Charlize Theron is known to undergo striking transformations in the name of acting. (See: serial killer Aileen Wuornos.) For her next project, she’s once again gained weight to play ― drumroll, please ― an average human being.
The “Mad Max” actress is currently filming “Tully” with her “Young Adult” collaborators, director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody. In the film, Theron plays Marlo, a mother of three children who develops a relationship with the titular nighttime nanny hired by her brother to lighten the load. According to People, Theron gained 35 pounds for the role.
At the amfAR Inspiration Gala in Los Angeles on Thursday night ― a benefit for AIDS research ― Theron walked the red carpet in a more loose-fitting gown than we’re accustomed to seeing her in. But she looked stunning nonetheless because, that’s right, she’s still Charlize Theron.
However, with friend Chelsea Handler first poking fun at Theron’s new curves, her weight apparently became the running joke of the evening, E! News reports.
Theron ran with the comedian’s quip as she accepted an Inspiration Award for her tireless HIV/AIDS prevention work in Africa.
“Yes, I am very fat right now,” she reportedly told the crowd.
However, the actress quickly moved on to more pressing matters, like the importance of advocating for those most acutely effected by HIV/AIDS ― women, people of color, LGBTQ people and sex workers.
“Despite our best intentions, sometimes people are still falling through the cracks and too many are not being seen,” Theron said. “It’s tough to admit that, as much progress as we’ve made, sometimes it feels like we’re failing the ones that need us the most.”
“We need big, bold messages to fight apathy in our governments and in our own communities. And if we’re going to end stigma, we’re going to have to check our own biases and ask who are we missing when we talk about end[ing] AIDS?”
This (and many other reasons) is why we love you at any size, Charlize.
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