Making an icon

She’s kooky – and she’s owning those Addams family values

Red carpet one day, school run with her kids Jackson, seven, and August, four, the next. There’s never a dull moment in the world of Charlize Theron. But the 44-year-old actress, back on the big screen in the reboot of classic creepy comedy The Addams Family, is nailing the daily juggle of being a superstar and single mum all at the same time. ‘Knock on wood, it’s been really good – very balanced,’ the actress reflects. ‘I feel very fulfilled, honestly. I’m a very lucky person.’ She feels especially blessed to be on the big screen in a movie her kids can finally watch! ‘They never get to see any of my movies so I was so happy to be part of this,’ she says. Here, Charlize fills us in on family life – and finding her inner Morticia…

What made you want to be a part of a new take on The Addams Family?

I have small kids. I knew they’d love this film, but aside from that, I love the message this family stand for. I have done since the ’60s. There’s something so timely in telling this story right now with everything going on. It’s a really funny movie but it also grabs you in a deeper place. There’s something really beautiful about its messaging that being weird and different is OK. It’s actually great!

Have you always been a big Addams family fan?

Huge! It was the first film with Anjelica Huston that got me. I was just blown away by her and that whole world. Over the years, I’ve seen episodes of the original [1964 TV] show and loved those, too.

What’s your take on Morticia Addams?