Charlize Theron has long been known for her transformative performances in film, but her recent comments reveal that her inspirations extend beyond the screen. In a candid discussion, Theron shared how legendary actor Jack Nicholson influenced her portrayal of Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman. She drew parallels between her character's descent into madness and Nicholson's iconic role as Jack Torrance in The Shining, highlighting how the themes of confinement and psychological turmoil resonate deeply in both performances.
In her reflection, Theron noted, "I move a lot in this film. It was important for me to get across this sense of urgency. I think it was also that I needed to find out why my character, Queen Ravenna, was going mad. At first, I didn’t really understand why she was evil or losing her mind, but once I understood that it wasn’t just the fact that her mortality relied upon finding Snow White, and that knowing that and not being able to do anything and being stuck in a castle... Well, I think that would be maddening for somebody like her." This insight reveals the depths to which Theron delved into her character, emphasizing the psychological strain that can come from isolation.
She further elaborated on the physicality of her role, stating, "A lot of that is in the movie. She has areas in the castle where she has more energy, like in this ‘fire’ room where her mirror is, so she spends a lot of time there. And the moment that she does become still is really heartbreaking because it’s almost like watching an animal that should never be still, like a wild cat, become still. It just doesn’t feel right." This vivid description underscores the emotional landscape that Theron navigated to bring Ravenna to life.
Meanwhile, Theron's culinary adventures have also captured public attention. In a recent appearance on The Late Show, she expressed her newfound love for Spanish cuisine, particularly croquettes. The 49-year-old actress joked about the possibility of marrying the beloved dish, stating, "Is it legal to marry food in Spain?" to which host David Letterman quipped, "I think you could probably marry a croquette if you wanted to." Her humor and enthusiasm for Spanish food reflect her vibrant personality and willingness to embrace new experiences.
Theron described her culinary journey through Spain, praising the local tapas, which include tortillas, paellas, and fresh seafood. She reminisced about a seven-hour train ride to Sevilla, sharing amusing anecdotes about the journey's peculiarities, saying, "Some of the trains were spotless, others were… well, rough. But I loved the rough ones – they’re the last places you’d expect to find Charlize Theron." This playful attitude showcases her down-to-earth nature and ability to find joy in even the simplest experiences.
In the realm of motherhood, actress Connie Britton has spoken highly of Theron's influence as a fellow single mom. Britton, who stars in the upcoming Hallmark Channel reality series, The Motherhood, revealed that she often thinks about Theron as she navigates her own parenting journey. She commented, "Charlize and I are both single moms and actually both have adopted kids. So it was really helpful to talk to her kind of in the early days. She’s just such a badass and she is so, so brave as a mother." This acknowledgment highlights the supportive network that exists among Hollywood mothers.
Britton, who adopted her son Eyob "Yoby" from Ethiopia in 2011, noted that while she can't pinpoint specific advice from Theron, her overall presence and energy as a mother have been inspiring. "Just watching her in action made me feel like you can do it and you can still have a strong sense of self and you can still raise your kids and let them feel completely supported and completely parented and completely seen — and you can do the same for yourself. You know, she really set that example for me," Britton explained.
As a single mother herself, Britton understands the challenges that come with balancing work and family responsibilities. She shared her experience of feeling overwhelmed during the early years of motherhood while working long hours on set. "I realized that that was one of the things that still sticks out to me is when you first become a parent, the learning curve of, ‘Oh, I need to think about things differently now and I need to make choices differently now because now I am thinking for a whole other person who can’t think for themselves,’" she reflected.
Through The Motherhood, Britton aims to create a support system for single parents and change the cultural narrative surrounding them. "I’m hopeful that this show is going to kind of help contribute to reshaping how we think about single parents and maybe look out for each other a little bit more in our communities and say, ‘Oh, I would love to lend a hand to this person,’" she said. Her commitment to uplifting fellow mothers resonates strongly within the industry, where collaboration and support are crucial.
As Mother’s Day approaches, Britton plans to celebrate with friends and their children, sharing her love for good food and quality time. "I love a good meal. Maybe, you know, love a glass of rosé," she laughed, highlighting the importance of self-care even amid the demands of motherhood.
Both Charlize Theron and Connie Britton exemplify the strength and resilience of women in Hollywood, navigating the complexities of their careers while raising children. Their stories reflect a powerful message of support, community, and the importance of finding joy in life's simple pleasures.
