

Celebrity follows the tumultuous and glamorous life of Lee Simon, an entertainment writer based in New York City. Throughout the classic film, Theron plays a leggy supermodel who interviews for a position with Simon. Whether it be long <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/hair-care-routines-maintain-glowing-blonde-color-purple-shampoo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blonde</a> locks or short <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/17-short-hair-styles-for-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pixie cuts</a>, Theron certainly nailed the role.

Head in the Clouds (2004)

Starring Guy Malyon, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/penelope-cruz-best-on-screen-fashion-moments-movies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Penelope Cruz</a>, and Theron, Head in the Clouds is a romantic drama set in the picturesque scenery of 1930s <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/justin-hailey-bieber-street-style-paris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris</a>. The South African actress stuns in a variety of flapper dresses, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/curly-hair-trends-2021-zendaya-rihanna" target="_blank" rel="noopener">curled hair</a>, and glamorous accessories.

Theron's short, dark hair flourishes throughout the sci-fi action film&mdash;a stark <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/celebrity-hair-transformations-april-color-bangs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">departure</a> from her usual blonde locks. The movie follows Theron's character as she navigates an apocalyptic world of action and mystery, made complete with sleek <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/easy-fix-messy-hair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accessories</a> and forward-thinking ready-to-wear.

In The Road, Theron returns to her natural <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/platinum-hair-dye-crisis-solution-trend-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blonde hair</a> while playing the wife of Viggo Mortensen in a series of flashbacks. Though Theron does not play a major role in the film, it marks an important transition in her transformative aesthetic as an actress.

Abandoning the unbridled glamour of The Road and Head in the Clouds, in Young Adult, Theron plays Mavis Gray, a teen writer returning to her hometown to find love and visit her favorite haunts. Theron's <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/hello-kitty-sanrio-wine-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hello Kitty</a> t-shirts and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/best-designer-moto-jackets-to-shop-fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oversized jackets</a> signify her character's desire to return to her teenage years.

Prometheus (2012)

Based on a team of explorers discovering the darkest parts of the universe, Prometheus is a must-watch sci-fi classic. Playing the role of Meredith Vickers, Theron dons a series of high-tech looks that are plucked out of an alternate universe.

Snow White and The Huntsman (2012)

With a star-studded cast including <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/kristen-stewart-behind-the-scenes-chanel-metiers-dart-pre-fall-2021campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kristen Stewart</a> and Chris Hemsworth, Snow White and The Huntsman became one of the most hotly anticipated films of 2012. Tasked with portraying the evil Queen Raveena, Theron sported a variety of elaborate <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/best-2021-red-carpet-awards-fashion-beauty-oscars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gowns</a>, accessories, and hair that coincided with the icy demeanor of her character.

Atomic Blonde&nbsp;(2017)

Playing the blonde bombshell Lorraine Broughton, Theron thrived throughout the thriller Atomic Blonde. While on a mission to uncover a list of double agents after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Theron sports a bevy of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/backless-dress-trend-summer-2021-instagram" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sexy separates</a> and rocks her now-iconic blonde hair.&nbsp;

In order to nail the role of journalist and reporter Megyn Kelly, Theron underwent a major transformation that included a stark haircut and lots of time in the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/leo-inspired-zodiac-makeup-looks-astrology-beauty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">makeup</a> chair. Theron's resemblance to Kelly was uncanny and helped Bombshell win&nbsp;an <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/where-do-oscar-winners-keep-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar Award</a> in 2019.

Mad Max: The Wasteland (2023)

Reprising her role in the award-winning film, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/charlize-theron-required-security-on-set-filming-mad-max-fury-road-tom-hardy-fight">Mad Max: Fury Road</a>&mdash; the actress's upcoming role in its sequel is highly anticipated. <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Set in an apocalyptic wasteland, Theron's character, Imperator Furiosa, must face an entirely new set of challenges after the tyrannical warlord is overthrown. With a rumored cast featuring <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/anya-taylor-joy-new-dior-ambassador">Anya Taylor-Joy</a>, Chris Hemsworth, and Tom Hardy&mdash; the actress's latest on-screen transformation is surely one to watch.

Charlize Theron's Best Movie Transformations

Tags

Related Articles

Film & TV

Discover the 32 Most Anticipated Movies of 2021

Film & TV

How the 2021 Oscars Will Look Different This Year

Fashion

The Best Films from Fashion Month Spring/Summer 2021

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

The 13 Most Outrageous Red Carpet Looks in Grammy History

Fashion

7 Jewelry Brands That Won't Tarnish at the Beach

Beauty

The Top 10 Must-Have Fenty Beauty Products

Beauty

Can't Get Your Hands on Rhode Beauty? Try these Dupes Instead.

Beauty

Why You Should Add Peptides to Your Skincare Routine

Beauty

8 Best Products and Tools for a Salon-Worthy At-Home Blowout

Men's

7 Men's Sneakers to Wear This Fall

Fashion

7 Fall Fashion Trends to Shop Now