Charlize Theron credits 'tough' South African upbringing for fame

New York, Jun 10 : Hollywood actress Charlize Theron may have gained US citizenship, but she still credits South Africa for what she is today.

The 32-year-old actress says that she would not be where she is today had it not been for her tough upbringing in South Africa.

The Oscar-winning actress had grown up just outside Johannesburg and she had experienced and witnessed violence first-hand when only at the age of 15, when her mother shot her abusive father dead.

"There's something to be said for coming from a country in turmoil," the New York Daily quoted her, as telling GQ magazine.

"It made me resilient. When you come from a harsh landscape you have to get on with it. There's not a lot of whining about s***," she added.

ANI