Charlize Theron, the 49-year-old acclaimed actress and producer, recently shared an amusing yet candid insight into her children's perception of her illustrious career during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on May 8, 2025. Despite her status as an Oscar-winning actress, her two daughters, Jackson, 12, and August, 7, seem largely unimpressed by their mother's accolades.
During the interview, Theron humorously remarked, "My children have zero respect for me. It’s just unbelievable. I feel like I’m pretty humble, but every once in a while I’m like, 'there’s a f*****g Oscar right there.' They are so not impressed with me." The audience erupted in laughter as she recounted a recent experience that highlighted her daughters' indifference to her fame.
Theron recalled picking up August from dance class on May 7, 2025, when they passed a billboard featuring Tom Cruise in a dramatic pose from his film Mission Impossible. She explained, "I was picking up my youngest from dance yesterday and we drove past that new Mission Impossible poster, where Tom Cruise is hanging onto some yellow plane, and he just looks really cool." In contrast, despite her own impressive work in action films, including her latest project, The Old Guard 2, her daughter was more captivated by Cruise's image.
"My kids were with me when I shot Old Guard 2, and I worked on this incredibly intricate sequence where we brought in this amazing helicopter pilot, Fred North, and we were gonna choreograph this incredible me fighting helicopters and jumping on this real helicopter and hanging off," Theron elaborated. She noted that the filming of this sequence took nearly two weeks, showcasing her dedication to her craft. However, her daughter bluntly commented, "It’s weird, he looks so much cooler than you did when you were hanging off the helicopter." Theron jokingly responded, "I hung off the helicopter, [can I have] some credit?"
Despite the light-hearted banter, Theron's reflections also shed light on her journey as a single mother. She adopted Jackson in 2012 and August in 2015, making motherhood a priority in her life. In a previous interview with People in 2018, she expressed that adoption was always her first choice for building a family. "Even when I was in relationships, I was always honest with my partners that adoption was how my family would look one day. This was definitely not a second option for me. It was always my first," she stated.
Theron has often spoken about the importance of raising her daughters with a strong sense of identity. She emphasized, "I want them to know who they are, and I want them to be so [expletive] proud of who they are. Building confidence for them right now is an oath I made to myself when I brought them home." She is acutely aware of the different challenges her daughters may face compared to her own experiences, noting, "They're going to have to know that it's a different climate for them than it is for me, and how unfair that is. If I can do something about that, of course I'm going to."
As for her professional life, Theron continues to be a force in Hollywood. She made history as the first South African actress to win an Oscar when she took home the Best Actress award for her role in the 2003 drama Monster. Her upcoming film, The Old Guard 2, is set to launch globally on Netflix on July 2, 2025. Directed by Victoria Mahoney, the film centers on Theron's character, Andromache of Scythia, as she grapples with her newfound mortality while preparing to face a mysterious foe, portrayed by Uma Thurman.
In addition to her acting career, Theron has made headlines for her glamorous appearances and fashion choices. On the night of her Kimmel appearance, she dazzled in a black blazer dress paired with a sheer floor-length skirt, complete with black open-toe sandals and silver tear-drop earrings, showcasing her style and confidence.
Reflecting on her life as a single mother, Theron acknowledged the challenges of parenting, stating, "(Being) a parent in general is hard; when you’re in it, you're like, 'I'm never going to survive this.' And then you get to the other side, you're like, 'Oh my God, this is amazing. I can’t believe I did that.'" Her honesty about the trials and triumphs of motherhood resonates with many, offering a glimpse into the life of a high-profile actress balancing career and family.
As Charlize Theron continues to shine in her career, her children remain her most significant critics, providing a humorous reminder that no matter how famous one becomes, the role of a parent often comes with its own unique set of challenges and realities. The juxtaposition of her Hollywood success and her children's indifference serves as a relatable narrative for many parents navigating the complexities of family life.
