Charlize Theron is an undeniable A-list star, a consummate professional, and an acclaimed thespian.

She’s taken on challenging roles that allow her to subvert the expectations typically directed toward breathtakingly beautiful women.

I had jaundice, and I was allergic to my mom’s breast milk.

Charlize Theron on the red carpet

It took them a really long time to figure that out.

So the sicker I was getting, the more antibiotics they were giving me."

“I wasn’t in the popular crowd.

Charlize Theron on the red carpet

There was a really popular girl at school and I was obsessed with her.

I actually got a lot of the mean girl stuff from the ages of 7 to 12.

I was pretty much a mess in primary school.”

Charlize Theron with a pixie cut

He took a step back and just shot through the door three times.

None of the bullets ever hit us, which is just a miracle."

She studied abroad, working as a model to survive and throwing herself into learning ballet.

Charlize Theron and her mom, Gerda

Theron said she’d never given any real thought to a “plan B” besides ballet.

“I’ve been a bit MIA lately, but I have a good excuse I swear.

I started a dance studio!”

Charlize Theron at a gala

However, despite the struggles, she keeps on showing up.

Charlize Theron smiles for cameras