Move over Scarlett Johansson. A “Monster” has come to take your place.
No, not the scary monster – the sexy “Monster” is the one. In fact, she’s now the holder of the title “Sexiest Woman Alive.”
Charlize Theron
The title now belongs to the South African actress and fashion model Charlize Theron, who is best known for her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in the film “Monster,” for which she won an Academy Award.
Theron (born August 7, 1975) is featured in the Oct. 16 cover of “Esquire” magazine.
Past winners of the title include Jessica Biel, Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson.
Moviegoers were first introduced to the seductive charm of Theron in her feature film debut, MGM’s “2 Days in the Valley.” Starring with James Spader, Eric Stoltz, and Jeff Daniels, it was the bizarre story of what happens to the lives of 10 people in the San Fernando Valley who cross paths over 48 hours. Theron played Helga, Spader’s partner and love interest, who can’t get enough of the danger that surrounds her. Even among an ensemble cast, Theron gave a standout performance.
In early 1997, Theron starred in Jonathan Lynn’s “Trial and Error” for New Line Cinema opposite Michael Richards and, “2 Days in the Valley” co-star, Jeff Daniels. In the fall of the same -year, she appeared on the big screen once again co-starring with Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves in the Warner Brothers thriller, “Devil’s Advocate.”
Extraordinary talent was all Tom Hanks needed to see to cast Theron in his directorial debut, “That Thing You Do!” The two time Academy Award-winning actor brought this story to film from the script he authored. It told the tale of a small town rock band, “The Wonders” and the hit song that brings them fame.
Theron has risen to the challenge of a variety of roles in a rather short period of time. This incredibly talented actress began her career as a model in her native South Africa. She worked extensively in fashion capitols such as Milan and Paris before coming to the U.S.
Audiences saw Theron star in Woody Allen’s Celebrity for which she received rave reviews. She starred opposite Johnny Depp in New Line Cinema’s “The Astronaut’s Wife.”
Theron played Candy Kendall in the widely acclaimed and Oscar- nominated “The Cider House Rules” by Miramax, which was based on the novel by John Irving. The same year she starred in John Frankenheimer’s “Reindeer Games” with Ben Affleck. Next, Theron played Adelle in Robert Redford’s “The Legend of Bagger Vance” with Will Smith and Matt Damon.