Lessons Learned

Charlize Theron

Oscar® winner Charlize Theron credits her mother, Gerda, for keeping her grounded. "I don't like creating unnecessary drama in my life," Charlize says. "I like things very simple and very peaceful, and I like to surround myself by people like that. And I think that [my] moral compass comes from the way I was raised. ... The great thing that she really encouraged when I was young was to think for myself."