Charlize: Proudly South African
2004-03-08 07:01
Johannesburg - "I have always been proud about being a South African." These are the words of Oscar winner Charlize Theron about her South African roots.
In an exclusive TV interview with M-Net's Carte Blanche Theron revealed how wonderful it was for her to visit her home country. Hundreds of fans welcomed her at at M-Net's Randburg Studios.
"It is the cherry on the cake," Theron described her visit to South Africa.
Theron also told Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts that she wanted to "brag" more about South Africa in her Oscar acceptance speech but unfortunately time limited her.
About the film Monster that brought her Oscar fame Theron said it never came to mind that it would get her an Academy Award nomination.
Carte Blanche surprised Theron with two of her former dance teachers. On seeing them an emotional Theron said it is "so amazing".
"These two people taught me so much. Not just about life but also about discipline," the actress said.
Theron again had a tear to shed when three South African friends also made an appearance on the programme.
When presenter Ruda Landman asked Theron who designed her dress for Carte Blanche Theron couldn't recall the name of the designer. In Afrikaans she then jokingly asked one of the friends sitting next to her to "check the tag" in the back of the dress.
About her future in Hollywood Theron said she would love to do a comedy sometime and especially if it is with Woody Allen.
Theron said her mother Gerda keeps her up to date about issues in South Africa. She said that former president Nelson Mandela is an inspiration for her.
"He is a true emblem about how we should live in South Africa."
She also said she is looking forward to her meeting with President Thabo Mbeki and that she will discuss certain issues like HIV/Aids with him.
"People are dying and children are orphaned," Theron said about Aids.
She also mentioned that she would start a local HIV/Aids charity organisation.