Charlize's survival strategy
2004-03-10 11:27
Lizel Steenkamp
Johannesburg - Oscar winner Charlize Theron was unable to hide her tiredness on Tuesday after months of Monster fever.
Even one of her assistants acknowledged that from a publicity point of view, Charlize's visit to South Africa has been a "nightmare".
Seconds before Charlize arrived at the Westcliff Hotel's conference room, reporters were requested not to ask the same questions again.
While the photographers jostled for a better view, Charlize quickly took her seat behind the table and greeted everybody.
With her hands folded and her blond head slightly tilted to one side, she addressed her fifth media group for the morning.
It wasn't the same sparkling Theron who arrived in the country three days ago, but she didn't mind talking about her Oscar fame for another 15 minutes.
Too American?
She also talked about being criticised for being too American.
"I know exactly who I am and where I'm from. It hurts when people say these things."
The actress said it took years to acquire her American accent and to realise her dreams.
"It didn't happen overnight. I'm in trouble here about my accent. But you have to realise it has helped me to survive.
"If you are not prepared to adjust, it won't happen. It doesn't help to be stubborn, because there are 4 000 girls out there who are waiting in the queue."
She learnt how to separate her characters from her private life during the past ten years.
"My character in The devil's advocate was miserable. At that stage I was under the impression you shouldn't separate your character from your private life.
"I cut myself off from my family and my friends.
"With strict discipline, I've learnt since then to dig deep, but at the same time not to give up my life. You must get your head right and continue."
When not filming night and day, she likes to sit on the couch and do nothing. "Or I'll watch terrible movies or hang out with friends and eat pizza."
- Beeld